The first South American Baha'i temple was inaugurated in the commune of Penanolen on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile, on Thursday.

The Baha'i House of Worship, located in the foothills of the Andes, opens its doors next Wednesday.

Construction work began in 2010 and the temple was completed this year. Designed by Canadian firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, the building's form is made up of nine "sails" that curve up towards the temple's apex.

The Baha'i faith has millions of followers worldwide and has temples in seven other locations around the world. The monotheistic religion was founded in 19th-century Persia. A central tenet of the faith is unity, and the belief that all people should work together for the betterment of humankind.