Tag: New Delhi

Following Bahá’u’lláh’s passing, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s extraordinary qualities of character, His knowledge and His service to humanity offered a vivid demonstration of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings in action, and brought great prestige to the rapidly expanding community throughout the world.

In His Writings and during His travels, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tirelessly proclaimed certain vital truths to leaders of thought as well as to countless groups and individuals. Among these truths were: “The independent search after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition; the oneness of the entire human race, the pivotal principle and fundamental doctrine of the Faith; the basic unity of all religions; the condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national; the harmony which must exist between religion and science; the equality of men and women, the two wings on which the bird of humankind is able to soar; the introduction of compulsory education; the adoption of a universal auxiliary language; the abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty; the institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations; the exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship; the glorification of justice as the ruling principle in human society, and of religion as a bulwark for the protection of all peoples and nations; and the establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind.”

On a guided tour of the House of Worship, visitors were engaged in various conversations where some glimpses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life were shared.

” In brief, the original purpose of temples and houses of worship is simply that of unity — places of meeting where various peoples, different races and souls of every capacity may come together in order that love and agreement should be manifest between them. That is why Bahá’u’lláh has commanded that a place of worship be built for all the religionists of the world; that all religions, races and sects may come together within its universal shelter; that the proclamation of the oneness of mankind shall go forth from its open courts of holiness — the announcement that humanity is the servant of God and that all are submerged in the ocean of His mercy. It is the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. The world of existence may be likened to this temple and place of worship.‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 65

Millions of Bahá’ís in communities all across the world are commemorating the hundredth anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing. Amidst this unification of hearts and thoughts towards the remembrance of the beloved Master, Houses of Worship emerged as focal points of the commemorations.

The Baha’i House of Worship, New Delhi, observed this auspicious occasion beautifully.

A night view of the House of Worship, known as the “Lotus Temple” because of its design inspired by a lotus flower.

The centenary program at the House of Worship included devotions and readings of passages from the Bahá’í writings.

A formal program preceded the special prayers offered in the main edifice. People’s thoughts and hearts converged and were connected in their love and immeasurable admiration for one Whom they turn to as the perfect example of love for humankind and of selfless service to society.

Beautiful prayers were chanted in unison.

The Baha’is of Delhi and communities throughout the world are profoundly reflecting on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life of service to humanity as they prepare to commemorate the centenary of His passing this November. Families converse on the person of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and share a small gift of the portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on behalf of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Delhi.

A series of stories told by different people in Delhi, India, recall moments from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life.

This is a publication by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of India, in commemoration of the centenary.