One
of the most beautiful temples in India, the 40 m high Lotus Temple is
also known as Bahai Temple, and is built in the shape of a half-opened
Lotus flower. Situated near Bahapur village, it is the seventh Baha'i
House of Worship in the world. Completed in 1986, this pure white marble
temple is also known as Taj of Modern India. Surrounded by carefully
manicured lawns, it has been constructed using marble, cement, sand and
dolomite. The temple structure has 27 giant white marble petals and nine
pools, indicative of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha'i
faith, which believes in oneness of all religions and mankind. The faith emphasizes on prayer, described as, 'Conversation with God' and meditation, described as 'Key for opening the doors of mysteries'. The temple represents the broad views and scientific ideas of Baha`i faith and signifies the purity and the universality of the Lord. A perfect silence is maintained in the main hall of prayer, to allow the devotees to meditate and pray peacefully. It is said that about four million people visit the temple daily. The temple looks all the more divine in the night, when the colored lights impart it a colorful look. One can visit the temple from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.