The Sacred Chak Chak Fire Temple
Filled with mystery and wonder, tourists and pilgrims travel the mountainous desert lands of central Iran in quest of visiting the sacred Chak Chak Fire Temple, also known as Pir-e Sabz (The Green Pir). The most sacred Zoroastrian mountain-shrine sits elegantly right beneath a towering cliff face in the middle of what seems like nowhere. About an hour drive away from Yazd city, the secluded shrine is met by waves of visitors every year. Thousands of Zoroastrian pilgrims from all over Iran and neighbouring countries travel to the sacred pir annually. Tradition tells us of how pilgrims are to stop riding as soon as they see the temple and walk the remaining distance to it. Come along with goingIRAN to learn and discover more about this attraction!
The sacred shrine is dedicated to the daughter of the last Sasanian King Yazdegird III, royal Princess Nikbanoo. Legend has it that upon escaping from the Arab attack, the royal family split up to avoid capture. Fleeing to Pir-e Sabz, the Arabs caught up and cornered her against the cliff walls. Praying to Ahura Mazda deeply with her heart and soul, the cliff face miraculously opened up and took her in! The gap closed just as fast as it had opened and left the Arabs in awe-struck. From this tale, the dripping spring waters that emerge from the cliff walls are known as Nikbanoo’s tears. Maidenhair ferns grow on the veins of water, symbolizing the princess’s hair. The collected water drippings rest in a small pool that gives life to a patch of greenery. This is where the site derives its name, The Green Pir, from. Among the greenery is a very old plane tree, legend saying it grew from the cane Nikbanoo used to climb the mountain. It is said that the tree miraculously catches fire and restores itself every thousand years!
Today, pilgrims gather every June (14th – 18th) to remember Nikbanoo and fall of the Aryan Empire. Praying for a brighter tomorrow, the pilgrims usually cook food, play music and dance together. They believe that it is their devotion and joy that strengthens their hope for a better future. The shrine’s building is built right into the cliff rocks, with marble flooring. The bronze entrance doors, stone alcoves and over all architecture of the shrine come together in creating an extremely unique environment. From the Chak Chak temple, visitors have an extraordinary view peering into the arid mountainous desert among the spontaneously growing group of trees. A truly magnificent and breathtaking sight!
