The 27 petals are arranged in groups of three to form nine sides, creating a nine-sided circular structure common to all Baháʼí houses of worship.
The interior of the temple relies solely on natural light, filtered through the glass roof at the apex of the structure.
The white marble used for the cladding is the same material used in the construction of the Parthenon in Athens.
The temple is designed to look like a half-opened lotus flower, a symbol held sacred in various Indian religions.
The cooling system uses a natural convection process where the ponds and vents facilitate air movement through the central hall.
Despite its religious status, the temple has no clergy, as Baháʼí worship does not involve rituals or organized sermons.
The complex spans 26 acres, of which approximately 10.5 acres are dedicated specifically to the gardens and the house of worship.
The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship in New Delhi, recognized for its distinctive flower-like architecture composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals. Completed in 1986, the structure functions as a place of silent prayer open to individuals of all religions and backgrounds. The design, by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba, utilizes a reinforced concrete shell clad in white Penteli marble sourced from Greece. The main prayer hall stands over 34 meters tall and can accommodate 2,500 people. It is surrounded by nine ponds and landscaped gardens that act as a cooling mechanism for the structure. The temple does not feature idols, altars, or sermons, adhering to the Baháʼí principle of universal unity. It has won several architectural awards and remains one of the most visited sites in India.
From the exterior pathways leading to the main entrance where the full symmetry of the petals and reflecting ponds is visible.
Maintain complete silence inside the main prayer hall to respect those meditating.
Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to avoid extreme Delhi temperatures.
Allocate extra time for the security check and the walk from the gate to the temple entrance.
Do not attempt to take photographs inside the prayer hall, as it is strictly prohibited to preserve the silent atmosphere.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance and cleaning.
Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall, store them at the designated counter, and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor at all times.
