Values From Places of Worship

Varun KatnaV J

Visit to BAHAI HOUSE OF WORSHIPat Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India

on 18.03.2012

Message from places of worship

Belief of Bahaullah, the founder of Baha'i Faith

Godgrant that the light of unitymay envelop the whole earth,and that the seal,“the kingdom is God’s”,may be stamped upon thebrow of all its peoples.

Facts of Indian Baha'i House Of Worship

• Latest of seven edifices in the world.

• Each inviting people of all religions and races to worship the creator of the universe and to express the love between God and man.

• Edifice was formally dedicated to Unity of God, Religion and Mankind on 24.12.1986.

Facts of Indian Baha'i House of worship

• Its design is inspired by the lotus - symbol of purity which is also associated with worship and religion in India.

• It is surrounded by nine pools of water which not only enhance its beauty but also help in cooling the prayer hall.

Common characteristics of all Baha'i Houses

• Baha'i Houses all over the world have nine sides since digit nine is considered to symbolize comprehensiveness, oneness and unity.

• In the Prayer Hall holy scriptures of the Baha'i Faith and other religions are read or recited during prayer timings. At other times everyone is welcome to meditate and pray in silence.

Picture of Prayer Hall taken through glass pane from outside

Interview with visitors• All interviewees were asked the reason

of their visit and the difference they felt about this temple.

Findings:

1. Interviewees visited the place as tourists.

2. They were fascinated by the beauty of the place.

3. People liked the way of prayer of individuals' God in silence in the Prayer Hall.

Photograph of one of the Interviewees, Mr. Krishna Das from Gurgaon, Haryana.

Interview with a volunteerSaw many volunteers and interviewedone of them named Maria.• Maria is Catholic Christian by birth but

joined the Baha'i Faith 21 yrs back.• The belief in this faith that all religions

are true influenced her to join it. • She informed that volunteers working

here are not only from India but from all over the world.

• Regarding the prayers she said that these are held four times a day for 10 minutes each were reading are done from different holy books viz. Baha'i faith , Gita, Bible, Buddhist faith etc.

Don’t miss ! Visit Lotus Temple.

Lets cherish one more place of worship: Buddhist Monasteries in and around

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India.

( Photographs taken during earlier visit.)

Values Learnt From Places of Worship

• Respect everyone• Tolerance• Compassion• Patience• Forgiveness• Oneness with community• Values of community are transferred from one

generation to another through places of worship.

Reference• Information Center, Baha'i House Of

Worship, Delhi, India.