Udvada Atash Behram, Sacred Zoroastrian fire temple in Udvada, Gujarat, India
Udvada Atash Behram is a Zoroastrian fire temple housing an eternal flame maintained through specific daily rituals. The structure displays Persian architectural style with detailed marble work that frames the space where ceremonies take place.
The sacred fire was consecrated in 721 CE at Sanjan and moved multiple times due to political upheaval. It reached its present location in Udvada in 1741, where it has remained since.
Nine priestly families conduct daily ceremonies in the temple following Zoroastrian traditions that have been handed down through their lineages. These rituals shape the rhythm of daily life and maintain the spiritual practices visible to those who visit.
The temple is located about 200 kilometers from Mumbai and accepts visitors by prior arrangement only. Access is coordinated through community representatives who manage entry permissions.
Establishing a new sacred fire requires gathering and purifying sixteen different types of fire through ritualized processes. This procedure can span an entire year, demonstrating the extraordinary complexity of this Zoroastrian practice.
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