77-626: The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship located in New Delhi , India . It was completed in December 1986. Notable for its lotus-like shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá’í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification. The building is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, with nine doors opening onto
154-542: A Baháʼí temple is a "silent teacher" of the Baháʼí Faith. The Baháʼí laws require that only scriptural texts —of the Baháʼí Faith or other religions—may be read or chanted inside, though in any language. Since there are no pulpits, readers may use a simple portable lectern. While readings and prayers that have been set to music may be sung by choirs, no musical instruments may be played inside. Several Baháʼí Houses of Worship have established choirs that sing music based on
231-565: A central hall with a height of slightly over 34 metres and a capacity of 1,300 people. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in many newspaper and magazine articles. The architect of the Lotus Temple was an Iranian , Fariborz Sahba who now lives in La Jolla , California, after spending some years in Canada . He was approached in 1976 to design the Lotus Temple and later oversaw its construction. The structural design
308-469: A complaint to the police that the trustees of the temple had been involved in various crimes including spying, religious conversion and producing false passports. The trial judge directed the police to arrest nine specific trustees, but the Delhi High Court later stayed the arrests. Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD House of Worship A Baháʼí House of Worship or Baháʼí temple is a place of worship of
385-453: A design for this temple which Shoghi Effendi then approved. A drawing of the design was published in an issue of The Baháʼí World . To date, however, the construction of this temple has not been possible. Similarly, a design was created for a Baháʼí House of Worship near Mount Carmel in Haifa , Israel . It was created by Charles Mason Remey and approved by Shoghi Effendi in 1952. A photo of
462-477: A diameter at its widest point of 20 metres, and is a highly visible landmark from Sydney's northern beaches. The property is set high in a natural bushland setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The surrounding gardens contain a variety of native Australian flora including waratahs , three species of eucalypts , caleyi and other grevillea , acacia , and woody pear . There is a Baháʼí House of Worship at
539-478: A major attraction for people of various religions, with up to 100,000 visitors on some holidays. Estimates for the number of visitors annually range from 2.5 million to 5 million. Brar stated in 2001 that it was the "most visited building in the world". The Lotus Temple is often listed as one of Delhi's main tourist attractions. The Temple has received a wide range of attention in professional architectural, fine art, religious, governmental, and other venues. By 2003,
616-628: A national House of Worship in Canada . In October 2024, the Universal House of Justice announced plans for another three Houses of Worship: a local House of Worship in Batouri , Cameroon and national Houses of Worship in Brasília , Brazil and Lilongwe , Malawi . A site was selected and purchased in 1932 for a Baháʼí House of Worship in Hadiqa, northeast of Tehran , Iran . Charles Mason Remey provided
693-519: A single-tube twin tunnel, which was constructed using the New Austrian tunneling method (NATM) . This had to be done because the station had to pass beneath the operational Violet Line. Station Layout Violet Line Station layout Magenta Line This article related to the Delhi Metro is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about a railway station in
770-553: A temple for each (roughly) continental region. These temples are referred to as "Mother temples" or continental temples and are intended as the first of many temples in their regions. Shoghi Effendi died in 1957, but his plans for the construction of Baháʼí Houses of Worship were continued by the Universal House of Justice , a body first elected in 1963 that has led the world Baháʼí community since that time. The Universal House of Justice has included constructing Houses of Worship in
847-424: A total of $ 30 million to build and has won a range of Canadian and international architectural awards. The Santiago Baháʼí House of Worship is ringed by nine entrances, nine pathways, and nine fountains, and the structure is composed of nine arching "sails". These have also been described as nine "petals" and the temple's shape as "floral"; the "petals" are separated by glass which allows light to illuminate
