Chak Chak Temple: Sacred Sanctuary of Zoroastrians
A Zoroastrian Fire Temple From Sassanid Era
Chak Chak, also called Pir-e Sabz, is an important place for Zoroastrians to visit. It stands for the Zoroastrian community‘s unity. This shrine is one of the most interesting places to visit in Yazd. It is in the Chak Chak mountains. Its mysteries and tales make it more interesting, but only a few people know much about it.
This hallowed site has captivated pilgrims and travelers for over 1400 years, thanks to its fascinating legends and rich history. Follow us on a brief tour through this Zoroastrian magnet’s legends, traditions, and attractions.
Contents
History of Chak Chak Temple
Historians and archaeologists still need to learn the full story of how Chak Chak came to be or its past. However, some history books say that when the Arabs invaded Iran during the Sassanid Era, things were very chaotic. That’s why Yazdgerd III, the last king of the Sassanid Dynasty (632–651), and his family left Ctesiphon and moved to Yazd to find safety. To protect the king from the Arabs, forts and watchtowers were built. Many people think that the name Yazd comes from the name of the king Yazdgerd.
When King Yazdgerd died, all of his children—five girls and two sons—thought it was unsafe to stay in Yazd and ran away. That mountain is 43 kilometers from where the city of Ardakan is now, and one of his daughters, Nikbanou, took refuge there and then disappeared. A story says that Nikbanou’s enemies were following her and getting closer while she was hiding in the woods.
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Nikbanou starts to cry and begs Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian god, to protect her from the bad guys. Suddenly, a crack forms in the rock’s center and Nikbanou runs away forever. After many years, a shepherd who slept near this spot with his sheep dreamed about a woman who cared for him and asked him to build a room and light candles. We now call this place Chak Chak Temple or Shrine, which is the Zoroastrians’ holy fire temple. The beautiful sound of water falling from the rocks is a metaphor for Nikbanou’s tears.
Historians say that besides the abovementioned myth, there is no record of King Yazdgerd III and his family moving from Ctesiphon to Yazd. Also, most Anahita Temples are built on top of a hill, and there is usually a ditch or pond next to the temple as a sign. Chak Chak was originally an Anahita Temple for honoring the goddess Anahita.
Geography & Architecture
Chak Chak‘s geographical location and significance among Zoroastrians make it an appealing tourist attraction. Its mystical aura, one-of-a-kind architecture, and position in the center of a desert mountain all contribute to its allure.
Water falling from the ceiling supports the growth of an ancient plane tree and other plants on the shrine’s stony surface, such as myrtle, Persian ironwood, and mountain figs.
Ceremony at Yazd’s Chak Chak Shrine
As a religious center, Chak Chak draws Zoroastrians from Iran and other countries to hold religious events together at certain times of the year.
From June 14th to June 17th (24th to 27th of Khordad), Zoroastrians gather for prayer, worship, reading from the Avesta, calling on Ahura Mazda, making sacrifices, lighting candles and incense, and singing happy songs. This event is so important that it’s called the Zoroastrian Hajj because of its grandness.
Chak Chak Temple Entry Rituals
In the same way that other religions’ holy places require particular practices to enter, this Zoroastrian temple does, too. Just to be polite, please take your shoes off. The shoes are there for you if you don’t want to get your feet wet. Men should dress and wear a white hat resembling a Jewish kippah. Women should cover their heads with a scarf. You and your clothes should also be clean.
Non-Zoroastrian Visitors to the Shrine
People who are not Zoroastrians can look around the shrine but can’t stay the night in these rooms. As you go up the stairs to the upper levels of the shrine, you’ll see writing on the rocks from the Zoroastrian holy book, the Avesta. It says, “In the world, there is only one path, the path of salvation.”
At the top is a beautiful golden door with a picture of an Achaemenid fighter holding a spear. This door leads to a stone building that looks like the opening to a cave. People entering the fire temple remove their shoes and step on the marble stones. The floor stays cool and damp because the temple is built into the rock, and water drips from some places.
Inside the fire temple, a wall between two large rocks is set aside for lighting candles. The Zoroastrian endless flame is in front of it, and tear-shaped containers for lighting candles and incense make a lotus flower pattern around it. Zoroastrians come here to pray and light candles and incense.
People are drawn to the walls, which are darkened and stained with smoke from the constant fire, and the old plane tree that grows out of the rocks. This tree is a natural heritage of Iran. Looking up, you’ll see a stone ceiling with a chandelier for light and a spot where water drips and collects in jars to be drunk and blessed.
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Chak Chak Shrine in Summary
We talked about the Chak Chak Temple‘s geography, history, the role of a Sassanian princess in its development, and its significance to Zoroastrians, even though the site remains a mystery.
FAQs
What Is The Best Time To Visit Chak Chak?
Given the desert temperature and difficulty climbing 360 steps in the heat, the best times to visit Chak Chak are in the cooler months of autumn (October and November) and spring (April and May). If you are not invited, avoid visiting during religious ceremonies.
Where Is The Location Of Chak Chak Shrine?
Khavaranq district is 43 kilometers east of Ardakan, northwest of Yazd, Iran.
What Is The Access Route To Chak Chak?
The shrine is set between the Ardakan and Anjireh mountains in the Chak Chak mountain range, a popular destination for Yazd and Kerman residents. It is 96 kilometers from Yazd and 43 kilometers from Ardakan.
