A MORNING VISIT TO THE BAHAI TEMPLE

Like many of you, I have marvelled at the huge green dome of this temple from afar. And yet, each time people asked what they could do over the weekend I gleefully suggested, “you must visit the Bahai Temple, its spectcular”. What they didn’t know, is that I had never visited it before. But not anymore!

It was a cloudy day and threatening to rain. I wasn’t sure how it would end, but I was determined to visit the temple. It has two entrance gates and ample parking space. I used the gate further from the reception/National Bahai Center and instantly added a few meters to my planned walk (not a bad thing, huh!?). Rules and regulations governing the temple are clearly written on a sign post at the gate, take time to read them. This is how my day went;

1. The information boards

One advantage of using the entrance I used, is that you wind up at the main temple entrance, where the information boards stand. Not much is known about the Bahai faith, so reading up provides the much-needed context.

2. The National Bahai Center/Reception

Say hello to the receptionist and get as much information about the faith and the temple from here. If you plan to use a professional camera, you must seek permission from here. According to the website, it is usually open from 9am to 5pm.

3. A walk around the temple

Take a leisurely walk around the temple and keep outside the clearly marked concrete boundary. Feel free to sit down and take as many pictures as you please.

4. Garden tales

Enjoy the tales of colourful flowers and gigantic trees spread out around the serene gardens. You can even take a nap if you please. Up here, the sound of the city is almost blocked out and filled by silence and gentle breezes.

5. Post card angles

Wrap it up with a post card picture because everyone needs one of these in their albums. Go take yours this weekend!

 

Cheers!