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#1732851220902924-469: A total seating capacity of 2,500 people. The temple rises to a height of 40.8 metres and is situated on a property that covers 105,000 square metres and features nine surrounding ponds. An educational centre beside the temple was established in 2017. The temple uses solar panels to produce 120 kW of the 500 kW of electricity it requires in total. The continental Baháʼí House of Worship for South America (or "Mother Temple for South America")
1001-587: Is a Baháʼí House of Worship that is commonly known as the Lotus Temple, which was designed by Iranian-American architect Fariborz Sahba . Rúhíyyih Khánum laid the foundation stone on 17 October 1977 and dedicated the temple on 24 December 1986. The total cost was $ 10 million. The temple has won numerous architectural awards, including from the Institution of Structural Engineers , the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America , and
1078-520: Is a Baháʼí temple in Panama City , Panama, which was designed by English architect Peter Tillotson. Rúhíyyih Khánum laid the foundation stone on 8 October 1967 and temple was dedicated on 29 April 1972. It is perched on a mountain named Cerro Sonsonate, 10 km northeast of Panama City such that it can be seen from many parts of the city. The temple is built from local stone, which is laid in designs evoking Native American fabric designs and temples of
1155-699: Is an interchange station between the Violet Line and the Magenta Line of Delhi Metro . It serves the area of Kalkaji in South-East Delhi , and provides access to many tourist sites such as Kalkaji Mandir , Lotus Temple , Prachin Bhairav Mandir and ISKCON Temple . The station was opened along with the first section of the Violet Line from Central Secretariat - Sarita Vihar on 3 October 2010, in time for
1232-534: Is located in Santiago , Chile. Shoghi Effendi announced Chile as the site for the continental temple of South America in 1953, and in 2001 the process to build the temple was launched. The chosen design was by Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects in Toronto , Ontario, Canada. Excavation was initiated at the site in 2010 and construction began in 2012. The doors opened on 19 October 2016. The Santiago temple cost
1309-524: Is the Qiblih , the direction Baháʼís face in their obligatory prayers . No pulpits or altars may be incorporated as architectural features. While they share some essential architectural elements, Baháʼí Houses of Worship differ in other aspects of their designs. Design proposals may be submitted by Baháʼí and non-Baháʼí architects, and some completed Houses of Worship were designed by non-Baháʼís. The Baháʼí Houses of Worship designed while Shoghi Effendi led
1386-464: The Baháʼí Faith . It is also referred to by the name Mashriqu'l-Adhkár , which is Arabic for "Dawning-place of the remembrance of God". All Baháʼí Houses of Worship have a round, nine-sided shape and are surrounded by nine pathways leading outwards and nine gardens, reflecting the number nine's symbolic significance for Baháʼís . Inside, there is a prayer hall with seats facing in the direction of
1463-584: The Baháʼí calendar not yet implemented for temple worship. Shoghi Effendi taught that Houses of Worship should each be surrounded by a complex of humanitarian, educational, and charitable institutions—such as schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, universities, and hostels—to serve the areas in which they are situated. He said the future interaction between the House of Worship and its dependencies could provide "the essentials of Baháʼí worship and service, both so vital to
1540-539: The Baháʼí writings , though musical instruments may not be played inside. At present, most Baháʼí devotional meetings occur in individuals' homes or local Baháʼí centres rather than in Houses of Worship. The first Baháʼí House of Worship was planned during the lifetime of Baháʼu'lláh (1817–1892) and completed in 1919, though it was later destroyed. Next, eight Houses of Worship designated as continental Houses of Worship were completed between 1953 and 2016. They are located in
1617-522: The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on the same day. Its interchange with the Magenta Line was opened on 25 December 2017. The Violet Line station is elevated while the Magenta Line station is underground. Both of these are connected by a 260 m (850 ft) long pedestrian bridge. The underground station is situated at a depth of 17 m (56 ft) and both of its tracks pass through
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#17328512209021694-482: The Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh . The Houses of Worship are open throughout the week to both Baháʼís and non-Baháʼís for prayer and reflection, and some also have scheduled weekly devotional services. Scriptural texts from all religions may be recited inside, but sermons , ritualistic ceremonies, and readings from non-scriptural texts are not allowed. In addition, several Houses of Worship have formed choirs that sing music based on
