A Look Into The Region

Adorning our cover is the Baha'i House of Worship more popularly known as the "Lotus Temple" located in Delhi, India. The magnificent temple is the last of seven edifices raised in different parts of the world by followers of the Baha'i faith which originated in Persia (now Iran) in 1844. Formally dedicated in 1986 to the oneness of God, religion and humankind, the temple incorporates 27 "petals"-nine in the inner circle, nine in the outer and nine on the arches (with nine entrances and exits) as part of its lotus design. Surrounding the temple are nine large pools of water that enhance its beauty and provide natural cooling for the prayer hall during the hot Delhi summers. The lotus symbol was chosen because of its purity and tenderness, and association with worship and religion in India. An Iranian-born Canadian Faribruz Sahba was chosen out of 40 architects to build this truly spectacular temple.