The Baha'i faith has a limited presence here in India just as they do in most countries around the world. However they chose Delhi as the location of their Lotus Temple.


The temple rises 40m (roughly 125 feet) high and is constructed mostly of white marble.


These 27 giant petals in the shape of a half opened lotus rise from 9 ponds simbolizing the 9 spiritual paths in the Baha'i faith.




Completed in 1986, the Lotus temple became a prominant feature on Delhi's tourist circuit, both for locals and visitors.



The Bahai' faith, practiced by the followers of Baha'ullah came into being only as late as 19th Century. The religion believes in oneness of god, and focuses on prayer and meditation.


In a country with 5000 years of history and religious and spiritual depths that have no floor, a modern religion with a new monument surprised a lot of people, but the choice of a lotus (a flower very significant in Hindu tradition) as the temple's architecture was an instant attraction.



There are 7 main Baha'i houses of worship in the world today, including one in Wilmette IL, just outside of Chicago. The seven temples are very different in their architecture and construction, but all share 9 sides and a central meditation hall.


The temple in Delhi requires visitors to take their shoes off before going up the stairs to the main entrance. This perhaps is to be like Hindu temples which also require footware to be taken off. The temple in Wilmette has a board in the lawns that states "No shoes, no shirts, no service." Lack of its own rules and principles in the Baha'i faith? Perhaps. But its flexibility makes it more appealing to the locals of where ever they exist.


And of course, the family picture - my nephew playing outside, as Grand'pa  watches.