1771-677: The United States , Uganda , Australia , Germany , Panama , Samoa , India , and Chile , and some have won architectural awards. All other Baháʼí Houses of Worship are designated as either local or national Houses of Worship. The Universal House of Justice announced seven more in 2012, all but one of which have been completed, and announced another six in 2023 and 2024. The Baháʼí Faith envisions that Houses of Worship will be surrounded by dependencies dedicated to social, humanitarian, educational, and scientific pursuits, although none has yet been built up to that extent. The Baháʼí House of Worship
1848-629: The buildings at the Baháʼí World Centre ) constitute a significant part of the spending of the Baháʼí administration . In general, a Baháʼí House of Worship and the grounds on which it is situated are the property of the Baháʼí National Spiritual Assembly of that country, and the properties are held in a financial endowment . A committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the relevant country administers
1925-454: The sacred lotus flower, the temple's design is composed of 27 free-standing, marble-clad "petals" grouped into clusters of three and thus forming nine entryways. The temple's shape has symbolic and inter-religious significance because the lotus is often associated with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi . Nine doors open onto a central hall with permanent seating for 1,200 people, which can be expanded for
2002-471: The Architectural Society of China. It has also become a major attraction for people of various religions, with up to 100,000 visitors on some Hindu holy days; estimates for the number of visitors per year range from 2.5 million to 5 million. The temple is often listed as one of Delhi 's main tourist attractions, and even as one of the most visited buildings in the world. Inspired by
2079-459: The Baháʼí Faith but also other religions can be read and/or chanted, regardless of language; on the other hand, reading nonscriptural texts is forbidden, as is delivering sermons or lectures, or fundraising. Musical renditions of readings and prayers can be sung by choirs, but no musical instruments can be played inside. There is no set pattern for worship services, and ritualistic ceremonies are not permitted. All Baháʼí places of worship, including
2156-471: The Baháʼí World Centre Library had archived more than 500 publications which carried information on the Lotus Temple in the form of articles, interviews with the architect and write-ups extolling the structure. The following are major examples of publications featuring articles on the temple listed chronologically, and excerpted quotations: In 2006, some former employees of the Lotus Temple made
2233-506: The Baháʼí community include many classical architectural elements and generally avoid modern styles, which he described as "for the most part ugly, and altogether too utilitarian in aspect for a House of Worship". To varying degrees, Baháʼí Houses of Worship also integrate cultural and environmental elements from the areas in which they are built into their materials, landscaping , and architecture. These local symbols are generally more prominent in
2310-424: The Baháʼí funds, including funds for the construction and maintenance of Houses of Worship. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi both viewed the construction of Baháʼí Houses of Worship in individual countries as projects of the international Baháʼí community. When Houses of Worship are built, the required funds accordingly come from Baháʼís around the world. Worldwide, expenses associated with Houses of Worship (and with
2387-441: The Baháʼí teaching of the unity of religion . As of 2010 all standing Baháʼí Houses of Worship have a dome , although the Baháʼí laws do not require Houses of Worship to have domes. The Greatest Name , a Baháʼí symbol, appears in calligraphy in each temple, often at the top of the dome. All Baháʼí Houses of Worship also have a prayer hall, with seats facing towards the Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh in present-day Acre, Israel , which
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2464-551: The Baháʼí writings (scriptures). Baháʼí scripture also states that no pictures, statues, or images may be displayed within Houses of Worship. No sermons may be delivered, and no ritualistic ceremonies may be practiced. Memorial services are sometimes held in Bahá'í Houses of Worship, and while wedding ceremonies are not permitted inside, they are often held in the gardens of the temples. In mainly Christian countries, Baháʼí Houses of Worship offer weekly devotional services on Sundays, with
2541-508: The House of Worship was expropriated by the Soviet authorities and thereafter it was leased back to the Baháʼís. This arrangement lasted until 1938, when it was fully secularized and turned into an art gallery . The 1948 Ashgabat earthquake seriously damaged the building, rendering it unsafe; the heavy rains of the following years weakened the structure, until in 1963 the building was demolished and
