Iconic Places in Delhi: A Journey Through Time and Spirituality

Exploring Delhi’s Hidden Gems

As I delve into travel articles about India, I can’t help but feel a sense of injustice towards Delhi. Many tourists perceive the capital as merely a transit point, a place to spend the night before rushing off to the Taj Mahal. Popular express tours like “Seeing Delhi in Half a Day” do little justice to this vibrant city. In reality, Delhi’s attractions warrant at least a week of thoughtful exploration.

Historical Monuments of Delhi

Delhi boasts a rich tapestry of ancient and modern monuments that are truly worth visiting. The must-see list includes the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb.

The Tower of Victory: Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest brick minaret and the tallest tower in India, a remarkable example of Indo-Islamic architecture often referred to as the “Seventh Wonder of Hindustan.” Standing over 70 meters tall, its construction dates back to the 12th-14th centuries. Legend has it that the Pandava brothers, heroes of the Mahabharata, began its construction. By the 12th century, Qutub Minar had acquired its current name and firmly established itself as a minaret, with subsequent Islamic dynasties adding to its height. Today, the minaret has 379 steps, but tourists are only allowed to climb to the first balcony, approximately 150 steps.

Beyond the minaret, the complex, which was once the center of a bustling city, includes the ruins of mosques and chapels, the tomb of a 15th-century Sufi saint, ornate gates, and an astonishing seven-meter-tall iron pillar. This pillar, known as Indra’s Staff, weighs 6.5 tons and was cast in the 4th century. It has not rusted for over 1500 years, baffling tourists who search in vain for any signs of corrosion. Even modern furnaces struggle to produce such pure iron (99.7%), leaving scientists puzzled about how our ancestors achieved this feat. Some speculate about extraterrestrial involvement or forgotten ancient civilizations, much like the theories surrounding the pyramids.

The Red Fort

One of the grandest structures built by the Mughal dynasty, which ruled India for 300 years, the Red Fort in Delhi is often confused with the Red Fort in Agra due to their similar styles and shared history. The Delhi Red Fort, however, is the original. Built in the 17th century, architects labored for exactly nine years to complete it. The fortress wall has a perimeter of 2500 meters and stands between 16 and 33 meters high.

During Shah Jahan’s reign, the Red Fort housed 3000 courtiers in luxurious palaces, gardens, fountains, halls, and chambers. One of the thrones, the Peacock Throne, was made of gold and adorned with precious gems, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, now part of the British Crown Jewels. The Red Fort was also the site where India’s independence was proclaimed. Today, visitors can explore a small museum within the fort’s gates, showcasing costumes, weapons, and artifacts from the Mughal era.

If you have a fondness for forts, Delhi offers two more intriguing sites:

• Purana Qila (Old Fort): Founded in the 16th century, this fort is less ornate than the Red Fort but boasts excellent military architecture. It houses a mosque and a tower.
• Tughlaqabad Fort: Dating back to the 14th century, this fort is partially ruined, with only some walls and the tomb of the sultan who built it remaining. It was abandoned shortly after its construction and never used.

Humayun’s Tomb

Built in the 16th century by a renowned Persian architect, Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned by the grieving widow of Emperor Humayun. This mausoleum set the standard for all subsequent Mughal tombs, including the famous Taj Mahal. Humayun’s Tomb is the most “populated” Mughal emperor tomb in the country, housing not only Humayun but also many of his relatives. The complex includes a mosque, tombs of aristocrats, and even a barber’s tomb.

Spiritual Landmarks of Delhi

While India is renowned for its ancient temples, Delhi’s most fascinating spiritual sites are relatively modern, as one tour guide put it, “new creations of the 20th century.”

Radha Parthasarathi Temple

Often referred to as ISKCON in guidebooks, this temple is more accurately the Radha Parthasarathi Temple, as ISKCON is the name of the organization: the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Built in 1998, this megacomplex dedicated to Radha and Krishna was designed by a renowned architect who worked pro bono in support of the Krishna movement. The grand opening attracted politicians and cultural figures from around the world. The complex includes a prayer hall, an ashram, a center for Vedic culture, a vegetarian restaurant, a laser show, and a mirror maze. The laser show is a 3D attraction with full immersion, where visitors move from room to room, experiencing light, color, laser, and musical compositions. Themes include heaven and hell, the wheel of Samsara, temptations, and meditations. The hall dedicated to the dangers of alcohol and drugs is particularly intense, with sculptures that seem to come to life. Inside the prayer hall, devotees sit on the floor and chant mantras, creating an informal and welcoming atmosphere. The complex also features an art gallery depicting scenes from Krishna’s life, including works by Russian artists from ISKCON.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Also known as Birla Mandir, this is one of the most vibrant and colorful temples I have ever seen. Dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of happiness and abundance, and Narayan, an incarnation of Vishnu, its joyful appearance matches its spiritual significance. Built by the wealthy Birla family in the 1930s, the temple’s decor was crafted by a hundred skilled carvers. Mahatma Gandhi himself inaugurated the temple, declaring it open to all nationalities and castes, a tradition that continues today. In addition to Lakshmi and Vishnu, the temple houses shrines to Buddha, Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, Durga, and Krishna. The complex includes a palace, gardens, waterfalls, fountains, and even caves. A notable drawback for tourists is the photography restriction; only outdoor and garden areas can be photographed, leaving the magnificent interior undocumented. Inside, astrologers offer their services, providing business cards and individual horoscopes, feng shui consultations, and other services.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is a house of worship for one of the youngest and most intriguing religions, the Baha’i Faith. Built in the 1980s by a Canadian architect of Iranian descent, its unique design and spiritual ambiance attract a steady stream of visitors. The temple features artificial ponds, evening illumination, a spacious hall seating 1300 people, a unique ventilation system inspired by ancient temples, and an absence of straight lines, creating an indescribable atmosphere that beckons visitors to return. Tourists are admitted in small groups after a brief orientation to turn off mobile phones and maintain silence. Inside, visitors are encouraged to pray to any god they choose, meditate, or simply reflect on spiritual matters. It is a rare place where large groups of Indians gather in silence and order. The Lotus Temple welcomes followers of any religion and atheists alike, with no form of proselytizing. Upon exiting, visitors can take free brochures about the temple’s history and architecture, as well as brief biographies of the main gurus and the religion’s principles. The temple is accessible from any entrance, with English signage and helpful security personnel available to answer questions.

The Baha’i Faith originated in Iran in 1844 and now has between 5 and 7 million followers worldwide. Before the revolution, Russia had a Baha’i temple, and the Belarusian community includes about 400 members. Baha’i recognizes all the prophets and gods of major religions and aspires to a unified humanity and faith.

For further information, you can visit the official Baha’i website.