Photo book on Lotus Temple: Frames that capture the silence beneath the petals
When travelling in south Delhi, one often points out Lotus Temple for the young ones to see and gasp in admiration. But, how many times have you experienced its serene beauty from the inside? That’s what 19-year-old photographer Sara Wadhwa wanted to capture. Her visits resulted in her coffee table book titled The Soul In The Madding Crowd: The Lotus Temple.
“I started going to the Lotus Temple as a child because I was, and still am, fascinated with its massive white structure,” says Sara, adding, “When I was about 13, after a piano recital, a kind man, seeing me with my camera, took me into the Temple and said ‘Click to your heart’s content’… and I haven’t stopped since then!” she says.
The book comprises over 350 photos clicked by Sara between 2012 and 2016. “I selfpublished in 2016, but couldn’t release it because I had to go back to California to complete my higher education,” says Sara, who recently exhibited her works at her third solo show, Lehgato.
“I’m sure that some of the pictures of Lotus Temple that I have clicked aren’t with anyone. After my regular visits to the Temple, I became familiar with the volunteers there and managed to photograph those parts of the Temple, which are beyond the reach of common visitors,” adds this south Delhi resident.
Through her frames, the self-taught photographer explores the significance of the Temple as a symbol of peace. “I was captivated when I saw that people following different religions were praying together at the Lotus Temple. Once I saw a group of people standing at the podium, one by one they stepped up and said a small prayer from their faith,” recalls Sara.
I started going to the Lotus Temple as a child because I was, and still am, fascinated with its massive white structure. SARA WADHWA
PHOTOGRAPHER