Sacred Heart Cathedral Church built in 20th century is a house of worships (Christianity) located in the heart of New Delhi, India. The exterior view of the building with fine Italian cathedral architecture, painted in white color dominated by rich terracotta, is wonderfully attractive and beautiful. The Church has Roman Catholic affiliation.
Sacred Heart Cathedral is an important Church of Christians fellows; and the prayers take place daily on regular basis. The Church turns into rush hour during morning and evening prayers time, and are attended by devotees. The Sundays are full of people and it is a rush day. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is the most happening center during Christmas and Easter Day celebrations.
The Holy Father John Paul II during his visit to India, visited Sacred Heart Cathedral Church of Delhi, India, in 1986. His visit to the church provided a high popularity to this church. Apart from believers, the church is a major tourists’ attraction of Delhi. It is visited by a considerable number of tourists from India and abroad.
Sacred Heart Cathedral is situated near Gurdwara Bangla Saheb and it is easily accessible. A statue of Father Pope John Paul II, stands with outstretched arms greeting the devotees and people, can be seen from a distance on the church building. A massive historical bell donated by Archbishop Evangelisti Vanni is still there on the top of the main building.
As you enter the interior part of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, you will see a well furnished huge prayer hall with seating arrangements for devotees.
Also read the facts, history and tour of Qutub Minaret, a world heritage site, New Delhi.
The interior of the building has a large statue of Virgin Mary, beautifully carved into stone, alongside a huge crucifix, beside the Chapel, attracting your attention. Behind the priest-celebrant and in the front of praying people the mural of the Last Supper of the Lord can be seen.
The church has been built in the center of a land area of 14 acres. The premises of the Sacred Heart Cathedral contain two separate buildings of learning as well. One of them is St. Columba’s School and the other one is Convent of Jesus Mary School, providing modern education to the students.
The spaces and areas of the Church have beautiful gardens and contain green trees multiplying the beauty to the space.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, Delhi, India! Courtesy Wikipedia, CC-by-SA 2.5, Image by Maria Kruger.
Background:
The plot to build Sacred Heart Cathedral was bought in 1922 AD, by Father Luke Vannucci Ernesto da Parato popularly known as Fr. Luke. The architectural plan was drawn by Henry Medd (a British architect) and his associates.
The foundation stone of the church was laid by Archbishop Evangelista Latino Enrico Vanni of Agra in 1929. However, the construction work was efficiently started in 1930. It took five years to complete the building of Sacred Heart Cathedral. The fund to build the church was generated from the voluntary and societal contributions.
After the completion of church building, the inaugural ceremony of the Church took place on 8th of December, 1935. It was inaugurated by Papal Internuncio and Leo Kierkels in the presence of other bishops and Christian people. The participation and presence of priests and people, men and women belonging from other faiths too, into the congregation of inaugural occasion of Church. It was a wonderful example of respect and brotherhood.
The News on 30th January, 1948, shocked India and the world that, “Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead”. The biggest loss to nation just after a few months of India’s Independence, the news of Gandhi’s assassination was hard to believe. His body was cremated a day after his death following the Hindu rituals at Raj Ghat on the bank of Yamuna river in Delhi. And later on, a mausoleum came to exist soon at the Raj Ghat (Ghaat). The mausoleum or Gandhi’s Tomb is also known as Gandhi Samadhi or Raj Ghat.
Gandhi, the symbol of peace and non-violence, a great politician who fought for India’s independence from British colonial power, he was no more now. His body, wrapped in white cotton sheet was carried through the streets of Delhi, and people kept on joining the last journey of the Mahatma. It turned into a procession joined by grieving people in thousands, which has happened for the first time in the history of Independent India.
Finally, the body was brought at Raj Ghat (now known as Gandhi’s Tomb) from his Delhi’s residence Birla House, to place on the pyre. The pyre of heaped dried wood was well organized to place the body on. Ghee was poured on the wood and Devdas Gandhi, the eldest son of Mahatma Gandhi, touched the flame to pyre wood in the presence of thousands of people gathered there. The body of Mahatma Gandhi was burnt into ashes leaving the smoke of grief and mourning among people.
The sacred ashes were collected in a pot. The part of the ashes was scattered to different parts of India and in the Indian Ocean. The last remaining part of the ashes were scattered, later on, across the “Sangam” by Tushar Gandhi, after 49 years of Gandhi’s death. Tushar Gandhi is the great grandson of Gandhiji.
The ashes were scattered by Tushar at the Sangam of two sacred rivers; the Ganges and Yamuna. The point of confluence of these two rivers is called ‘Sangam’ is located at the city of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, India. The Sangam is believed to be a sacred place by Hindus.
