A complete guide to visiting Lotus Temple in Delhi

India welcomes you to its capital city with a lot of top attractions. The Lotus Temple attracts many visitors every day, and it’s one of Delhi’s most iconic sights. This unique brick structure was designed by American architect Louis Sullivan in the late 1800s. The Baha’i faith, which originated in Iran, is also well-known since they promote oneness and aim to eliminate discrimination of all kinds including race and gender. Read this complete guide to find out all you need to know about India’s Lotus Temple!

History of Lotus Temple

The Baha’i faith is an offshoot of Islam that grew out of the Shi’ite branch in the mid-19th century. Early in its history, the Baha’i Faith was a cause for turmoil within Iran because of its many innovations and importance to society. One of the cult’s leaders claimed he was a Prophet from God and was related to Muhammad. His message eventually created a ripple effect of different new religious movements that still affect society today despite being founded over a hundred years ago.

Location of Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is in the heart of Delhi, minutes from the city center. It’s a 30-45 minute drive from the closest Metro train station at Kalkaji Mandir on the Violet Line (see Delhi Metro train map).

How can you visit Lotus Temple?

One of the oldest and most historic religious sites in the world is located in central Mexico. The site that overlooks the tropical green valley is Teopanzolco. Go swimming almost any day of the week, except on Mondays, and closes at 5:30 p.m. during the winter season.

Lotus Temple has been widely referred to as a “temple of tranquility.” At no cost, you can visit this ancient Buddhist Hall. However, the temple’s popularity as a tourist destination means it doesn’t fill with crowds and we recommend visiting on weekdays or off weeks to avoid crowds. When it does get busy you can expect to wait up to an hour+ in line for the interior of the Prayer Hall, so if you’re not intending on praying or meditating then we recommend skipping it. Inside, there’s nothing much – just a white hall with bare walls without religious images. There’s no photography allowed here.

You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering the temple complex, but leave them with the volunteers at the entrance. You will find instructions on how to make your prostration at the base of the temple from there. From there, you will guide it inside and provided a brief overview of the Baha’i faith.

For many visitors who don’t visit the temple often, the idea of a silent hall can be overwhelming. Before entering, we ask that you refrain from speaking or making noise during your visit. Aside from prayers, there are no traditional religious ceremonies, and visitors must stay quiet while in the temple.

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of this place, ask for a free pass at the Information Center. The information staff is wonderful and they often speak to visitors about what exactly is happening on-site (entry is not available to children under 12). They’ll also show you where to head back once you complete your visit.

What can you see here?

To understand how the Lotus Temple came to be, first, you must know what it looks like. The exterior of the temple looks like a lotus plant and comprises of concrete in pieces of marble. The structure was named for its symbolic importance to many religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Islam.

With 9 entrances, the Lotus Temple has a unique design that stems from the mysticism of the number nine, one of the most revered numbers in the Baha’i faith.

You can visit the Prayer Hall from the outside by those who enter. However, what’s amazing are the stark white walls. There are no pillars or beams inside and only 2,500 people can fit into it. The roof has glass and lets in natural light.

You don’t have to pay anything to visit Lotus Temple. Come in, take a break from life’s stress, and escape. Escape to your faith and its mantras. Here you will find peace and solace. Don’t forget to make a wish as you leave by tossing a coin into the fish pond just outside of the temple.

FAQ’s