It reminded me a little of the Sydney Opera House - an extraordinary structure just outside Delhi. Traveling by taxi along crowded streets and beeping traffic, when you finally arrive, it comes as a surprise, looking rather like a spacecraft, set in a huge open terraced field. It's one of the most visited tourist attractions in India.
The removal of shoes is obligatory, after which there is a long approach on a concrete path to the circular, domed, temple, with its 27 free standing marble clad petals, arranged in clusters of 3. Entry is by one of the 9 entrances, one on each of its sides and the 9 pools, capture reflections and aspects of the temple.
It was designed by an Iranian architect in 1986, Fariborz Sahba, whose plan was in accordance with the requirements of the Bahai faith, which originated in Iran. It is non-denominational, in keeping with the concept that God is omnipresent and omniscient, to everyone, no matter what your faith and people are encouraged to say their own prayers, in their own language.
The sense of space inside is enhanced by the lack of pillars under the huge dome - it can accommodate 2500 people. Although the structure is concrete, it's clad in white marble from the Pentali mountain in Greece. In accordance with the Bahai faith, there are no adornments, no paintings and no sculptures. Sermons and music are not allowed. Nothing interferes with the pervading sense of peace.
The Bahai Faith, emanated from Iran in the 19th century and under the leadership of the Founder's son, Abdul Baha, became recognised by the rest of the world. Although they were an aristocratic family, they were persecuted for their beliefs and were exiled, landing up eventually in Acre in Palestine, where they were imprisoned under harsh conditions. But after his release, early in the 20th century, Abdul Baha traveled to the United States in 1912 (turning down the opportunity to travel on the ill fated Titanic and opting for a slower boat). He gave numerous talks and lectures promoting world peace and also traveled to the U.K. and Europe, before returning to Palestine.
The removal of shoes is obligatory, after which there is a long approach on a concrete path to the circular, domed, temple, with its 27 free standing marble clad petals, arranged in clusters of 3. Entry is by one of the 9 entrances, one on each of its sides and the 9 pools, capture reflections and aspects of the temple.
It was designed by an Iranian architect in 1986, Fariborz Sahba, whose plan was in accordance with the requirements of the Bahai faith, which originated in Iran. It is non-denominational, in keeping with the concept that God is omnipresent and omniscient, to everyone, no matter what your faith and people are encouraged to say their own prayers, in their own language.
The sense of space inside is enhanced by the lack of pillars under the huge dome - it can accommodate 2500 people. Although the structure is concrete, it's clad in white marble from the Pentali mountain in Greece. In accordance with the Bahai faith, there are no adornments, no paintings and no sculptures. Sermons and music are not allowed. Nothing interferes with the pervading sense of peace.
The Bahai Faith, emanated from Iran in the 19th century and under the leadership of the Founder's son, Abdul Baha, became recognised by the rest of the world. Although they were an aristocratic family, they were persecuted for their beliefs and were exiled, landing up eventually in Acre in Palestine, where they were imprisoned under harsh conditions. But after his release, early in the 20th century, Abdul Baha traveled to the United States in 1912 (turning down the opportunity to travel on the ill fated Titanic and opting for a slower boat). He gave numerous talks and lectures promoting world peace and also traveled to the U.K. and Europe, before returning to Palestine.
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