Lotus Temple - An Architectural Marvel
Lotus Temple in Delhi (India) is one of the most popular religious architecture as well as a tourist attraction. It has become a prominent attraction in the city for its flowerlike shape. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and is also the most visited monument in the world.
History
The Lotus Temple (also known as Kamal Mandir) is located in the village of Bahapur in New Delhi. It is situated near Okhla NSIC just 500 meters away from kalkaji mandir metro station. The temple was designed by an Iranian-American architect Fariborz Sahba. The structural design was undertaken by an UK firm called Flint and Neill. The Lotus Temple was completed on 13th November in the year 1986 and was opened to the public on 24th December 1986. This Temple is one of the most magnificent architectural marvels of India. The Lotus Temple is also one of the Baha’i Houses of Worship. This temple is dedicated to the oneness of religion and humanity like all other Bahai temples. The Lotus temple is one of the seven major Baha'i houses of worship located across the world and the only one in Asia. The symbol of the lotus is common to all Indian religions and it represents religious harmony and unity.
Significance
The Lotus Temple gets its name from its shape. It has the shape of a lotus with white petals. It attracts countless number of visitors throughout the year. The purity and peculiarity of the flower inspired the architect to construct a temple in the design of a lotus. The Lotus Temple is open to all religions. The temple is built in the shape of a floating half-open lotus. This temple has no idols of any god, it features a prayer hall for meditation for people of all faiths and religions. The temple is frequently featured in films, publications, television productions and has also won many awards for its splendid architecture. This temple has a total of 27 marble-clad petals that are free-standing and the building is made of white marble. It has nine sides. From the central point, the temple has a height of over 40 meters. This gorgeous Lotus temple can house a total of 2500 people. This house of worship is open to all people, regardless of religion.
Appreciation of Architecture
Its architecture and designs leave everyone spellbound. The contribution of the architect is highly commendable. A significant project professionally managed, which has brought greatness and respect to the architectural profession. It is indeed astonishing and features an expressionist architectural design. I cannot think of another like it - clearly symbolic, sculptural, impressively accommodating and heroic structure truly inspired in form, pattern and material. It is a powerfully appealing monument.
