The Ancient and Sacred Yazd Atashkadeh
For nearly 2,000 years, it has been the strong Zoroastrian’s faith which has kept the sacred fire of the Yazd Atashkadeh (Fire Temple) or Atash Behram consistently alight through the ages in Iran. Attracting travellers and tourists from the farthest distance, this temple is one of nine Atash Behrams. The other eight being in India, it is the only one of its kind in all of Iran. Atash Behram translates to ‘victorious fire’. This description is a label of the highest degree of sacred fires, rather than the name of the temple itself. The Atashkadeh, itself, was funded and built in 1934 by a Parsi Zoroastrian Association in Bombay, India. Come along with goingIRAN to learn and discover more about this attraction!
The fire was first started by the Sassanid Shah, 470 AD, in the Pars Karyan Fire Temple in Larestan, Iran. Following its ceremonious and mythical creation, it was transferred to Aqda, Yazd and kept for 700 years. It was again moved to Nahid-e Pars Temple near Ardakan City and kept for 300 years before making its way to the home of a high priest in Yazd. At its last destination it was finally consecrated its new temple in 1934.
Upon entering the sacred temple, visitors have claimed to feel the mighty presence of the ancient flame. For many hundreds of years, the followers of the Zoroastrian faith have been practising their religion around this very flame! The high admiration of fire is due to the belief that it is the manifestation of Ahura Mazda (Creator Spirit). Being designed by architects from Bombay, the Achaemenid-style temple much resembles the traditional Atash Behrams of India.
Visitors of the non-Zoroastrian religion to the temple have only been allowed as of the recent 1960’s. Definitely take the time to make use of this opportunity and step into a truly ancient and sacred realm.
City/Town: Yazd
Street Address: Ayatollah Kashani St., Atashkade Alley
Operating days: Every day
Operating Hours: 9am. to 8pm.
Typical Price: 200.000 Rls.
Neighbourhood: Clock Tower Markar- Markar Commercial – Mirror Palace