2618-605: The House of Worship's activities and affairs, but spiritually they see themselves as custodians of a temple that belongs to all the world's Baháʼís. The oldest extant Baháʼí House of Worship stands in Wilmette , on the shore of Lake Michigan near Chicago . It has received architectural awards. In 1978, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places . In 2007, the Baháʼí House of Worship
2695-470: The House of Worship, and no pulpits or altars may be incorporated as an architectural feature (readers may stand behind simple portable lecture stands). The design for the House of Worship in New Delhi is inspired by the lotus flower and is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The temple's shape has symbolic and inter-religious significance because
2772-533: The House of Worship, extensive gardens, a guest house, and an administrative centre. The fourth Baháʼí temple to be completed (and third still standing) is in Ingleside in the northern suburbs of Sydney , Australia. This temple serves as the "Mother Temple of the Antipodes". According to Jennifer Taylor , a historian at Sydney University , it is among Sydney's four most significant religious buildings constructed in
2849-675: The House of Worship. A local Baháʼí House of Worship was opened on 23 May 2021 in Matunda Soy, Kenya. On 13 November 2021, a local Baháʼí House of Worship opened near the town of Lenakel on the island of Tanna , Vanuatu. The world's first national Baháʼí House of Worship, located in Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo, was dedicated and opened its doors on 25 March 2023. A national Baháʼí House of Worship in Port Moresby , Papua New Guinea
2926-443: The Lotus Temple, share certain architectural elements, some of which are specified by Baháʼí scripture. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá , the son of the founder of the religion, wrote that Baháʼí Houses of Worship must be nine-sided and circular. While all current Baháʼí Houses of Worship have a dome, this is not regarded as an essential part of their architecture. The Baháʼí scripture also states that no pictures, statues or images may be displayed within
3003-561: The ancient Americas. The dome is covered with thousands of small oval tiles and rises to a height of 28 metres. The temple has seats made from mahogany for up to 550 people and a floor made from terrazzo . There is a Baháʼí House of Worship set in Tiapapata, in the hills behind Apia , Samoa. It was designed by Hossein Amanat . Both Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa , the world's first Baháʼí head of state , and Rúhíyyih Khánum helped lay
3080-473: The best-designed Baháʼí Houses of Worship each have a unique character. Anne Gordon Perry argues, by contrast, that Baháʼí Houses of Worship may provide "the clearest indication of a distinctive Bahá’í aesthetic thus far ... with their characteristic nine sides, circular domes, serene and welcoming gardens and walkways, fountains, and other aesthetic elements". Warburg writes that the presence of Baháʼí Houses of Worship on all continents except Antarctica shows
3157-637: The building stands approximately 58.2 metres tall and the diameter of the dome is 27.4 metres. The auditorium seats 1,191 visitors. The exterior is adorned with symbols from various religions, including the Latin Cross , the Greek Cross , the star and crescent , the Star of David , the swastika (which is an ancient symbol used in Hinduism , Buddhism , and Jainism ), and the five-pointed star . The grounds of
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3234-566: The construction in Chile of the eighth and final continental House of Worship. It was completed in 2016. Meanwhile, in the Ridván message of 2012, the Universal House of Justice announced the locations of the first local and national Baháʼí Houses of Worship that would be built. The first two national Houses of Worship would be in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Papua New Guinea , while
3311-602: The construction of many ancient monuments (including the Parthenon ) and other Baháʼí buildings. Along with its nine surrounding ponds and gardens, the Lotus Temple property comprises 26 acres (105,000 m; 10.5 ha). An educational centre beside the temple was established in 2017. The Lotus Temple is situated about 500 metres away from the Kalkaji Mandir metro station . It is in the village of Bahapur in New Delhi , National Capital Territory of Delhi , near Nehru Place and lies on
3388-469: The eventual construction of Baháʼí Houses of Worship, compared to 84 national communities that had done so by 1988. All Baháʼí Houses of Worship share certain architectural elements, some of which are specified by Baháʼí scripture . They are required to have a round, nine-sided shape and to have nine pathways lead outward and nine gardens surrounding them. The number nine is symbolically significant for Baháʼís, representing completeness, perfection, and
