Sacred Sites in Zoroastrianism

Fire Temples

In Zoroastrianism, fire temples are places of worship where Zoroastrians perform their devotions and rituals. Fire is a central symbol in Zoroastrianism, representing purity through rituals. These temples are typically built with a central hearth/altar, where a sacred fire is kept burning continuously as a representation of the light of God to gain spiritual insight.

In some fire temples, the fire is tended by a priest who is responsible for maintaining the purity of the fire and performing rituals and prayers in its presence.

Agiaries and Atash Behrams

An agiary, or Dar-e Mehr (meaning Mithra's gate) are small fire temples and places of worship. The majority of Zoroastrian fire temples globally are agiaries and house second grade fires (known as Atash Adaran).

The Atash Behram name is given to the highest grade of fire in Zoroastrianism as well as the temples that house this grade of fire. These types of temples are considered to be the most sacred sites of worship. Atash means "fire" while Behram means "victorious," thus translating to "fire of victory." Atash Behrams are dedicated to the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, and the maintenance of the sacred fire is central to the rituals and practices that take place within these temples.

Like most fire temples, Atash Behrams are typically built with a central hearth/altar, where a sacred fire is kept burning continuously (tended by a priest) as a representation of the divine presence. In many Atash Behrams, the fire has been burning for over 1,000 years. There are currently only nine Atash Behrams in the world, and each one is considered to be a highly sacred and holy site for Zoroastrians. They are located mostly in India (8 Atash Behrams) but there is one in Iran.

Explore below the 9 Atash Behrams: