How to Visit a Baha'i Temple

The Baha'i faith is renowned for its gorgeous temples, which use symmetry and inter-faith symbolism to express some of the core values of the religion. The temples are located all around the world, so a little bit of guidance will get you to a beautiful Baha'i temple with relative ease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Tour Baha'i temples online. Getting a broad view of Baha'i temples around the world will help you gain some background without spending lots of time and money for travel. Check out the Baha'i Faith website to read trip logs by people who have extensively toured Baha'i temples.
2. Learn the meaning of Baha'i symbolism. Baha'i temples are full of religious symbolism that encompasses everything from the shape and number of supporting pillars to the stylization of doors and windows. Understanding why Baha'i builders chose specific forms will make your visit more meaningful and enjoyable.
3. Contact local Baha'i representatives. The Baha'i Faith website is an excellent portal to reach out to Baha'i authorities and guides who can recommend temples to see in your area. You can also look at architecture discussion forums like ArchNet.org to find information on Baha'i architecture and buildings.
4. Take a visit to a local temple. There are exotic Baha'i temples in many unexpected places. Illinois, for example, boasts a number of temples, as do New York and California. Start out by visiting local temples to whet your appetite for Baha'i architecture.
5. Extend your search. Seeing some of the most magnificent Baha'i temples requires a bit of travel, but the temples are certainly worth the effort. The famous Baha'i temple of Haifa, for example, is known around the world for its layered gardens, which cascade down the side of Mount Carmel. Other temples in India and the Far East are equally stunning and should not be missed.