Overview
The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship located in New Delhi, India. Completed in December 1986, it is widely recognised for its distinctive lotus-like shape, which has made it one of the prominent attractions of the city.
In keeping with the principles followed at all Baháʼí Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to people of every religion and background, without any qualification. Visitors are welcomed into the central hall for prayer and quiet reflection.
The structure is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three, which together form nine sides of the building. Nine doors open onto a central hall that rises to a height of slightly over 34 metres and can accommodate around 1,300 people. The geometry of the petals and the surrounding pools draws upon the symbolism of the lotus flower.
Since its completion, the Lotus Temple has received several architectural awards and has been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, contributing to its standing as a notable example of modern religious architecture in India.
References
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on the Lotus Temple.