The Lotus Temple in Delhi is a Baha’i House of Worship, completed in 1986 and shaped like a half-open lotus flower made of white marble. It is open to people of all religions, entry has been free, and it is closed on Mondays (as per the Delhi Tourism page; please confirm before going).
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Baha’i House of Worship, New Delhi |
| Completed | 1986 |
| Designed by | Fariborz Sahba, Iranian-Canadian architect |
| Shape | Lotus with 27 free-standing marble petals |
| Surroundings | Nine pools and landscaped gardens |
| Location | Bahapur, Kalkaji, South Delhi |
| Timings (reported) | 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday |
| Entry | Free (as per Delhi Tourism) |
What is the Lotus Temple?
The Lotus Temple is one of the Baha’i Houses of Worship found in different continents. The Baha’i Faith teaches the oneness of God, religion and humanity, so the building has no idols, no priests and no rituals. People of any faith are welcome to come in, sit in silence, pray or meditate in their own way. The Delhi temple is the last of the seven Baha’i temples built worldwide around the time of its opening.
History
The land was bought in the 1970s, and the architect Fariborz Sahba, who was born in Iran and worked in Canada, was selected to design the building. Construction was completed in 1986, and it was opened to the public that year. Since then it has been counted among the most visited buildings in the world and has been widely praised for its design and for winning architectural awards. We have not independently verified visitor-count claims that you may see online, so treat them as rough.
Design and meaning
The lotus was chosen as the design because it is a symbol that many religions in India associate with purity and peace. The building has 27 free-standing petals made of white marble, arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. Nine doors open into a central hall that can hold several hundred people (commonly reported as around 1,300 people). The marble was brought from Greece, according to most accounts. The design has a domed hall with natural light, and the nine surrounding pools reflect the building and help to keep it cool.
Rules inside the prayer hall
- Maintain complete silence inside the hall.
- Photography and videos are not allowed inside; outside photography is usually allowed in the gardens (check for any current restrictions).
- Remove shoes before entering the hall.
- Prayers are brief readings from different faiths and are held at intervals, with no sermon.
Timings and tickets
The Delhi Tourism website lists timings of 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday closed and free entry. Some sources mention a different winter or summer schedule. Because hours can change on holidays and for maintenance, check the official Baha’i or Delhi Tourism pages before you travel (last checked October 2026).
How to reach
- Metro: Kalkaji Mandir station on the Violet Line (and Magenta Line interchange) is the nearest. From there, it is a short walk or auto ride; local rules for the final approach may vary.
- By road: it is close to Nehru Place and Okhla and is reachable by bus, cab or auto.
- Parking: limited; public transport is easier.
Best time and what else to see
Late afternoon is pleasant, since the marble glows in the setting sun, but avoid very hot midday hours in summer. Winter is the most comfortable. You can combine your trip with ISKCON Temple (Hare Krishna Hill), Kalkaji Mandir, Nehru Place and Garden of Five Senses is a bit further out. The queue can be long on weekends and holidays, though it moves steadily.
About the Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i Faith began in 19th-century Persia and teaches the unity of humanity, equality of men and women and the harmony of science and religion. The Baha’i community in India is among the largest in the world. A House of Worship is meant to be open to everyone, which is why the Delhi temple has nine doors, signifying welcome from all directions. Next to the temple there are information centres where volunteers explain the faith and the building to visitors.
A quick visit plan
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Arrive | Before the afternoon rush, ideally soon after opening |
| Gardens | Walk around the pools and view the temple from different angles |
| Information centre | Short introduction to the Baha’i teachings and the temple’s construction |
| Prayer hall | Queue, remove shoes, enter silently, sit for a few minutes |
| Exit | Leave quietly; food stalls and auto stands are outside |
Tips for families and first-time visitors
- Carry a small bag; large bags may need to be left at a cloakroom.
- Children are welcome but must stay quiet in the hall.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a walk from the entrance to the temple.
- Avoid public holidays and weekends if you prefer fewer crowds.
- Do not rely on social media for the day’s timings; confirm with the official sources.
Conclusion
The Lotus Temple works as both an architectural landmark and a quiet space in a very busy city. Plan on one to two hours, dress modestly, keep your phone silent, and enjoy a calm break in the middle of Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Lotus Temple timings?
Delhi Tourism lists 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday; check before visiting as hours can change.
Is the Lotus Temple closed on Monday?
Yes, it is reported to be closed on Mondays.
Is there an entry fee for the Lotus Temple?
Entry has been free, according to Delhi Tourism.
Which metro station is nearest to the Lotus Temple?
Kalkaji Mandir metro station is the nearest.
Who can enter the Lotus Temple?
People of all religions are welcome.
