The Bahá'í Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India (© Renaud Visage/Getty Images)

【January 26 2013】Before the temple's architect settled on this design, he met a follower of the Bahá'í faith who explained how the lotus flower is considered sacred in India, a symbol of purity and tenderness. India's national flower, the lotus frequently appears in literature, art, and as an ornamental motif on buildings. Because the lotus opens at sunrise and closes as the sun sets, people also associate the flower with the sun and regeneration. Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..