reat architecture often becomes an empire's raison d'être, a message to the world of its grandeur and prowess. Delhi, the heart of the country for the past 100 years, is renowned for its historic monuments—indelible markers of the past and shapers of the present. From the Safdarjung tomb to the ruins of old Delhi, the might of past dynasties and their love for fine craftsmanship is present for all to see. But over the past quarter century, a modern structure has slowly and steadily occupied the city's imagination and the mind of millions of believers who have come calling. The Baha'i House of Worship, which celebrated its 25th anniversary yesterday, has become a recognised landmark in the city's landscape, attracting thousands of visitors every day.

As part of the year-long silver jubilee celebrations, more than 6,000 Baha'is (representing all the states of India and nearly 60 nations) and their friends gathered at the temple on 12-13 November. Addressing the 25th anniversary celebrations, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit praised the impact the temple has made on Indian society. "I wish I could express my joy in words," she told the crowd. "Your message is the message for the world of today. The Baha'i faith teaches us that we are all equal. It rises above any narrow consideration of humanity."

Popularly known as the Lotus Temple, the structure was designed keeping in mind the basic tenets of Baha'i faith—the unity of God, the unity of His prophets and the oneness of mankind—and is open to all. "We Baha'is believe that God created mankind and sent different messengers. Thus, for us, everyone, right from Krishna to Jesus to Buddha and the prophet Mohammed, is a messenger," says Shatru Ghun Jiwnani, Director at the Office of Public Relations at the House of Worship. More than 70 million people have walked through the carefully pruned lawns and said silent prayers within the serene interiors of the temple, which was officially opened to the public on 1 January, 1987. The temple was formally completed on 21 December, 1986, and over 8,000 followers of the Baha'i faith, representing all the states of India and 114 countries, came together on the same day this year to mark the occasion.

There was an overall sense of silent calm as people made their way from the gates to the main temple, which is surrounded by well-maintained, but off-limit, lawns. From the manicured lawns to the still waters of the pool under the temple to the unique lotus flower shape of the temple itself, this is an architectural marvel. The temple is shaped like a lotus for specific reasons; the flower is seen as a symbol of purity and is strongly associated with worship and religion in India. "The lotus is usually seen in dirty and stagnant water. We believe that every human spirit is born pure and, like the lotus, can rise above the dirt of conflict and hatred it is surrounded by," says Jiwnani. Baha or the Greatest Name, translated as 'glory' or 'splendour', is inscribed into the inner top centre of the dome-like prayer hall. This name represents the three worlds—the world of God, the world of the manifestations and the world of man—connected by the manifestation of God. The two stars represent the twin manifestations of God for this age: Baha'u'llah and the Bab.

Designed by Canadian Baha'i architect Fariborz Sahba, the monument required extensive planning and took years to complete. The construction process, which began in 1980, took nearly seven years and required the work of 500 labourers. The edifice has no pillars or beams, and each lotus petal was carefully constructed with white concrete; more than 10,000 marble pieces were transported from Greece and polished in Italy to execute this design. Over the last 25 years, the House of Worship has been awarded more than 50 national and international architectural awards, including the 1987 American Institute of Architects Award for Excellence in Religious Art and Architecture.

ndia has the only Baha'i House of Worship in Asia; the country was chosen primarily because it is home to nearly two million followers, making it the strongest Baha'i community in the world. There is one Baha'i temple on every continent—in the US, Uganda, Australia, Germany, Panama, Western Samoa and one under construction in Chile. These seven mother temples, as they are called, have all been uniquely executed. In each, there are two physical requirements that are strictly adhered to: the dome shape and nine side entrances. "Nine is the highest single digit, which symbolises unity and fulfilment," says Jiwnani.

With more than six million followers around the world, the Baha'i faith is a fairly young religion. The beginning of the faith can be traced back to Baha'u'llah's birth in 19 century Iran. He is the prophet founder of the Baha'i faith and is believed to be the manifestation of God for this age. Born into a Muslim family, he is regarded as the latest in a succession of prophets that God sends to mankind from time to time. The Baha'i faith does not involve any priest, sermon or image, and a person becomes a Baha'i by choice and not by birth. These aspects make the Baha'i faith more liberal and tolerant when compared to the way mainstream religions are practiced today. The community places a strong onus on meditation, and passages from holy books like the Quran, the Bible and the Gita are read out during prayer meetings. "For us, every religion is born to take mankind forward. Religions are always born into the matrix of another religion; Buddhism was born out Hinduism, while Christianity came out from Judaism," says Jiwnani.

The community's openness and lack of strict rituals has significantly added to its appeal and the Baha'i faith has acquired thousands of followers over the years. In many ways, it reflects the diminishing importance of ritualism in modern societies and, thus, is an apt reaction to a society that is constantly in flux. "The Baha'i faith in itself does not demand anything from a believer. Moreover, in India, it does not meddle with your political identity. There is no physical mobilisation around the faith, which is not the case if you are a Hindu, Muslim or Christian in this country," says Tanweer Fazal, Assistant Professor at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia University. In today's communally charged ethos, tolerance becomes a moot point. "Mainstream religions come with a notion of finality. There is a demonised idea of the other, which then feeds the development of the self. It always winds up being an either/or question," Fazal says.

Former president Dr A.P.J. Kalam, who was the chief guest at the inaugural festivities in March this year, wrote, "The House of Worship, with its beautiful environment transmits a message on how to celebrate the differences existing in society... This culture is the greatest contribution made by the Baha'i faith to humanity. I see everywhere around me harmony in thinking, harmony in action and harmony in every way of life." We join the Baha'i community in celebrating the 25th anniversary of this temple of peace, happiness and spirituality.