Bahai Faith started in Iran when the Bab inaugurated a new era in the history of the human race. The Bahais believe that the ‘Promised One’ of all ages and peoples, Bahaullah revealed himself in 1863. He dispatched one of the distinguished Bahai teachers, Jamal Effendi to India to spread the teachings of the Bahai faith in the years 1874-75. The Bahais believe Bahaullah as the Universal Manifestation of God whose advent has been prophesied in all the Holy Scriptures. It is estimated that there are at present nearly 2.3 million Bahais in India.
Fundamental Beliefs of Bahais:
The Bahais believe in the three cardinal principles – oneness of mankind, oneness of God and oneness of religion. The Bahais work for the removal of prejudices based on caste, creed, religion, sex, colour, race and language. They advocate universal education and the inculcation of a scientific outlook among people. The Bahais do not believe in superstitions, ceremonies, rituals and dogmas. Bahais believe that throughout the history the Creator has educated humanity through a series of Divine Manifestations. These Manifestations include: Krishna, Buddha, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Jesus and Muhammad. They believe that in the present age, God has revealed Himself through Bahaullah, who is regarded as their Prophet. The Bahais pray to the one true God, the Creator of the universe. It is obligatory for every Bahai to pray and meditate on the words of God every day. There are prayers for all occasions and these can be offered individually or collectively.
Bahai Temple :
The Bahai House of Worship at New Delhi, popularly known as the ‘Lotus Temple’, is one of the marvels of modern architecture. The temple gives the impression of a half-open lotus afloat, surrounded by its leaves. There is no clergy in the temple, nor are there any idols or pictures. It is a place for communication between man and his Creator.