Introduction
The Yazd Fire Temple is one of the most important Zoroastrian buildings in the world. For over 1500 years, the oldest continuously burning fire has remained alive. Although nowadays it is visited as a historical site, it is still an active place of worship for Zoroastrians of Iran.
Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. This religion was founded by Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra.
History
After the Muslim conquest of Persia, the fire temples were either destroyed or replaced by mosques. To preserve the sacred fire, Zoroastrians had to keep the fire safe in any way possible.
This fire was originally kept in Fars province in the city of Lar, over 340 km (211 miles) from Shiraz. It was transferred to Aqda, 98 km (60 miles) north west of Yazd. The fire was kept there for approximately 700 years before it was transferred to Ardakan, 60 km (37 miles) northwest of Yazd in 1174 AD.
Later on, in 1474, this fire was transferred to Yazd and has been there ever since. After the construction of the fire temple in 1934 AD, the sacred fire was transferred there.
The Sacred Fire
The fire kept in this fire temple is called Atash Bahram. This fire has the highest grade of sacred fires. To create it, fire from different sources had to be gathered and put together.
Then a ritual to consecrate the fire by the Mobads (priests) had to be carried out for over three years.
This fire is not to be contaminated at all. The Mobads, who want to carry out the Zoroastrian religious rituals, have to cover their mouths so their breath doesn’t touch the fire.
Although the fire is sacred, it is not worshiped as a deity. It symbolizes truth, purity, wisdom, and the divine light of Ahura Mazda.
Architecture
Persian elements as old as the Achaemenid dynasty are used in the construction of the fire temple.
Courtyard
Upon entering the courtyard, there is a pond in the middle. In ancient times, Iranians respected the water as the source of life, which nourished plants, animals, and men. This entered Zoroastrianism as well.
The yard is covered with cypress and pine trees.
The Fire Temple
The Yazd Fire Temple has a rectangular design. Upon entering, you can hear Zoroastian chants echoing in the building.
The sacred fire is in the bronze vessel within the innermost sanctuary separated from the visitor’s room by glass.
Only the priests are allowed to enter the innermost room to tend the fire and carry out the religious rituals.
Museum
The museum is located in the northwest of the complex. Inside you will see the depiction of Zoroastrian and Iranian ceremonies. From Nowruz, the Persian new year, to coming of age and even the Zoroastian marriage ceremony.
Underneath the museum, there is a photo gallery depicting Zoroastian celebrations and some influential Zoroastrians. The gallery leads to an old water reservoir originally used to provide water for the temple.
The Faravahar
The symbol of a winged disk has been used in the Near East and Egypt before Persians and Zoroastrians started using it. This symbol was used to depict the gods in those regions. Later, the Achaemenids adapted the image as they expanded their empire in this region.
There is a debate as to what this symbol actually means. Scholars like Ernst Herzfeld and Jamshedji Maneckji Unvala believe this is the symbol of Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian god.
On the other hand, scholars like Mary Boyce, Alireza Shapour Shahbazi, Irach Jehangir Taraporewala, and Vesta Sarkhosh Curtis believe this is the symbol of royal and divine glory.
The modern interpretation of this symbol among Zoroastrians is Faravahar, and it is associated with the fravaši, a spiritual entity associated with a person.
Visiting the
Yazd Fire Temple
The best time to visit the Yazd Fire Temple is in the morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler.
The Yazd Fire Temple opens from 8 till 12:30 and reopens from 16:30 till 19.
The time needed to visit this place is approximately 60 minutes.
Nearby Attractions
The Yazd Fire Temple is located in the city, and you can visit other sights in the city on the same day.
- Tower of Silence (Dakhme)
- Amir Chakhmaq Complex
- Jame Mosque of Yazd
- The historic city of Yazd, a 2017 UNESCO-registered site
- Dowlat Abad Garden, one of the nine UNESCO-registered Persian Gardens
Conclusion
The Fire Temple of Yazd is one of the most important Zoroastrian sites in the world. It is a cultural legacy of ancient Iran and one of the world’s oldest continuously practiced religions. Visiting the Fire Temple of Yazd is one of the highlights of every trip to Iran and specifically Yazd.
FAQ
Is it illegal to be a Zoroastrian in Iran?
No. Iranian constitution officially recognizes Zoroastrianism as a protected minority religion.
Has the Zoroastrian fire ever gone out?
No, the principal sacred Zoroastrian fire at the Fire Temple of Yazd has never gone out.
Which celebrity is Zoroastrian?
Freddy Mercury, the legendary Queen frontman was born to a Parsi family that practiced Zoroastrianism. Other notable celebrities are Boman Irani, John Abraham, Jim Sarbh, Amyra Dastur, and Zubin Mehta
What is banned in Zoroastrianism?
Practices that promote deficiency, spiritual impurity, or harm to creation are banned in Zoroastrianism.
References
- Mary Boyce — Ātaškada
- Mary Boyce — On the Zoroastrian Temple Cult of Fire
- Klaus Schippmann — Die iranischen Feuerheiligtümer
