In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionizing the concept of worship. This is the Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, better known as the "Lotus Temple". With the dawning of every new day, an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere.
On Monday, March 12, 2010, it had a unique visitor, who is verily the goal all worships offered in all places, at all times in the name of God; The unique visitor was Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba!
As per the reports from Delhi, Bhagawan reached the Bahá'í Temple at around 11:30. He was welcomed by the Director of the Temple along with General Manager and other management officials. Unique feature of this Bahá'í Temple is that like any other Bahá'í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all barring any religious or other distinction, as emphasized in Bahá'í texts. Bahá'ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the nature and purpose of life and of the future of society. It is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God without denominational restrictions. The Bahá'í laws also stipulate that the holy scriptures of the Bahá'í Faith and other religions can be read or chanted inside in any language. Following these traditions, Sarvadharma Prayers were offered by men and women representing various religions, namely, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and Islam in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan on this blessed day.. This was followed a ten minute worship, a collective prayer to Almighty, by people from various faith. The function was attended by a capacity group of around 300 people and lasted for approximately an hour.
It was a day when God 'walked' into a monumental Temple, most silently, posing as a silent witness, while listening to multitudes of prayers from various faiths. One who preaches unity of all religions does accept prayers in unison and by His visit to this “Universal” Temple, Bhagawan shows His commitment to Universal Brotherhood through Unity of all Religions.
