Awakening the Spirit: The Sacred Vibes of Lotus Temple

 

Lotus Temple

The Lotus is the most divine flower in Hinduism. Numerous Sanatan holy scriptures reveal that the Lotus is present on the Earth from Satyug, which means millions of years. In fact, according to the scriptures, it is the flower of "Vaikunth Dham (Home of Lord Vishnu). We all know Lord Brahma is the creator of the universe, but Lotus is the only flower present before his birth.

Sanatan's scriptures state that Lotus is the creation of the Lord Vishnu. He is the supreme creator of the universe. Lord Vishnu is known as "Kamalnayan(कमलनयन)." Which means "Lotus-Eyed One."

Sanatan scriptures magnify uncountable stories that unfurl the existence of every species. They possess massive knowledge. Once you dive into its ocean, you can't come out.

In Hinduism, many Gods and Goddesses are portrayed on a pink lotus because this holy flower represents grandeur, dignity and perspicuity.

Inspired by the elegance of the Lotus, the eighth world of wonder was designed by the "Bahai community" in Delhi, India. This incredible architecture is the mirror image of the Lotus and is famous as the "Lotus Temple." 

Lotus flower contains multiple petals, and their gorgeous appearance blossoms layer by layer. It always flourishes in muddy water.

Motivated by its attributes and structure, the Lotus Temple was constructed.

Its gorgeous architecture has 27 free-standing petals with nine opening doors to enter the central hall. It is a half-opened Lotus made of White marble, imported from Penteli Mountain in Greece. The sanctum is surrounded by nine pools, signifying the leaves of the lotus floating on water. It has a central prayer hall with a capacity of 2500 people that welcomes every religion wholeheartedly. People can visit this holy shrine with their families. They accept all with love and respect.

The architecture of this sacred shrine was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. Its foundation was laid on October 19, 1977, and completed in December 1986. Almost 8,000 Bahai from 107 countries, including India, gathered at its inauguration.

Bahai is an independent religion that originated in Iran. They believe that there is only one creator and the ruler of the universe.

In the 19th century, like other emperors, Bahais also wanted to make incredible architecture to glorify their faith. They were inspired by the Hindu scriptures and understood the importance of the Lotus in the Hindu religion. They knew that Lotus meant purity. Then, they decided to create an architecture that resembled the Lotus and named the " Lotus Temple."

The Bahai community was a prominent believer in parity. They esteemed the religious and cultural diversity of India. They always prioritized prayers and meditation, the essential part of devotion. With all their kindness and love, they opened the door of the Lotus temple for everyone.

It is recorded that 10,000 people visited the Lotus Temple on its first day. Today, this incredible architecture of India become one of the most visited shrines in the world. Around 4 million visitors come annually to this sacred location.

I visited the Lotus temple in the winter. I remember it was a rainy day. I took the metro as my conveyance. It is an admirable route to reach there. The Lotus Temple is situated in South Delhi near Kalkaji Mandir. The best-suited metro station is Kalkaji Mandir Metro station. Travellers can use the Violet line of the Delhi metro for a comfortable journey.

The facilities and attendants of the station were impressive. Every guideline was well-designed for passengers. They deliver ease to reach the destination. My journey finished in a few minutes. I was standing at the Kalkaji Mandir metro station and looking forward to reaching my place. The distance between the Lotus Temple and the station is less than a kilometre. Visitors can choose an auto or e-rickshaw and walk.

I took the E-rickshaw at Rs 30. Soon, I was standing outside the holy shrine.

The weather was very fascinating. Tiny droplets at 10 degrees temperature were giving me a chilling experience. The entire atmosphere seemed dirt-free. Their purity was soothing the soul.

I forwarded my step. Entry into the Lotus temple is free. You can enter by wearing your shoes. There is no need to cover the head there.

I was very enthusiastic to experience those sacred vibes. I entered the premises. The first view I captured was the captivating leafage all around. The numerous stunning meadows with many gorgeous flowers attracted the eyes. Many trees were beautifully structured. The cleanliness on the path was excellent. I was walking to capture all the beauty in my eyes, and a few meters away, my eyes stuck on that holy sanctum for which I chose this trip- Lotus temple. It was more beautiful than mentioned online. Their 27 petals with nine pools were enticing my vision. It was the largest Lotus I had ever seen.

I seized their architecture on my phone. Phones are allowed inside. You may capture the moments in the meadow, but it is prohibited inside the prayer hall. You can carry phones with you, but avoid using them.

After grasping the essence of purity, this incredible architecture made me proud as an Indian. It is only attainable in India, which admires every religion and believes in "Vasudhev Kutumbakam," which means "the whole world is one family."

The door of the shrine welcomes everyone. I entered the centre hall. The interior of the Lotus temple was stunning. It resembles the closed Lotus. The "Ringstone symbol" of golden colour in the centre added magnificence to this astonishing design. Its interior was also of white marble. There was no statue or painting inside the Lotus Temple. Bahai believes that God is one, but their form is unimaginable. They remember God as an eternal energy that holds the entire universe.

The hall had enough space to sit. Many benches in semicircular shape were placed there. I sat on one of them with my whole devotion.

Inside Prayer Hall

In a few moments, the Bahai faith began. They were talking about their beliefs. The prayer was ten minutes long and happened many times a day after short intervals.

People can read numerous sacred scripts of Bahai's faith and other religions in any language, but non-spiritual text is prohibited. The Bahai community believes in philanthropy and also promotes fundraising to help those in need.

On special occasions such as festivals or celebrations, experts perform soothing music and prayers. It all happens with discipline and under supervision.

Every spiritual place contains its beliefs and traditions. People should follow and respect every ritual wholeheartedly.

It is the loveliness of incredible India. India smudges everyone in their colours. All are one in their vision.

After following all the instructions and learning about the Bahai faith, I experienced powerful vibes. The entire room was resonating with positive words. Bahais show such compassion in their lectures.

After the prayers, I silently moved forward to exit the hall. I spent more time in the greenery to capture the moments on my phone and my memories.

The magnificence of Lotus Temple remains constant, but to encounter its additional splendid appearance, try to visit in the evening or wait till evening. It looks golden in colour. Their formation resembles a yellow lotus in front of you. It looks gorgeous and provides peace to the heart. The Temple is open the entire week except Monday. The time is 8.30 am to 6 pm. Visitors can come throughout the year. Its doors are open for every season, for every person.

I left the premises around 5.30 pm. I was lucky because I visited the Temple in winter, and the daytime is short in that season. Soon, the sun was about to set. It was the time when the Lotus temple brought its mesmerising glamour. The lovely golden colour was visible. In winter, you will surely see it, which may not be visible during the long days of summer.

I was surprised to see that the Temple suddenly changed its shade. The golden colour's radiance on the eighth world of wonder was marvellous. I felt so fortunate that I got a chance to visit one more sacred place in India, "The Lotus Temple."

Its atmosphere, architecture and faith are extraordinary.

Understanding the spiritual beliefs of any religion always works magically. It helps us to become a good human. It gives us the path to learn more about morals and ethics for a generous life.

God indeed is one, and they reside in us.

I suggest visiting the Lotus temple to experience the holiness of India's religious places. I shared everything that I had experienced in this holy shrine. I hope this blog will help you to gain a deeper understanding of the Lotus Temple.

If you find my words valuable, then share your feedback in the comments. I also composed about a few more spiritual places in India. You can visit my site to discover.

My previous blog is on Rishikesh. If you are curious about that holy city of India, then you should visit.

We will soon be visiting another incredible place in India. Until then, happy reading and stay connected!