Fire Temple of Kerman, Iran (History, Photos, Location)

Many fire temples have been built in Iran, some of which are still standing; among them is the Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Kerman, which is the last fire temple of this province. Fire Temple and Museum of Zoroastrian Anthropology is considered the only Zoroastrian Anthropology Museum in the world without any competitors, which is very attractive and popular. The fire temple offers more than just one benefit.

When you visit this location, religious individuals and historians claim that the fire at its ancient fire altar is the identical sacred and unadulterated fire that was brought to Iran from the Varhram temple in India. In the following, we will explain in detail about this beautiful historical building.

Fire Temple of Kerman History

There are two different stories about the construction and establishment of this religious site. According to one of these narratives, the fire temple garden was previously the residence of “Jahangir Ashidari”; in 1951 (during the reign of the second Pahlavi), by making changes in the building inside the garden, this house was transformed into a fire temple. Jahangir Ashidari was a well-known Zoroastrian Mobed researcher and historian.

However, another story states that a person named “Jamshid Khodarahm Narsi Abadi,” a Zoroastrian merchant from India living in Mumbai, stayed in Kerman for a while. Narsi Abadi was a charitable and benevolent person who, while traveling through various cities in Iran like Sistan, Tehran, Kerman, and Yazd, tried to leave behind benevolent works.

During his stay in Kerman, he decided to build an inn for his fellow Zoroastrians in the city. Following this decision, he chose a green garden in the Zoroastrian neighborhood of the city, located opposite the great national Zoroastrian School, to establish the inn. He bought half of this property and built a fire temple and a place of worship on it.

The owner of the other half of the property also, after this decision and construction, donated his share along with Narsi Abadi’s in 1924, and they handed over the deed to the Zoroastrian Youth Association of Kerman.

Zoroastrian Fire Temple Building in Kerman

The Zoroastrian fire temple in Kerman is a brick building with three words inscribed on its entrance: “Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarshta,” meaning good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. You can see a similar structure at the Chak Chak shrine in Yazd.

Fire Temple of Kerman Photos

The initial structure of this fire temple was built on a 4,000 square meter plot and later expanded to 8,000 square meters with the effort and cooperation of dozens of Zoroastrian benefactors. It now includes an assembly hall, dining hall, library building, computer center, site support center for the association, the Iranian Zoroastrian Anthropology Museum, the association’s secretariat, a board of directors’ conference hall, and an educational building for religious classes. All of these are managed by the Zoroastrian Association of Kerman.

This beautiful and historic temple, situated next to a beautiful garden, provides a peaceful and energizing place for a half-day retreat. Visiting this temple, along with the Zoroastrian fire temple of Kerman, is a delightful experience.

The Building and Different Parts of the Fire Temple in Kerman

The Zoroastrian fire temple in Kerman is a brick building located next to a garden, which multiplies the peace of being in this temple. The restoration and renovation of the temple have been done by architectural experts from Kerman, making the fire temple more beautiful than before.

Zoroastrian Anthropology Museum has been built next to the Zoroastrian fire temple building in Kerman. The museum building was constructed and donated by Ms. Mahin Dokht Siavoshian. The objects in this museum are displayed on two floors: one floor is dedicated to cooking utensils, inscriptions, special Zoroastrian clothing, and old books, while the other floor is dedicated to the Fire Temple of Kerman photos. There is a staircase area between these two floors where household items and agricultural tools are kept.

Objects in Kerman Fire Temple & Museum

Each section of the Kerman Anthropology Museum displays objects that show various aspects of Zoroastrian customs and traditions. The items in the museum, collected with the help of Zoroastrian families, include household items and tools for lighting and cooking, which are not significantly different from those used by Muslims.

Among the oldest items in this museum is a handwritten book of the Gathas that is over 200 years old, and a hand-made fire holder dated 1207 is also on display.

Kerman Fire Temple Photos

The museum houses women’s clothing items dating back 50 to 150 years, as seen in Achaemenid to Sassanian documents, reflecting the attire of Zoroastrian women. The collection includes various garments such as the Makhna, lace headdress, scarf, embroidered coat, dress, and trousers.

Also, photos from the Naseri Association of Zoroastrians in Kerman and Rafsanjan, along with portraits of notable individuals like Arbab Keikhosrow Shahrokh, Mirza Borzo Amighi, Keshvar Khanom, and Purandokht, are exhibited in the museum’s photo and document section.

Moreover, the museum features various Zoroastrian fire holders, oil lamps, tallow lamps, and traditional lanterns. Another valuable item in the museum is a photograph of the National Assembly during the Qajar era, featuring Keikhosrow and Shahrokh, who were Zoroastrian representatives from Kerman in the assembly.

What is inside the fire temple?

Inside the fire temple Zoroastrianism, you will find the sacred fire altar where the eternal flame is kept burning, symbolizing the purity and presence of Ahuramazda, the Zoroastrian god. The flame is kept by the Mobadhas (Zoroastrian priests), who perform rituals and ceremonies to commemorate it.

Additionally, this fire temple contains religious works, sacred texts, and objects of historical importance for Zoroastrian society. Visitors can also explore a section of the museum that displays cultural and anthropological exhibits related to Zoroastrianism, providing insights into the history, traditions, and practices of this ancient faith.

Fire Temple of Kerman Location

The Zoroastrian fire temple is one of the famous places in Kerman, which is located on Zarisef Street (Shohada), at the beginning of Barzo Amighi Street. The fire temple is located in Mosafai Garden, which used to be the residential house of Jahangir Ashidari and has been transformed into a fire temple.

Fire Temple of Kerman address: Kerman Province, Kerman City, Moshtaghieh Square, Zarisef (Shohada) St., the beginning of Borzo Amighi St (Location on Map).

Final Word

One of the prominent attractions of Kerman city is the Zoroastrian fire temple and anthropology museum of this city. The Zoroastrian Anthropology Museum of Kerman is called the only Zoroastrian Anthropology Museum in the world. It is located in the Zoroastrian Fire Temple complex in Kerman. This museum includes separate sections where the objects collected by the founders of the museum and the cultural heritage of the time are kept behind glass in these sections.

Kerman Fire Temple and Museum of Anthropology is one of Kerman’s attractions and those interested in Zoroastrian history and culture can visit this historical place during their trip to Iran.