Among the things to miss about India in a lifetime of not being there

 

is the acceptance of the profusion of religious philosophies and practices

  

 And the accommodation of such.

 

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The Baha’i Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India.

 

 

Designed by Fariborz Sahba, born Iran 1948,

The Temple was completed in 1986. 

No photographs are permitted inside.

 

From http://www.bahai.in/

 

“The lotus, as seen from outside, has three sets of leaves or petals, all of which are made out of thin concrete shells.

The outermost set of nine petals, called the ‘entrance leaves’, open outwards and form the nine entrances all around the outer annular hall. The next set of nine petals, called the ‘outer leaves’, point inwards.

 

The entrance and outer leaves together cover the outer hall. The third set of nine petals, called the ‘inner leaves’, appear to be partly closed.

Only the tips open out, somewhat like a partly opened bud. This portion, which rises above the rest, forms the main structure housing the central hall.

Near the top where the leaves separate out, nine radial beams provide the necessary lateral support.

 

Since the lotus is open at the top, a glass and steel roof at the level of the radial beams provides protection from rain and facilitates the entry of natural light into the auditorium……………….”.