You may also like to read about a famous temple in Delhi-Laxminarayan Temple.
How Mahatma Gandhi Died:
Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Vinayak Godse, a Brahmin fanatic. (Mostly the Brahmins are peace loving and socially privileged class of India). What a powerful British colonial state dared not to do to Mahatma Gandhi, was done by an Indian. Nathuram Godseassassinated Gandhi with bullets fired from a pistol at a point blank range. Godse shot three bullets at Mahatma Gandhi’s chest resulting to his death. This unfortunate event of Mahatma’s murder, as perceived by many social scientists and scholars, was the “first terrorist attack in India”.
After a long judicial trial, as it was found, assassination of Gandhi was a cold blooded murder by Nathuram Godse and his other associates. Nathuram Godse with Narayan Apte was convicted of murder. Both of them were hanged to death on November 15, 1949, at Ambala Jail, for such a cruel act against humanity.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (Gandhiji born on 2 October, 1869) the President, the Vice President, and the Prime Minister of India pay tributes to Gandhi, visiting his tomb at Raj Ghaat. Apart from this on the occasions of Indian Independence Day and Indian Republic Day, the heads of state pay tributes to Gandhiji. The visiting foreign dignitaries to India also love to visit and pay their respects.
Today, Mahatma Gandhi’s Tomb is a revered place and visited by Indian people and tourists from all over the world. The main tomb has been built in black granite stone with an eternally lit fire lamp. The lamp is symbolic to emit light of peace and love into the darkness of violence and hate. The main tomb has been centered with a lovely squire walled garden.
Lit lamp at Gandhi’s Tomb, Freedom fighter of India! Image by HtoH.
Mahatma Gandhi was a man who believed in simple life with minimum consumerism and high thought. Simply, the tomb of Mahatma Gandhi reflects this very idea. The mausoleum is as simple as his life, and as green as his thoughts. Gandhi is an institution and an idea, which will remain forever. Gandhiji is known as Mahatma (the Great Spirit), Baapu (the father) and a saint like leader for all.
Also read about the facts and history of Qutub Minar of Delhi, a 13th century world heritage site in India.
Let me mention two quotes from Mahatma Gandhi,
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
and
“Be the change you want to see in the world”.
As a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Einstein notes,
“Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”.
Every year, the Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence by United Nations, on 2 October. This is wonderful and a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. It reflects a dedicated approach to uphold the policy of peace, non-violence, justice to all, and co-existence to make more beautiful world for all by UNO.
The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, of 17th century AD, is located in New Delhi, India. This is one of the holiest places of worship of Sikhs. The Gurudwara is visited by devotees following the faith of Sikhism from India and abroad.
This place is also a prominent tourist attraction, visited by Indians and foreigners, belonging to all religion and faith. The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is famous for its history, beautiful architecture, religious ceremonies of Sikhs and also for providing humanitarian services to people in need.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, outer Gate view, New Delhi, India! Image.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib History:
The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was initially a bungalow in Delhi, belonged to a king named Raja Jai Singh. King Maharaja Jai Singh was a ruler in 17th century CE, under the Indian Mughal dynasty, and his capital was at Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan.
There was a widespread of smallpox disease during 17th century, which had engulfed the larger population of Delhi. The eighth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Harkrishan Singh, in his young age, was requested to visit and heal the people of Delhi.
Consequently, the Guru “the spiritual guide” came to Delhi and stayed at the bungalow of Jai Singh. The Guru helped the ailing people providing aid and water (water with special properties of healing) from a well located near bungalow.
Also read the facts about Qutub Minaret -a tourist should know, a world heritage site in Delhi.
The people of Delhi belonging to all different religions and faiths attended the Guru and began to recover from the smallpox. But, unfortunately, Guru got infected with smallpox and died on 30 March, 1664, while treating and healing the people. He died at a tender age of just before reaching his 8th years of life.
Following this incident, and due to the stay of the Guru in Delhi in the bungalow, the same was donated to Sikh community by Raja Jai Singh in 1664 AD. Later on, in 1783, the bungalow was renovated and converted into a small shrine by a Sikh General named Baghel Singh. With the passage of time, more additional structures were added to the building. At present, it is one of the beautiful Gurdwaras with grand and lovely view.
Gurudwara, Sikh Religious Shrine with pond, New Delhi! Courtesy-pixabay, image by sudeshkjain.
Gurdwara Complex:
Spreading on a few acres of land, the complex of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib contains the main building of Gurudwara (main prayer building), a large pond of holy water (sarovar) and a tall flagpole (Nishan Sahib). Apart from this, the complex also houses a large modern kitchen with a big hall to feed people .
