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This is the sole structure in the city, which acts as a sanctuary for worshippers of all religions and as a tourist attraction for the foreign as well as the Indian traveler. The Bahai Temple was constructed in the shape of a white lotus in 1997, surrounded by nine pools of clear water and neatened, green lawns. It is an illusion of a white lotus floating in water. Its petals have been made out of marble and, in contrast, local red sandstone has been used for walkways and staircases. It belongs to the Baha`i sect and is now a significant landmark of Delhi.
There is no spiritual leader in the Baha'i Faith and its service consists of prayers and readings of selections from Baha'i scriptures. The Baha`i religion is an independent one and not a sect of any other religion's expression.
The Baha`is lay great emphasis on prayer and meditation. These, they believe are important instruments for the progress of the human soul. The Baha'i`is pray to one God, the Creator of the Universe.
The act of meditation is perceived as the 'Key for opening the doors of mysteries'. In that state, man withdraws himself from all outside objects and absorbs himself in the ocean of spiritual life.
The inspiration drawn from one's prayers must be translated into action that promotes the well-being of humanity
This architectural wonder is made of a combination of marble, cement, sand and dolomite. One can see 27 giant white petals of marble in a lotus shape, taking form from nine pools and walkways, representing nine merging spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. People of any faith can enter this temple to offer their prayers.
The Baha'i House of Worship is dedicated to the oneness of all religions. Its doors are open to people of all faiths, races and cultural backgrounds. Subsidiary buildings that pay for relief to the suffering, nourishment to the poor, shelter to the traveler, comfort to the deprived and education to the ignorant will abound around the House of Worship.
The temple represents the Bahai faith, which is broad in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts on minds of men. It signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and equality of all religions. Visited by over four million people, annually, this luminous lotus-like marble structure is located on Bahapur Hills and it is the seventh and most recent Baha'i houses of worship in the world. The temple is a must visit for every tourist who comes to Delhi.
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