3465-454: The first five local Houses of Worship would be in Cambodia , India, Kenya , Colombia , and Vanuatu . Since the announcement, the two national Houses of Worship and four of the local Houses of Worship have been completed, and there has been a groundbreaking ceremony for the fifth local House of Worship. In addition, more than 120 national Baháʼí communities have now acquired properties for
3542-522: The foot of the Taunus Mountains of Germany, in the village of Langenhain near Frankfurt . It was designed by German architect Teuto Rocholl. The foundation stone for the temple was laid on 20 November 1960 by Amelia Collins and the temple was dedicated on 4 July 1964. Its construction was opposed by a number of Catholic and Protestant churches in Germany at the time. The temple's superstructure
3619-449: The foundation stone on 27 January 1979 and attended the dedication on 1 September 1984. The temple was completed at a total cost of $ 6.5 million. It has a 30-metre-tall domed structure and seats up to 500 people in the main hall plus 200 on the mezzanine level. The structure is open to the island breezes; Graham Hassall writes that this fosters a suitable environment for meditation and prayer. In Bahapur, New Delhi , India, there
3696-469: The goals of some of its teaching plans . By the end of the twentieth century, further continental Houses of Worship were completed in Uganda , Australia , Germany , Panama , Samoa , and India . In 2001, the Universal House of Justice wrote in its Ridván Message to the Baháʼís of the world that "with profound thankfulness and joy ... we announce at this auspicious moment the decision to proceed" with
3773-510: The lotus is often associated with purity, sacredness, spirituality, and knowledge. It has a spiritual significance in India. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall 34.3 metres tall that can seat 1,300 people and hold up to 2,500 people. The temple has a diameter of 70 m. The surface of the House of Worship is made of white marble from Penteli mountain in Greece , the same marble used in
3850-650: The model of the Haifa House of Worship can be found in an issue of The Baháʼí World . An obelisk marks the site where the House of Worship is to be built, but as of 2010, plans for constructing this House of Worship have not been made. Margit Warburg describes the architecture of the Baháʼí Houses of Worship as "remarkable". Denis MacEoin writes that several of the Baháʼí Houses of Worship are "fine examples of modern religious architecture", but argues that no distinct Baháʼí architectural style has emerged given that
3927-452: The more recent Houses of Worship. A Baháʼí House of Worship is a place of worship of the Baháʼí Faith, where both Baháʼís and non-Baháʼís can express devotion to God. Baháʼí Houses of Worship are open to all regardless of religion, gender, or any other distinction. The only requirements for entry are modest dress and quiet behavior. The Baháʼí laws state that a House of Worship should be built in each city and town. Shoghi Effendi said that
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#17328512209024004-424: The municipality of Villa Rica, Cauca Department , Colombia was the second local Baháʼí House of Worship to be completed in the world. The temple design, by architect Julian Gutierrez Chacón, was inspired by the shape of the cocoa seed , which was integral to the local culture before the arrival of the sugar cane industry. An opening dedication ceremony took place on 22 July 2018, followed by devotional services in
4081-451: The regeneration of the world". To date, only a few such dependencies have been built and no Baháʼí House of Worship has had the full range of dependencies that are envisioned. Shoghi Effendi also viewed the functions of the House of Worship as complementary to those of the Haziratu'l-Quds (commonly known as a Baháʼí centre), and said that it would be desirable if both these buildings were on
4158-440: The same site. At present, Baháʼí devotional meetings in most communities take place in homes or Baháʼí centres, but Elham Afnan notes that such activities "evoke the spirit" of a House of Worship with the goal that it can eventually be constructed. Baháʼí Houses of Worship are funded by the voluntary contributions of Baháʼí communities. There are no collections during temple services and only Baháʼís are permitted to contribute to
4235-511: The site was converted into a public park. The Ashgabat House of Worship was surrounded by gardens with nine ponds. At the four corners of the plot of land surrounding the House of Worship were various buildings: a boys' school; a girls' school; a large meeting hall; and a group of buildings including the offices of the Local Spiritual Assembly , a reading room, and a room for meeting with enquirers. The Battambang , Cambodia temple