The main prayer hall is a beautiful building with big domes polished with gold on top. The beautiful arch of the Gurdwara along with the domes on top of the building, a typical Sikh architecture, reminds us the architecture of Islamic mosque.
Guru Harkrishan Singh was the eighth Guru or “Eighth Master” of Sikh religion. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Maharaj in 15th century AD, being the first Guru.
The original name of Guru Har Krishan Singh was Krishan Singh Sodhi. He was born on 7 July 1656 AD, in Rupnagar district of Punjab, India. Link of official Website of Gurdwara Management….
The mother of Guru Har Krishan was Mata Sulakhni, and the father, Guru Har Raj Ji was the seventh Guru of Sikhs. Guru Har Krishan or Guru Hari Krishan Sahib became the youngest Guru at the age of 5, on 7 October, 1661. Hence, the Guru is known as the Bal Guru (Child Guru). The Bal Guru died on 30 March, 1664 aged 8 years, due to infection of smallpox in Delhi, while healing to others.
Religious ceremonies inside Gurdwara:
The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib do not contain any statue or idol of god or goddesses, since Sikhs do not believe in statue or idol worship. Sikhism is a monotheist religion like Islam, believing in one God “Waheguru” (the wondrous enlightener). Sikhs believe that there is only one God, who created everything.
Gurdwara with Golden Dome, Sikh House of Worship, Gurdwara Bangla Saheb, New Delhi! Courtesy-commons-wikimedia, image by A. Savin
The religious scriptures of Sikhism known as “Guru Granth Sahib” and “Adi Granth”, has been placed in the heart of prayer hall of Gurudwara Bangla Saheb. The holy book is covered with beautifully crafted clothes and a devotee keeps on fanning manually with great respect at a regular intervals. The prayers are also performed from time to time. Devotees including men, women, elders and children, sitting on the carpet floor in the prayer hall, listen to the soothing live music and recitals from Holy Scriptures (Gurbani).
As you exit from the prayer hall, the lovely view of a huge pond provides a feeling of peace in open space. There was a well in past during Guru Har Krishan’s period before the pond. Later on, a tank was constructed over the well by Raja Jai Singh. At present, there exists a much enlarged pond. The water of holy pond, even today, is revered as having healing properties. The water of the same is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes.
Not far away from the exit gate of Gurudwara complex, “kada Prashad” (offered sweet dessert) is served to devotees and visitors near flagpole. The sweet dessert is revered and eaten with great respect.
Lungar (revered community dining):
The most wonderful part of Gurudwara is the tradition of feeding people (lungar) or community food. Unlimited food is served to people (as much as they could eat) without discriminating the caste, religion, region or gender. Thousands of people eat lunch and dinner (only vegetarian) sitting on carpet, cooked and served daily with love. Mostly, the poor and hungry people come to eat food here. It is really a great service to humanity.
To manage such a big and challenging job to feed thousands of people daily, a huge amount of money and material is required. And it is surprising to note, that this entire fund comes from community’s and individual’s donations voluntarily. The major fund comes in the form of cash and in kind as well, contributed mostly by Sikhs business man, farmers, employees, and commons.
Even the services like cooking food, serving food and cleaning utensils in Bangla Sahib Gurdwara are performed by Sikhs (rich and commons) known as “Karseva” (service through work). This is in the very spirit of Sikhism to serve humanity and human being.
Health Services at Gurudwara Bangla Saheb:
The latest and wonderful addition to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib premises’ is the setting up of a health center in the year 2021. The center provides health care and related services for needy and poor people. The hospital is equipped with latest and modern technology and equipment. The doctors and the diagnostic facility with free medicine services are major reason of high appreciation.
A Sikh is rightly called as “Sardar” (the head or a respected one) due to their unique turban and services to humanity.
Visiting Gurdwara:
A visit to a sacred place like Gurudwara Bangla Sahib as a tourist with friends, family or alone, should must be included in your tour list in Delhi. It provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge and a better understanding of the ceremonies, services, religion and tradition of Sikhs.
Before entering to the shrine, do not forget to remove your shoes and sandals. Cover your head hiding the hair with scarf provided there. There are volunteers to guide you while visiting Gurdwara, please follow their instructions.
Lotus Temple: Facts, History and Prayers in Bahai House of Worship
Lotus Temple also known as Kamal Mandir and Bahai Mandir in Hindi, Maabade-Nilofar in Persian or simply Bahai Temple is a house of worship of Bahai faith and centered in an area of 27 acres of land, in lush green beautifully designed and maintained garden. Located in New Delhi, India, the Temple was completed and inaugurated in 1986 AD.
