Fire Worship

The central ritual practice of Zoroastrianism, venerating sacred fire as the symbol of divine wisdom and purity.

The Central Ritual of Zoroastrianism

Fire worship is the most visible and enduring practice of Zoroastrianism. Unlike other ancient traditions that view fire merely as a tool, Zoroastrians venerate fire as the supreme symbol of Ahura Mazda's divine wisdom, purity, and light. Fire (Atar) is considered the son of Ahura Mazda himself, embodying Asha (truth and order) in physical form.

Important Clarification: Zoroastrians do not worship fire itself. Fire is revered as a powerful symbol and manifestation of the divine presence, not as a deity. The practice is one of veneration and respect, directed ultimately toward Ahura Mazda.

The Sacred Fire - Atar

Nature of Fire

Fire holds unique properties that make it supremely symbolic in Zoroastrian theology:

Eternal Purity: Fire cannot be defiled. While water, earth, and air can become polluted, fire remains pure and actively purifies whatever it touches
Divine Light: Fire represents the light of Ahura Mazda, illuminating darkness and dispelling ignorance
Living Presence: Fire is treated as a living being that must be fed, cared for, and respected
Physical Manifestation of Asha: Fire embodies truth, order, and righteousness in tangible form
Mediator Between Worlds: Fire connects the material and spiritual realms

The Five Sacred Fires

Zoroastrian tradition recognizes five types of fire, each with specific significance:

Atash Behram (Fire of Victory): The highest grade of sacred fire. Consecration requires combining 16 different fire sources (including lightning strike, funeral pyre fire, metalsmith's fire, potter's kiln, etc.) through elaborate rituals lasting one year. Only nine Atash Behrams exist in the world today
Atash Adaran (Fire of Fires): Second-grade fire combining four fire sources, maintained in major temples and community centers
Atash Dadgah (Village Fire): Third-grade fire that may be established with simpler consecration rituals, found in smaller temples, homes, and for personal worship
Atash-i Vahram: The warrior's fire, associated with victory and righteous battle
Atash-i Mihr: Fire associated with Mithra, used in covenant ceremonies and solar celebrations

Fire Temples (Atashgah / Atashkadeh)

Architecture & Design

Zoroastrian fire temples are designed to house and protect the eternal flame:

Fire Chamber (Atashgah): The innermost sanctum where the sacred fire burns continuously. Only initiated priests (mobeds) may enter
Fire Vessel: The fire burns in a metal urn (afrinagan) raised on a stone or metal pedestal
Ventilation: Careful architectural planning ensures constant airflow without extinguishing the flame
Purity Measures: The chamber is kept scrupulously clean. Priests wear mouth coverings (padam) to avoid defiling the fire with breath
Worship Hall: Surrounding the fire chamber, where worshippers gather to pray in the presence of the fire (viewed through a doorway or window)

Famous Fire Temples

Udvada Atash Behram (India): The oldest continuously burning fire in the world, allegedly burning for over 1,500 years since fleeing Iran during Islamic conquest
Yazd Atash Behram (Iran): One of the nine Atash Behrams, burning continuously since 470 CE
Navsari Atash Behram (India): Consecrated in 1765, one of the most revered Parsi fire temples
Kerman Atash Behram (Iran): Ancient fire temple in southeastern Iran

Daily Fire Rituals

The Five Daily Tending (Boi Ceremony)

Priests tend the sacred fire five times each day, corresponding to the five watches (gahs) of the Zoroastrian day:

Havan (Dawn): Sunrise to midday - dedicated to Mithra
Rapithwin (Afternoon): Midday to mid-afternoon - time of greatest light
Uzerin (Late Afternoon): Mid-afternoon to sunset - transition period
Aiwisruthrem (Evening): Sunset to midnight - dedicated to Sraosha
Ushahin (Night): Midnight to dawn - protection against demons

Fire Tending Procedure

Each fire tending ceremony involves precise ritual actions:

Purification: The priest performs ritual ablutions (padyab) and puts on clean ritual garments
Approach: Wearing the padam (mouth covering), the priest approaches the fire with reverence
Feeding: Fresh fuel is added - traditionally sandalwood, cypress, or other fragrant woods. The wood must be dry and pure
Arrangement: Ash is removed and the fire is carefully arranged to burn evenly
Prayers: Sacred prayers (Atash Niyayesh) are recited, honoring Atar
Sandalwood Offering: Special pieces of sandalwood are offered with specific invocations

Worship Practices

For Lay Worshippers

When visiting a fire temple, Zoroastrians follow specific practices:

Ritual Purity: Perform ablutions before entering the temple
Head Covering: Men wear the traditional cap (pheta), women cover their heads
Approach with Reverence: Stand in the doorway of the fire chamber, never touching or crossing the threshold
Prayer Posture: Stand with hands folded in respect, facing the fire
Recitation: Recite prayers such as Atash Niyayesh (Litany to Fire) or Ashem Vohu
Ash Blessing: Apply sacred ash (from the eternal fire) to the forehead as a blessing
Offerings: May leave offerings of wood, money, or flowers for temple maintenance

The Atash Niyayesh (Litany to Fire)

The primary prayer to fire, recited during fire worship:

"I am pleased with the fire of Ahura Mazda; I am pleased with Atar, the son of Ahura Mazda. May there be satisfaction unto the fire of Ahura Mazda, the mighty, the beneficent, the strong, most speedy, most victorious. May the fire of Ahura Mazda come unto us for aid, for joy, for mercy, for victory, and for health, for victory, for growth, and for might."

Home Fire Practices

Beyond temples, Zoroastrians maintain fire practices in their homes:

Household Fires: Many families maintain a perpetual lamp or fire in their homes
Prayer Times: Facing a lamp or candle during daily prayers (five times daily)
Life Cycle Events: Fire plays a central role in births, weddings (where couples circle a fire), and other ceremonies
Festival Celebrations: Special fires lit during festivals like Nowruz and Sadeh
Respectful Treatment: Never extinguishing fire directly with water or breath; letting fires burn out naturally

Theological Significance

Fire in Cosmic Battle

Fire plays a crucial role in Zoroastrian cosmology and eschatology:

Weapon Against Evil: Fire destroys demons and purifies impurity
Protection: Sacred fires protect communities from evil influences
Final Purification: At the Frashokereti (final renovation), rivers of molten metal will purify all creation
Eternal Light: In the perfected world, divine light will illuminate all existence

Symbol of Asha

Fire embodies the fundamental Zoroastrian concept of Asha (Truth/Order):

Unwavering Truth: Fire burns according to natural law, never deviating
Purifying Justice: Fire cleanses impurity without favoritism
Life-Giving Power: Fire provides warmth, light, and energy essential to life
Transformative Force: Fire transforms base matter, symbolizing spiritual transformation