4312-538: The temple feature nine fountains, rows of Chinese junipers , and a wide range of flowers including thousands of tulips planted each fall. There is a Baháʼí House of Worship situated on the northern outskirts of Kampala , Uganda's capital and largest city, on Kikaaya Hill . Shoghi Effendi announced that the Kampala temple would be built in 1955 after persecution of Baháʼís in Iran made it impossible for them to build one. It
4389-409: The temple's interior. The exterior of the "petals" is made from cast glass while the interior is made from translucent Portuguese marble. The sides of the temple are held up on the inside by a steel and aluminum superstructure. The temple can seat 600 people and it is 30 metres high and 30 metres in diameter. The first Baháʼí House of Worship was built in the city of Ashgabat , which
4466-451: The temple. A portion of the construction budget was saved and used to build a greenhouse to study indigenous plants and flowers that would be appropriate for use on the site. Rúhíyyih Khánum laid the foundation stone for the Lotus Temple on 19 October 1977 and dedicated the temple on 24 December 1986. For the dedication, there was a gathering of 8,000 Baháʼís from 107 countries, including some 4,000 Baháʼís from 22 states in India. The temple
4543-490: The twentieth century. The initial design by Charles Mason Remey was given to Sydney architect John Brogan to develop and complete. It was dedicated in September 1961 and opened to the public after four years of construction. Construction materials include crushed quartz concrete, local hardwoods in the interior, and concrete and marble in the dome. There is seating for 600 people. The building stands 38 metres in height, has
4620-540: The week. She has questioned whether having the temples open for visitors but without activities at most times during the week is "the optimal mission strategy" for Baháʼís, noting an account of a visitor confused by one temple's apparent lack of purpose. However, Graham Hassall has disputed Warburg's analysis, pointing to the large number of tourists visiting many Baháʼí Houses of Worship and positive coverage in online media such as travel guides and blogs. Kalkaji Mandir metro station The Kalkaji Mandir metro station
4697-586: The western bank of the Yamuna River . Of the temple's total electricity use of 500 kilowatts (kW), 120 kW is provided by solar power generated by solar panels on the building. This saves the temple ₹120,000 per month. It is the first temple in Delhi to use solar power. As is the case with other stone monuments, such as the Taj Mahal , the Lotus Temple is becoming discoloured due to air pollution in India . Specifically,
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#17328512209024774-407: The white marble is turning grey and yellow due to pollution from vehicles and manufacturing in the city, among other sources. By late 2001, The Lotus Temple had attracted more than 70 million visitors, according to Manpreet Brar, a CNN reporter. The permanent delegation of India to UNESCO stated that the Lotus Temple had received over 100 million visitors by April 2014. The Lotus Temple has become
4851-467: The world of being, and adorn them with that which befitteth them, not with images and effigies. Then, with radiance and joy, celebrate therein the praise of your Lord, the Most Compassionate. The first Baháʼí House of Worship, in what is now Turkmenistan , was planned during the lifetime of Baháʼu'lláh and then designed and constructed during the ministry of his son and successor, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá . It
4928-501: The worldwide presence of the Baháʼí Faith. She also argues that there are a number of parallels between Baháʼí Houses of Worship and mosques : decoration with geometric patterns rather than images or statues, the absence of offering or communion rituals, and the adaptation of architectural designs to local cultural styles. Warburg found in her fieldwork at several Baháʼí temples that almost all attendees of weekly services were Baháʼís but that many non-Baháʼís visited at other times during
5005-403: Was also attended by Rúhíyyih Khánum. The building is more than 39 metres high, and over 100 metres in diameter at the base. The dome is over 37 metres high and 13 metres in diameter. As a protection against earthquakes that can occur in the region, the temple has a foundation that goes 3 metres beneath the ground. The temple has seating for 800 people. At the time it
5082-609: Was built, the Kampala Baháʼí temple was the tallest building in East Africa . The temple's dome is built out of fixed mosaic tiles from Italy, whereas the tiles of the lower roof are from Belgium. The wall panels contain windows of green, pale blue, and amber colored glass of German origin. Both the timber used for making the doors and benches and the stone used for the walls of the temple are from within Uganda itself. The property includes
