A Unique Visit to Delhi’s Lotus Temple

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Any trip to Delhi requires a stop at the spectacular Lotus Temple. Built in 1986 of pure white marble from the Penteli mountain in Greece, the Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship where people of any religions can come to pray.  What makes this temple so incredibly unique and awe-inspiring is its shape and form.

Inspired by India’s sacred lotus flower, the temple is composed of 27 free-standing marble “petals” arranged in groups of three to form nine sides forming a lotus flower. It is fitting that the temple is designed to look like India’s treasured lotus flower as the lotus symbolizes many important things in Indian culture: Long life, honor, and good forturne. Images of lotus flowers can be seen throughout India as engravings on temples, buildings and in art.

To access the Lotus Temple, you must walk down a long excruciatingly hot path in barefeet as is custom. Unfortunately, the day of my visit was late May and it was 120 degrees Farenheight in Delhi. You can imagine how painfully hot the pathway was against my bare feet. But it was worth the discomfort as the temple is spectacular.

The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall slightly more than 40 meters tall that is capable of holding up to 2,500 people. Source: Wikipedia

Once I reached the temple I was relieved to find a small piece of shade to cool down my feet. While I was waiting, I noticed that variety of unique feet surrounding me.

Here are my feet protected by the shade of my shadow.

I adored her feet in henna. So unique and lovely.

Once inside the Lotus Temple, no photographs or talking was allowed. I sat for a moment inside this beautiful structure surrounded by people from all over the world. It was one of those travel moments where I had to pinch myself to realize I was really there.

These woman saw me, a blond foreigner, and insisted I take a picture of them and their traditional dress. They had come from far away in India in order to see the temple.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Unique. To see more entries click here.

63 thoughts on “A Unique Visit to Delhi’s Lotus Temple”

  1. I’m back on WordPress! I’ve spent almost two months without logging on or posting or reading any other posts. I’ve been so busy, but I sure have missed it! How beautiful must’ve this whole trip been? Wow! I definitely wanna visit India one day.
    I’ve been busy preparing a bunch of awesome posts on my own blog, so keep an eye out for them!

    Daniel
    http://www.myworldatyourfingertips.com

    Reply ↓
    • journeycolors – I love to travel different places and love to cook different kinds of food, both are my passion, as of now, I've traveled only India, and I would like to share my experience with all of you, I born and bought up in New Delhi, India, and working in a MNC in Gurgaon- India, my other hobbies are art & craft, classical dance- bharatnattyam, listening music, socializing. apart from all of these, I am a wife and a mother too, purpose of life is to" live life to fullest and have fun "
      kiwicolors on said:

      Sure you must visit, its beautiful, http://kiwicolors.wordpress.com/

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Great! Welcome back and thanks for your comment. I’ll be on the look out!

      Reply ↓
  2. Lisa Chesser – Miami – I'm a writer, editor, award-winning educator, and marketing professional who hopes to rally everyone around one single mantra: Be brave, smart, and bold. As an educator, I love to remind students to dream in the midst of politics gone mad! Thus, I am also a dreamer.
    Lisa Chesser on said:

    Beautiful!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it is beautiful but there is always next time! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  4. Wow, that is absolutely spectacular! Definitely one for my bucket list 🙂 Do you know what the significance of walking the path in bare feet is? Is it meant to symbolise a historical path or voyage?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I believe it is to show respect. No shows are allowed inside the temple either!

      Reply ↓

  5. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: An Unusual POV, #1: The Road Left Behind | Rob's Surf Report

    • journeycolors – I love to travel different places and love to cook different kinds of food, both are my passion, as of now, I've traveled only India, and I would like to share my experience with all of you, I born and bought up in New Delhi, India, and working in a MNC in Gurgaon- India, my other hobbies are art & craft, classical dance- bharatnattyam, listening music, socializing. apart from all of these, I am a wife and a mother too, purpose of life is to" live life to fullest and have fun "
      kiwicolors on said:

      I also liked the same

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Me too!

      Reply ↓

  7. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: An Unusual POV | MythRider

  8. Paige Wunder – I'm a 30-year-old wanderess making my way across the world. Growing up, a sense of wanderlust was instilled in me by my parents, but I took it and ran with it. I have been writing my blog fortheloveofwanderlust.com for a few years and have fallen in love with the creative experience of writing about my experiences and about the things that inspire me to travel. Check it out and I hope you enjoy!
    ashleypaige4 on said:

    Absolutely stuffing photos, as always.

    Reply ↓
  9. Paige Wunder – I'm a 30-year-old wanderess making my way across the world. Growing up, a sense of wanderlust was instilled in me by my parents, but I took it and ran with it. I have been writing my blog fortheloveofwanderlust.com for a few years and have fallen in love with the creative experience of writing about my experiences and about the things that inspire me to travel. Check it out and I hope you enjoy!
    ashleypaige4 on said:

    Ahh! Stunning ^

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  11. mhdriver – USA – I became mhdriver because I had two dogs under twenty-seven pounds that thought our motor home was their's and I was just the driver. All photos are original and copyrighted and not to be used without written permission.jb
    mhdriver on said:

    What a beautiful temple. The women in the last photo were not use to seeing a person with blond hair and white feet with red toes.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You are indeed correct! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  12. I was there! But unfortunately the temple was closed the day I was in Delhi so could only see from a distance. Still impressive.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Too bad but the outside is really what makes it so beautiful! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  13. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge Garden Video | 2013 Weekly Photo Challenge Blog

  14. Anita @ Anita's Feast – Porto, Portugal – Cultural traveler Anita Breland chases tasty plates and memorable experiences, on a quest for the world's good food and the people who make it. She and her husband, photographer Tom Fakler, serve up the long-running blog Anita’s Feast and contribute to numerous international publications.
    Anita on said:

    Great post, Nicole! I loved the feet, they deserve a series of their own…

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Anita! 🙂 I actually did one on another blog called Toemailer.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Very true! I love the Sydney Opera House and actually saw a ballet inside when I was there several years ago.

      Reply ↓

  16. Lovely post! I first went to the Lotus Temple in 1990. It remains one of the most exceptional experiences – those moments of quiet contemplation stay. Its a special place.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂 Yes, it is a beautiful peaceful place.

      Reply ↓

  17. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: An Unusual Point of View (1) | Bastet and Sekhmet

  18. Great article and pictures! I was there in June and experienced the same blistering heat. Did you have a chance to stay for the ceremony? My husband and I were standing in a line outside, but nobody was moving to go in. And after 3 weeks in India, the heat exhaustion was a bit too much to take, so like losers we ran back to our air-conditioned taxi instead. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh so you know very well how hot it was to walk barefooted! I did not get to see a ceremony as we were doing a quick day tour but my favorite thing I did that day was a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi! 🙂

      Reply ↓

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  20. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: An Unusual POV | Alastair's Blog

  21. Pingback: A Unique Visit to Delhi’s Lotus Temple | The Quality Life

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome and glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  23. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: An Unusual POV, #2: Lines: Legacy Transmission | Rob's Surf Report

  24. Pingback: A Unique Visit to Delhi’s Lotus Temple | Skipping Stars Productions LLC

  25. Skipping Stars Productions LLC – Skipping Stars Productions LLC is an activities, educational, events and fundraising organization serving communities, neighborhoods and individuals in and around Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek, AZ.
    Skipping Stars Productions LLC on said:

    Reblogged this on Indian Heritage Club and commented:
    CULTURE, Delhi, India, Lotus Temple, Photography, postaday, thirdeyemom, Travel

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓

  27. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: An Unusual Point of View (2) | Bastet and Sekhmet

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  29. In my youth I spent considerable time in Bahá’í, it was important experience in forming what is now me, many many years later. I have been to the temple in Uganda but hadn’t heard of this one. The pictures are stunning so the place must be a thief of breaths. Thank you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  31. anotherjennifer – Brunswick, Maine – Jennifer Iacovelli is an author, blogger and nonprofit unicorn. Based in Brunswick, Maine, she’s a proud single mom of two boys and two Siberian huskies. Her books include The Mother Of All Meltdowns and Simple Giving: Easy Ways to Give Every Day. Her work has been featured on HuffPost Divorce, Maria Shriver, GOOD, BlogHer, ONE, USAID Impact, Feed the Future, PSI Impact blog and more. Her passions are writing, philanthropy, her awesome kids, bacon and lifting heavy objects, though not necessarily in that order.
    another jennifer on said:

    That sounds like a hot walk, but so worth it! I love your perspective, Nicole.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jennifer! Hope you are well. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  32. adinparadise – I enjoy writing about anything and everything. It keeps me out of mischief. I love to travel and am fortunate enough to be able to do so quite frequently.
    adinparadise on said:

    So lovely, Nicole, and the henna decorated feet are fascinating.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I love those too. India really is a fascinating place. I have only been to Delhi twice for a short time but someday I need to explore more of its craziness!

      Reply ↓

  33. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: An Unusual Point of View (3) | Bastet and Sekhmet

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! I saw it as a symbol of luck. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  35. Pingback: Five reasons to enjoy travelling around India | The Humming Notes

  36. Nice blog thanks for sharing such valuable information with us. As we know whole India is known as land of temples but there are many temples in North region of India. We can find each one by just click on North India Temple’s link.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you LuAnn!

      Reply ↓

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