We have made our way back to Delhi, stopping at the Qutub Minar.
Standing at 72.5 meters (238 feet), it is the world’s tallest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s located in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi and serves as a primary example of early Indo-Islamic architecture.
Construction: Started in 1192 CE by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi. It was later expanded by his successors, Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, while the top two floors feature a mix of marble and sandstone.
The Iron Pillar: Right next to the minaret in the same complex stands an ancient 7-meter-high iron pillar that is over 1,600 years old and is famous for its incredible resistance to rust.
The “Unfinished” Rival: Nearby, is the Alai Minar, a massive stone base. Sultan Alauddin Khilji intended for it to be twice as tall as the Qutub Minar, but construction stopped after his death when it was only about 12 meters high.
We also have a quick look at the Lotus Temple which is a Bahá’í House of Worship located in New Delhi, renowned for its striking flower-like shape and inclusive atmosphere. Since its completion in 1986, it has become one of the most visited buildings in the world, serving as a symbol of peace and unity.
Designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, the structure is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides.
• The Interior: Inside the central hall, which can seat up to 2,500 people, there are no idols, religious pictures, or altars. The focus is entirely on silent prayer and meditation, regardless of one’s personal beliefs.
• Symbolism and Purpose: True to the Bahá’í faith’s tenets, the temple is open to people of all religions. The lotus flower was chosen as the central design element because it is a symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam.
It was the first temple in Delhi to use solar energy, highlighting a commitment to environmental harmony alongside its spiritual mission.
