Ateshgah Fire Temple
The Ateshgah Fire Temple, also known as the “Fire Temple of Baku“, is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhany town (in Surakhany raion), a suburb in Baku, Azerbaijan. Based on Iranian and Indian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. The four holy elements of their belief were: ateshi (fire), badi (air), abi (water), and heki (earth). It was one of the three major fire temples of the pre-Islamic era alongside the Fire Temple of Taft and the Fire Temple of Maragheh.
The temple ceased to be a place of worship after 1883 with the installation of petroleum plants (industry) at Surakhany. The complex was turned into a museum in 1975. It is currently one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan.
History
The Ateshgah Fire Temple was constructed atop a natural gas vent. Fire rituals at the peninsula’s numerous natural gas vents date back to at least the 10th century, although the current temple structure was built during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Most scholars believe that the temple was built by Zoroastrians. The apsidal fire altars are aligned with the direction of Mecca, indicating that it was later used by Muslims. Hindu and Sikh pilgrims from India also visited the temple, leaving inscriptions in their languages.
Architecture
The Ateshgah Fire Temple is a rectangular complex with a central courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by a number of buildings, including the main temple building, a caravanserai, and a number of smaller shrines. The main temple building is a two-story building that is made of red brick and has a number of intricate stone carvings. The temple has a large altar in the center of the room where the sacred fire was kept.
Things to See and Do
There are many things to see and do at the Ateshgah Fire Temple. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:
- The Main Temple Building: This is the main building of the temple and was where the sacred fire was kept. The building is a two-story structure that is made of red brick and has a number of intricate stone carvings.
The Caravanserai: This is a large inn that was built to accommodate pilgrims and travelers. The caravanserai is a two-story building that is made of red brick and has a courtyard in the center.
- The Shrines: There are a number of smaller shrines located throughout the complex. These shrines were dedicated to various Hindu and Sikh deities.
- The Museum: The museum at the Ateshgah Fire Temple exhibits artifacts from the temple’s long history. The museum also has a number of exhibits on the history of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Sikhism in Azerbaijan.
How to Get There
The Ateshgah Fire Temple is located in the Surakhany suburb of Baku, about 30 kilometers from the city center. The temple can be reached by taxi or bus.
Tips
- The best time to visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
- The temple is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- The admission fee is 4 AZN for adults and 2 AZN for children.
- There is a café on site where visitors can purchase food and drinks.
- The temple is a popular tourist destination, so it is advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
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