A Brief Overview of Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship—one of seven such temples in the world—located in Bahapur, Kalkaji, in South Delhi. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and completed in December 1986, the structure is set within 26 acres of landscaped gardens, walkways, and nine elegant reflecting pools.
The temple takes its name from its design: 27 free-standing marble petals arranged in groups of three, forming nine sides and nine entrances that converge on a central prayer hall rising over 34 metres. The marble was sourced from the Penteli mountain in Greece—the same quarry that supplied stone for the Parthenon.
It has won multiple architectural awards, holds a Guinness World Record as the tallest lotus-shaped building in the world, and has welcomed over 100 million visitors since opening—making it one of the most visited religious buildings on earth.
Origins of the Baháʼí Faith
The Baháʼí Faith was founded in 19th-century Iran by Baháʼuʼlláh. Its central teaching is that all of humanity is one, all religions share a common spiritual root, and the unity of God, religion, and humankind is both possible and necessary. The faith recognises Krishna, Buddha, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and Baháʼuʼlláh as successive divine messengers—not competing figures, but different chapters in a single ongoing story. This is why the Bahai House of Worship has no idols, no rituals, no clergy, and no denomination. It is, by design, a space that belongs to everyone.
How the Bahai Temple in New Delhi Came to Be
In 1976, Fariborz Sahba was commissioned to design a temple for the Indian subcontinent. The land in Bahapur was acquired after a Baháʼí devotee from Hyderabad, Ardishír Rustampúr, donated his life savings toward the project.
Sahba spent considerable time travelling across India before settling on the lotus as his central concept—a symbol of purity that holds deep meaning across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam simultaneously. The foundation stone was laid in 1977. The concrete petals were coated in a continuous 48-hour pour of white marble to avoid construction joints—a technical feat requiring around 800 engineers, artisans, and workers. The temple was formally dedicated in July 1987.
Architecture of the Baháʼí Temple in New Delhi
The Baháʼí House of Worship is built on a nine-sided plan. Nine is a sacred number in the Baháʼí Faith—the highest single digit, representing completeness. The 27 petals sit in three concentric rings of nine: the outer ring curves upward, the middle ring curves inward to shelter the entrance halls, and the inner ring cups the central dome.
Inside the prayer hall, the interior is intentionally bare—no images, no statues, no altars. Natural light filters through the shell-like canopy and reflects off the white surfaces, creating a quality of light unlike anything in a conventional religious building. More than just beautiful, the nine pools act as a natural cooling system for the building. After sunset, their illumination creates a stunning glow that truly brings the marble petals to life.
Many architects place the Lotus Temple, New Delhi, in the tradition of contemporary expressionist architecture, alongside the Sydney Opera House—buildings that use form not just as shelter, but as a statement.
Timings and Entry
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed on: Every Monday
Entry Fee: No ticket or booking required; donations are voluntary. Entry closes 30 to 45 minutes before the listed closing time.
Visitor Guidelines
Remove footwear before entering; shoe racks are provided.
Maintain silence inside the prayer hall.
Photography is not permitted inside the hall.
Modest dress is expected as a mark of respect.
Food and drinks are not available inside the campus.
Tour guides are available in both Hindi and English.
How to Get There
Nearest Metro: Kalkaji Mandir Station (Violet Line), approximately a 5-minute walk
By Road: Around 30 minutes from Connaught Place or India Gate, depending on traffic
Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available from nearby metro stations.
Best Time to Visit
Photography: Early morning or late evening, when the light on the marble is most striking
Avoiding Crowds: Weekday mornings are significantly quieter than weekends and public holidays.
Climate: October to March offers the most comfortable outdoor conditions.
Kalkaji Devi Temple (Walking Distance): Also known as Manokamna Siddha Peetha, it is one of Delhi's oldest Hindu temples, dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple stays open from 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
ISKCON Temple (~2 km): This major Krishna temple complex houses a museum displaying visuals of Ramayana and Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita weighing over 800 kg with an Italian version, a gift shop, and a vegetarian restaurant. The temple opens from 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Nehru Place (Walking Distance): One of Asia's largest electronics and commercial markets, where gadgets are sold, bought, and repaired. It is also known for secondhand and budget-friendly gadgets.
Humayun's Tomb (~6 km): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal and the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, son of Babur. Built in 1558 by Empress Bega Begum, this monument features sprawling gardens, rich architecture, and a mausoleum. The site remains open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Qutb Minar (~9 km): This 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and Delhi's most recognisable medieval monument was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. The iconic masonry tower is about 72.5 m, built from red and buff sandstone. The monument stays open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Rooms and Suites: Choose from five spacious categories—Standard Room (285 sq. ft.), Junior Suite (375 sq. ft.), Premium Room (475 sq. ft.), Empress Suite (775 sq. ft.), and the expansive Presidential Suite (950 sq. ft.). Every stay includes Smart TVs, a mini-fridge, high-speed Wi-Fi, and room sizes that comfortably exceed the NCR average.
Dining: Savour global flavours at Bayleaf with its buffet and à la carte selections, unwind at Cafe Latina over Italian-inspired dishes and artisanal beverages, or opt for in-room dining and the convenience of a 24/7 Grab & Go counter.
Event Spaces: Host meetings, celebrations, and rooftop evenings across ten versatile venues, including the 5,616 sq. ft. Mosaic banquet hall accommodating up to 250 guests, and Nakshatra rooftop lounge with uninterrupted views of the Lotus Temple.
Facilities: From a fully equipped business centre and helpful concierge services to a travel desk, complimentary parking, and in-house laundry, every facility is designed to make your stay in Delhi effortless.
