1. Places of Worship
In the Bahá’i Faith

2. In many places in the world, Bahá’is meet for worship in each other’s homes

3. Or in their local Bahá’i Centre

4. Which may also be their school house

5. There are seven Bahá’i ‘Houses of Worship’ or Temples in the world to date

6. This House of Worship was in Ashkhabad in Russian Turkistan
This House of Worship was in Ashkhabad in Russian Turkistan. It was destroyed following an earthquake.
Opened in 1908,
demolished in 1963.

7. Wilmette, Illinois, USA
Opened in 1953

8. The first African Bahá’i Temple is in Uganda
Opened in 1961

9. Sydney, Australia
Opened in 1961

10. Frankfurt, Germany
Opened in 1964

11. This one is in Panama
Opened 1972

12. This is the Samoan House of Worship
Opened 1984

13. This is the ‘Lotus Temple’ in New Delhi, India
Opened 1986

14. Nine pools surround the House of Worship.
The building is cooled as water condenses on the marble.

15. This Temple is still being built in Chile
This Temple is still being built in Chile. It is known as the ‘Temple of Light’

16. All Bahá’i buildings are funded by the contributions of members of the Bahá’i Faith.
Contributions are not accepted from anyone outside of the Bahá’i community.
‘Universal Participation’ is encouraged, where each member gives what they feel they can afford and all contributions are acceptable no matter how small. Contributions to the funds are private, and simply a matter of individual conscience.

17. Bahá’i Temples are very simple, calm and light.

18. They are open to everyone, whatever their faith.
Each House of Worship has nine entrances, to symbolise the nine great religions.
They are open to everyone, whatever their faith.

19. All Bahá’i Houses of Worship have 9 sides, 9 entrances and 9 paths, signifying that all paths can lead to God. These Temples are open to anyone, of any religion or belief.
Though the main part of the Temple is used for worship, there are other rooms for meetings and celebrations. In the future, they will have hospitals, schools and facilities for the elderly and the wider community built around them.
All Bahá’i Houses of Worship have 9 sides, 9 entrances and 9 paths, signifying that all paths can lead to God. These Temples are open to anyone, of any religion or belief. Though the main part of the Temple is used for worship, there are other rooms for meetings and celebrations. In the future, they will have hospitals, schools and facilities for the elderly and the wider community built around them.

20. There are 3 levels to each temple: the Dome, a Mezzanine and the main ground level.

21. The Ringstone Symbol
This is a common Bahá’i symbol which may be seen in Bahá’i buildings.
Bahá’is often wear this symbol on rings or necklaces.
The 3 layers symbolise God, His Messengers and Humanity. (This is similar to the levels in the Houses of Worship.) The vertical line joins the three horizontal bars together in the same way that the Divine Messengers of God form the link between the world of God and the world of man. The two stars represent the two important Bahá’i figures, Bahá’u’lláh and The Báb.

22. The Nine-Pointed Star is an easily recognisable Bahá’i symbol

23. This symbol is known as The Greatest Name (of God)
This symbol is known as The Greatest Name (of God). It is written in beautiful Arabic calligraphy and translates as ‘The Glory of the Most Glorious’. It is often seen in Bahá’i buildings and homes.

24. There are no sermons or talks given in the Temples
There are no sermons or talks given in the Temples. Reading from Bahá’i Writings and the Holy writings of all religions, quiet contemplation and singing take place in ‘Devotionals’ or acts of worship.
There are no sermons or talks given – only reading from Scriptures, both from the Bahá’i Writings and the Holy writings of all religions - and singing. Musical instruments are not used in this setting, but all of the Temples have their own choir.

25. Musical instruments are not used in this setting, but all of the Temples have their own choir.

26. Whilst the Houses of Worship (Temples) are beautiful and valued gathering places, community life is not dependant on them. Bahá’i community life takes place in homes and other meeting places, meaning that the rhythm of both spiritual and social gatherings can take place almost anywhere.
It is the act of gathering in unity and fellowship which is important, rather than the venue itself.

27. Further Investigation:
A good starting place for information is
Or try:
gives details of the Houses of Worship and many other topics.
All images were copied (free download)with permission from the Bahá’i Media Bank
With grateful thanks to the Farmington Institute for the opportunity to develop these materials:
Debbie Tibbey, 2013