Lotus Temple

What makes it special, and what to look for.

• 1The lotus formTwenty-seven soaring marble petals.
• 2The prayer hallA calm, silent space for all faiths.
• 3The nine poolsBlue water mirroring the white marble.
• 4The gardensLandscaped lawns around the temple.

Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.

The Lotus Temple was completed in 1986. Fariborz Sahba designed it. Its form is a half-open lotus.

Twenty-seven marble petals fold together. They form nine sides. Nine blue pools ring the base.

The prayer hall rises 34 metres. It seats about 1,300 people. It welcomes every faith in silence.

The marble came from Greece. It is the same as the Parthenon. It cost about ten million dollars.

The temple sits on 26 acres. Gardens and pools surround it. It is one of the world's most-visited buildings.

Over 100 million had come by 2014. It runs partly on solar power. It is a modern Delhi icon.

The temple belongs to the Bahá'í faith. It is a house of worship. All people may enter and pray.

Nine doors open to the hall. They face nine directions. The symbolism is unity of faiths.

No idols or sermons feature. Only prayer and silence do. Scriptures of many faiths are read.

The engineering won awards. The petals are thin concrete shells. Greek marble clads them all.

It draws millions each year. It rivals the Taj in visitors. Queues form on busy days.

Late afternoon light is loveliest. The marble catches gold. The pools mirror the petals.

The building is a marvel of design. Its shells curve like petals. Engineers studied it worldwide.

White marble sheathes the concrete. It came from a Greek quarry. The Parthenon used the same stone.

Inside, silence is the rule. No rituals or images feature. It is a space to sit and reflect.

It sits near Kalkaji in Delhi. The metro reaches close by. A short walk leads to the gate.

It shuts on Mondays. Queues build on weekends. Come on a weekday morning.

Allow about an hour. Time the prayer hall and gardens. Sunset lights the marble best.

Sources: Lotus Temple — Wikipedia · Delhi Tourism.

Sources: Lotus Temple — Wikipedia · Delhi Tourism.

🚦 Ways to travel

Base yourself in Delhi to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Delhi guide for the best areas.

• 1🎫 TicketsFree (donations welcome) for Indian visitors.
• 2🕒 TimingsApril–September: 9 AM–7 PM. October–March: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM.
• 3🚫 ClosingClosed on Mondays.
• 4🌤️ Best timeLate afternoon, when the marble catches golden light.
• 5🧭 Getting thereKalkaji Mandir (Violet/Magenta Lines) or Nehru Place.
• 6🗺️ Plan withOur Delhi guide.

Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.

• 1Dress modestlyCover shoulders and knees at shrines.
• 2Remove footwearTake off shoes where required.
• 3Ask before photosSeek consent before photographing people.
• 4Leave no traceCarry litter out. Do not touch carvings.
• 5Use licensed guidesHire official, badged guides only.

Pair Lotus Temple with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.

• 1Humayun's TombA short hop away, worth adding.
• 2Qutub MinarA short hop away, worth adding.
• 3Delhi guideA short hop away, worth adding.

Keep exploring around Delhi.