About Lotus Temple
From a distance it looks like a flower resting on the lawn; up close, it is 27 free-standing petals clad in white Pentelic marble, brought from Greece, in three rings of nine. Designed by the architect Fariborz Sahba and dedicated in December 1986, the temple is 40.8 meters (134 ft) tall, and the central hall seats 1,300 people.
Anyone may enter, whatever their religion. Inside there are no sermons, rituals or musical instruments: there are readings of sacred texts from various traditions and moments of silent prayer and meditation. The effect is surprising: a full hall and almost no sound.
