#17769 Savoring Serenity at the Luminous Lotus Temple in Delhi, India

To reach the Baha'i Lotus Temple, one must navigate Delhi's honking flood of cars, buses, bikes, trucks, motors scooters, and darting rickshaws... weaving clamorously between each other, often within half an inch—without regard to lanes, traffic controls, or signal making! Nowhere is an oasis of calm more urgently needed or more completely realized. The Lotus Temple—a half-opened white marble "flower" with nine "petals"—gleams above 26 acres of sculpted green gardens and pools. This serene monument has no straight lines, each perspective harmoniously curved. Those of all faiths, or no faith, are bid to enter, maintain complete silence, and recharge their spirit. More than fifty million have, making this the world's most visited structure since it opened (1986). The interior is a half-sphere of smooth white marble with tan wooden pews and a simple lectern. Nothing more. The Lotus Temple is a sacred hush... a swirl of shining curves... a prayer for peace... an insight sought... a cocoon from cacophony... the solace of serenity.