Also read Facts about Qutub Minar, a 13th century World Heritage site in Delhi, India.
The lovely architecture is shaped into petals of white budding “lotus flower”, deriving its name from the structure as “Lotus”. There are 27 petals, grouped into three beautiful layers with symmetry, housing a spacious hall of worship and over 34.27 meters in height. The main building is surrounded by 9 water ponds of equal sizes, providing a spectacular view.
Baha’s House of Worship, with nice landscape! New Delhi. Image by HtoH
There are 11 Baha’i House of Worship in the world. The Lotus Temple of Delhi is the most beautiful among them. It was reported to be “the most visited building in the world” by CNN.
Lotus temple is one of the prime tourist attractions of New Delhi, the capital city of India. The major tourists come to visit from Delhi, India and foreign countries, apart from people belonging to Baha’i faith.
You may like to read about the facts and tour of National Rail Museum (Train Museum), Delhi, India.
History:
The land to construct the Lotus Temple had been purchased at its site in Delhi. The major funds were received as a contribution and donations, mostly from individuals of Baha’i faith and others. The Baha’i House of Worship at Delhi was completed on 13 November, 1986 AD, and it was named as “Lotus Temple”.
The Bahai House of Worship was inaugurated on 23 December in the same year, participated by people of Bahai faith from many countries of the world, and mostly from India. Finally, The Lotus Temple opens to public on 1 January, 1987.
You may like to read aboutBirla TempleDelhi, or Laxminarayan Temple.
Architect of Lotus Temple:
The architect of Bahai House of Worship of Delhi was Fariborz Sahba. He is an Iranian-American architect. The construction project was assigned to an MNCs, Larsen & Toubro Limited. The cost incurred to the project is estimated to be 10 million dollars in 1986.
Lotus Temple:
Lotus Temple, a house of worship, is open to all without any discrimination of religion, caste, gender, age or country. This place is visited by tourist throughout the year, except on Mondays.
There are 9 gates to enter and exit in main prayer hall of the Lotus Temple. After a short introduction delivered by a volunteer about the Bahai faith, one can enter from the gate into prayer hall as guided. The prime condition to enter inside the hall is maintaining silence and peace.
You may also like to read about Arc de Triomphe, Arch Gate of Paris, France.
Bahai House of Worship or Prayer Hall:
The huge Prayer Hall of worship of Lotus Temple is devoid of any idol, statue, or painting. The hall has a capacity of 1300 seating people and 1200 standing, a total of 2500 at a time. Prayer Hall contains wooden seating benches placed in semicircle, inside the Prayer Hall. You can sit for 10-15 minutes in silence. Sitting in silence is the most important way of worship, as believed by Bahai’s faith.
The Bahai House of Worship does not allow ritualistic or ceremonies of any kind. Meanwhile, it does not guide you to follow a fixed pattern to practice worship.
The Bahai Faith states that a Bahai House of Worship should be a place for all religious people to unite and come-to-gather. Following this concept, the sacred verses from all the major religious texts are recited during various prayer times by Bahai volunteers. The religious verses and text are read or chanted covering from Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Baha’i, and so on, but sermons and speeches are not allowed. Lotus Temple of Delhi has been dedicated to Abdul-Baha, the most popular proponent, and the son of the founder of Baha’i Faith.
Indeed, it seems to me that the Bahai faith is founded mostly on meditational peace and logical materialism of humanitarian oneness, rather than much to do with spiritual and ceremonial practices of worship.
Provided the opportunity to visit New Delhi, I will recommend you to include Lotus Temple, the most visited site of globe, in your tour list with your family, friends or being alone. I am sure, the aesthetic sense of beauty and peace will be satisfied utmost.
Lotus Temple and the Garden, New Delhi, India! Image
Lotus Temple Address:
Lotus Temple Road, Near Kalkaji Mandir, New Delhi, Pin Code-110065, India.
Official website, Bahai House of Worship or Lotus Temple Delhi.
Timing of Lotus Temple:
Lotus Temple Opens at 09:30 and closes at 05:30 PM (October-March)
09:30 AM to 07:00 PM (April to September)
Note: Lotus Temple of Delhi is closed on all Mondays.
Photography:
Photography is allowed in Lotus Temple premises and outside the Prayer Hall only. Photography is not allowed inside the Prayer Hall.
Entry to the Lotus Temple in Delhi is Free of cost. Chargeable Parking is available near Lotus Temple.
Nearest Metro Station:
Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station is the nearest metro station to Lotus Temple (on a walking distance).
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