BAHÁ'Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP
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FAQs
How do I get to the House of Worship?
Directions are easily available via google maps. Click here or copy and paste this link to your browser:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L1tbEuTxEYYakDFK7
You’ll arrive at the Visitor’s Centre and will be directed towards the House of Worship.
What do I need to bring?
It’s suggested that you come to the House of Worship with a comfortable pair of walking footwear. This is due to the natural terrain of the location, gravel-covered paths/surfaces and some slopes with steep walkways connecting the the surrounding gardens.
Feel free to bring your Religious Holy Book for quiet personal reading and reflection whilst inside the House of Worship.
A bottle of water, personal fan and hat may be useful if the weather is hot and if you wish to walk and meditate in the surrounding landscape.
What do I do upon arrival?
All guests are kindly asked to drop into the Visitor’s Centre prior to making their way to the House of Worship.
Guests who require mobility aids like wheelchair-users are kindly asked to notify our staff ahead of arrival so some assistance can be provided upon arrival and wheelchair access to the House of Worship can be arranged.
Will there be wheelchair access?
The House of Worship has been designed to allow access for wheelchair users.
Please note guests requiring mobility aids like a wheelchair will require careful assistance whilst visiting. Due to the steepness of some sections of the walkways caused by the natural terrain of the location, safe access to PWD restroom facilities at the Visitors Centre and to/from the House of Worship is best completed with accompaniment.
Please ensure you call ahead of your arrival to make sure appropriate special needs access can be provided upon arrival.
Why are there 9 entrances?
A central tenant of the Bahá’í Teachings is the oneness and unity of humanity in all its diversity. The number nine (9) is symbolic of comprehensiveness, inclusivity and completeness. It is also the numerical value of Bahá, meaning “Glory”.
For some, the nine entrances are also symbolic of welcoming people from all directions, all backgrounds, all faiths and celebrating our diversity as part of one human family.
What is the meaning of the symbol that is suspended at the centre of the House of Worship?
The Sacred Symbol suspended at the central oculus of the House of Worship represents the three (3) domains: Humanity (bottom horizontal line), the Divine Messengers of God (middle horizontal line) and the Unknowable Essence of God (top horizontal line). These three (3) are interconnected with one (1) vertical line, symbolising the Holy Spirit.
The two stars on the left and right represent the Twin Manifestations, namely the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh who Bahá’ís believe to be the latest of the Divine Educators in the progressive revelation of religion sent by God for the wellbeing of humanity. Read more
How much does it cost to visit the House of Worship?
There are no fees associated with visiting the House of Worship. All are welcome.
Also, there are no ‘offerings’ that are taken from any visitors who choose to enter the House of Worship central edifice.
What facilities and amenities are available?
At the Visitors’ Centre, there are male and female toilets and amenities as well as a dedicated restroom for disability access (PWDs) which includes a parents’ change table for babies and children.
Notably, for PWD access, the natural terrain between the House of Worship central edifice and the Visitors’ Centre is quite steep and rough – so close accompaniment and support is required for anyone needing wheelchair access.
There is also a deck for guests to relax and socialise prior to and after visiting the House of Worship. Simple kitchen facilities are also on site.
The Visitors’ Centre is also home to the Office of the Temple Director as well as the Office of External Affairs for the Bahá’ís of PNG with corresponding meeting room spaces.
Finally, there is a simple reception lounge to welcome dignitaries and special guests.
Do I need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea?
As an international guest it is important to assume you must need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea regardless of your passport origin.
Unless you have a letter from the Immigration Authority for your specific case, it is strongly advised that you apply for a visa. Some airlines may not allow you to board your flight even if you have a passport indicating visa on arrival status. Conditions and regulations can change at any time.
Please render your visa application online via the Immigration Authority’s website:
https://ica.gov.pg/visa/visit/visitor
