Page 75 - Sphurana 2020-21 (4)
P. 75
Flower of Tranquility
The Baha'i House of worship located in New Delhi is also known as
the Lotus temple. This brilliant piece of architecture, built in the 20th
century, is a massive temple that is devoted to the Baha'i faith. It has
enthralled tourists since its opening in 1986.
Lotus temple is so named because of the lotus like shape of the temple.
The design of the lotus temple has been inspired by the lotus flower. A
Lotus represents the manifestation of God, and is a symbol of peace,
purity, prosperity, immortality and tenderness. It is this particular
specialty of lotus flower which makes the flower an important icon in
Indian culture and society.
The lotus temple has the shape of a giant lotus flower, which consists of
twenty-seven petals, which are arranged in three rows. The lotus petals
are made of white Greek marble. This temple is unique, due to the fact
that it does not contain a single straight line. There are nine reflecting
pools and a sprawling garden surrounding the temple. The number nine
represents the highest single digit and, in the Baha'i faith, it represents
unity.
The temple does not feature any statues or deities. It is just a prayer
hall of Baha'i faith. The temple is open for people of all faiths and religions
to offer prayers and meditate. The Baha'i house of worship is one of only
seven such houses of worship in the world.
Renuka. S. U.
IIPU “A”
73
