Varahram Fire Temple of Yazd

Yazd has always been famous as a habitat for Iranian Zoroastrians. Varahram (also called Bahram) Fire Temple in Yazd City is known as the most famous Zoroastrian temple in the world.

History of Varahram Fire Temple of Yazd

The current building of this fire temple was constructed during the Pahlavi era in the year in the year 1934 AD in collaboration with the Parsis of India. Since the donors of the plot of land for this fire temple did not have enough financial resources to build it, they made five trips to India and received the cost of building it from the Parsis of India.

The Position of Fire Temple in The Life of Zoroastrians

The importance of fire was so great in people’s lives in the past that they gradually considered it sacred and dignified as a symbol of divine light, and fire temples also found a sacred place for them. However, the veneration of fire in fire temples is definitely not a direct worship of fire. Zoroastrians worship God in their fire temples through the medium of fire. Hence it is wrong to regard Zoroastrians as fire-worshippers.

Zoroastrians visit the Varharam Fire Temple and other fire temples to offer their prayers and recite parts of Avesta and Gathas in front of the fire. Zoroastrians do not have a special day for gathering at their fire temples and performing their prayers, and they do not pray in groups.

The Architecture of Varharam Fire Temple

The construction of the Varahram Fire Temple was inspired by the Achaemenid style of architecture used in Persepolis. In addition to that, the architectural style of the Parsis of India can also be observed in this building. One of the most important features of this fire temple is adhering to the principle of simplicity and avoiding too many decorations.

The main building of this fire temple is surrounded by a large yard with cedar and pine trees. Since the Zoroastrians believed in building a fire temple next to the water, a circular pond has been built right after the main entrance of the temple.

The image of Farvahar (source of life) and the top of the stone columns stand out beautifully in this building. The capitals of the columns, along with the flower-bearing stones, which are located at the base of the main hall wall, were built by some architects from Isfahan. The image of Farvahar above the portal of the entrance has been made by Yazdi architects.

There is a porch just before the entrances of the main building, which is higher than the courtyard. After passing through the porch and entering the fire temple, images attributed to Zoroaster can be seen on the walls of the main hall. In addition, some panels decorated with verses from the Zoroastrian Holy Book (Avesta) have also been installed on the wall. A small glass-walled room is located next to the main hall where the sacred fire is kept.

The Story of the Holy Fire of Varharam Fire Temple

The sacred fire of Varharam Temple was lit more than 1500 years ago and is very sacred among Zoroastrians. This fire has been transferred to this place after frequent relocations. Varahram fire was first moved from the Nahid Fire Temple of Pars to “Haftadar” Village and then to “Turkabad” district of Ardakan County of Yazd Province and after 30 years of preservation in Ashkaft Yazdan Cave, it was moved to Yazd, where it was kept for a long time in the Mobadan neighborhood of Yazd and was finally transferred to Varahram fire temple.

Since it is believed that the sacred fire should never be placed on the ground, it is, therefore, kept at a level above the ground, inside a special room, and inside a brass firebox that is placed on a 140 cm high stand, and the person who has the position of a “hirbad” is responsible for adding firewood to the fire and keeping it lit. Having it does. Herbed (junior priest) usually puts pieces of dry wood from resistant trees, such as almonds or apricots, into the firebox on a daily basis. Unlike some fire temples, the fire of which is fueled by gas, the sacred fire of the Varhram Fire Temple is maintained by using wood.

Etiquettes to be Observed for Entering Varharam Fire Temple

The person who intends to enter the Varharam Fire Temple must be clean. This cleanliness is manifested both in the soul and soul of this person and in the clothes he wears. Therefore, anyone who wants to enter the fire temple must wear white clothes. In addition, it is necessary to cover the head with a white hat for men and a white scarf for women. Taking off your shoes is another ritual that must be observed when entering the fire temple, which is a sign of respect for the sanctity of this place.

Varharam Fire Temple of Yazd was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1999 AD.

The veneration of fire in fire temples is definitely not a direct worship of fire. Zoroastrians worship God in their fire temples through the medium of fire. Hence it is wrong to regard Zoroastrians as fire-worshippers.