Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, also called Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, is the Baha'i House of Worship in Delhi and opened in December 1986. In keeping with Baha'i practice, it admits everyone regardless of religion. The Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba based the design on the lotus flower, a symbol of purity in many cultures.

The white marble structure is made of 27 freestanding petals grouped in threes. Nine doors open into a central hall that seats up to 2,500 people, and nine pools of water surround the building so that it appears to float. The petals stand for the nine paths to unity found in the Baha'i faith.