Delhi in a day.... visiting places from mosques to temples...

What can I say?  Delhi is filled with so many diverse places of worship from many types of religions.

My first stop was probably my most favorite.  The Jama Masjid of Delhi took my breath away.  I did my best to capture its beauty through my camera lens but it does not compare to seeing it in person.  I think my skills as a photographer are improving or my canvas is just getting better and better.

This is the largest and most famous muslim mosque in India.  It was comissioned my Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (the same builder of the Taj Mahal) and was finished in the year 1656 AD.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jama_Masjid,_Delhi

I then took a tour on a rickshaw around town.  I thought LA and Chicago traffic was bad!  It is nothing compared to the congestion of Delhi.  I am at the end of my seat watching cars driving on the wrong side of the street, families of four riding on a two seater scooter and I have already seen 3 accidents!!

On my way out, we drove by a gurdwara ( punjabi for the Gateway to the Guru, or a place for worship for Sikhs ). 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurdwara

I also went to the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.  He spent his life for the cause of freeing India from British rule in a non-violent, manner.  His legacy will forever be remembered and honored in India.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhi

I also visited the Bahai' Lotus Temple in New Delhi.

"...the purpose of places of worship and edifices for adoration is simply that of unity, in order that various nations, divergent races, varying souls, may gather there and among them amity, love and accord may be realized."

- Bahá'í Writings

I loved the principles behind the Bahai Faith.  Anyone, from any religion, race or color can come and worship.  There is no discrimination here.  Everyone is welcome.  

Can't we all just get along??? 

http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in/

Qutb Minar was another amazing piece of architecture.  It is the world's tallest brick minaret standing at 237.8 feet.

 It is one of the oldest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.  It is also the highest tower in India.
http://www.indhistory.com/qutub-minar.html

Rashtrapati Bhavan ( Sanskrit for the Presidential House/ Palace) is the official residence of the president of India.

My last stop was at the Indian Gate.  This is the national monument of India also commemorating 90,000 soldiers of the british indian army fighting for the British Raj in World War I and the third Anglo-Afghan War.  It is made of red sandstone and granite.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_Gate

This trip would not have been possible without the help of my guide, Ravi Rai.  Thanks Ravi for all of the historical information of the various religions, places and culture.