5159-408: Was completed in 1919 but later expropriated from the Baháʼís and eventually demolished. The cornerstone of the first Baháʼí House of Worship that is still standing, in the United States , was laid in 1912 by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and the House of Worship was dedicated in 1953 during the ministry of his grandson and successor, Shoghi Effendi . Also in 1953, Shoghi Effendi announced a long-term plan to build
5236-493: Was completed in 1951, and the temple was dedicated in 1953. The total cost of the construction was above $ 2.6 million. From 1958–2001, the Wilmette House of Worship was associated with a "home for the aged", operated by the U.S. Baháʼí community. The cladding of the building is composed of a concrete mixture of Portland cement , quartz , and sand, developed for the temple by John Joseph Earley . From ground level,
5313-547: Was dedicated on 25 May 2024. In 2021, groundbreaking ceremony took place for a local Baháʼí House of Worship in Hargawan near Bihar Sharif , India. The design for the temple near Bihar Sharif, created by architect Amritha Ballal, was shortlisted for the 2022 World Architecture Festival . In April 2023, the Universal House of Justice announced plans for three further Houses of Worship: local Houses of Worship in Nepal and Zambia and
5390-550: Was designed by architect Charles Mason Remey . The foundation stone was laid on 26 January 1957 by Rúhíyyih Khánum , representing Shoghi Effendi . Musa Banani, the first Hand of the Cause in Africa, was also present for the groundbreaking and placed a gift of soil from the Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh , sent by Shoghi Effendi, in the foundation. The dedication ceremony was held in January 1961 and
5467-506: Was first mentioned under the name Mashriqu'l-Adhkár ( مشرق اﻻذكار ; Arabic for "Dawning-place of the remembrance of God") in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas , the book of laws of Baháʼu'lláh , founder of the Baháʼí Faith. Baháʼu'lláh wrote: O people of the world! Build ye houses of worship throughout the lands in the name of Him Who is the Lord of all religions. Make them as perfect as is possible in
5544-638: Was named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. The temple is visited by about 250,000 people every year. During his journeys to the West , ʻAbdu'l-Bahá came to Wilmette for the groundbreaking ceremony of the temple and laid the foundation stone on 1 May 1912. The principal architect was Louis Bourgeois , though his original design ended up being amended numerous times due to impractical elements. Construction began in 1921 and
5621-415: Was opened to the public on 1 January 1987 and more than 10,000 people visited that day. The Baháʼí Faith states that a Baháʼí House of Worship should be a space for people of all religions to gather, reflect, and worship. Anyone may enter the Lotus Temple irrespective of religious background, gender, or other distinctions, as is the case with all Baháʼí Houses of Worship. The sacred writings of not only
5698-495: Was prefabricated in the Netherlands out of steel and concrete. The center of the interior of the temple is illuminated by light shining through over 500 glass panels above. At its base, the interior is 48 metres in diameter. The height from ground level is 28.3 metres and the temple can seat up to 600 people. Seena Fazel describes the House of Worship as having a "distinctive concrete and glass modernist design". There
5775-512: Was the world's first local Baháʼí House of Worship to be completed. The temple was designed by Cambodian architect Sochet Vitou Tang, who is a practicing Buddhist, and integrates distinctive Cambodian architectural principles. A dedication ceremony and official opening conference took place on 1–2 September 2017, attended by Cambodian dignitaries, locals, and representatives of Baháʼí communities throughout southeast Asia. The temple in Agua Azul in
5852-405: Was then a part of Russia 's Transcaspian Oblast and is now the capital of Turkmenistan. It was started in 1902 and mostly completed by 1907, but was not fully finished until 1919. Plans for this House of Worship were first made during the lifetime of Baháʼu'lláh. The design was prepared by Ustad Ali-Akbar Banna, and after his death the construction was supervised by Vakílu'd-Dawlih . In 1928,
5929-461: Was undertaken by the British firm Flint and Neill over the course of 18 months, and the construction was done by ECC Construction Group of Larsen & Toubro Limited at a cost of $ 10.56 million. The major part of the funds needed to buy this land was donated by Ardishír Rustampúr of Hyderabad, Sindh ( Pakistan ), whose will stipulated that his entire life savings would go towards the building of
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