With several hours until our late night flight out of Delhi, we had a chance to do some things we missed in Delhi the first time. This included a visit to the India Gate, driving a little closer by the Indian government buildings, and learning more about the Baha’i faith at the Lotus Temple.
India Gate
This massive stone monument is a memorial to the Indians who fought in World War I. It stands in the center of the New Delhi government area sort of like the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Up the hill from the arched gate, sit the main government buildings including the massive presidential palace. We didn’t really get to tour any of these, but drove by for a closer look.
Baha’i Lotus Temple
On several tourism posters around Delhi, you’ll see a white building that resembles a lotus flower or the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Either way, it is a piece of architecture that begs for a visit. When I had seen the pictures, I didn’t realize it was a Baha’i temple. I remember in one of my architecture classes many years ago discussing the Baha’i temple in Chicago. We may have even mentioned this building in India.
The edifice sits in a large parkland. There is a visitor center at the end of a walkway to the temple itself. We ducked in there first to get a bit of context for the building. After all, there were signs saying you could learn more about the building inside. Instead, we found some interesting historical displays about the Baha’i faith. We got a glimpse into its past and tenets of belief. However, there was only one small corner about the building that just showed images of it being built. I was a bit disappointed that there was no information about the architect, design, or purpose. I was glad to learn more about Baha’i beliefs.
From there we walked the path to the flower-shaped building. Groups are let in every few minutes after receiving a brief introduction about the space from volunteers. It is supposed to be a place of meditation and prayer, so speaking is discouraged and photography forbidden. We pondered for a bit inside before heading out.
The rest of our day was filled with failed shopping attempts and a haircut for Aaron. Then off to the airport to await our departure.
India is extraordinary and extreme in so many ways. Some places we visited I’d love to return to, others not so much. We only visited a small portion of the subcontinent, so I’m sure my adventures will take me back that way again someday.
Until then, remember that adventure is out there, so go have one!
