The sacred fire that burns continuously in Parsi temples and its deeper meaning

The practice of a sacred fire burning day and night in Parsi fire temples is the most significant ritual in Zoroastrianism. The practice has profound religious significance and has been continued for centuries. To know its importance, religious significance and history, scroll down to learn more about it!

Zoroastrian fire is the symbol of cleanliness, truthfulness, and the might of Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian supreme deity. Fire represents light and wisdom, the antonyms of evil and darkness. For Parsis, holy fire is not a normal fire but a symbol of divine might and spiritual light. The constantly burning fire signifies the eternal aspect of Ahura Mazda's (their supreme deity) wisdom and the eternal war of good over evil. People go to the fire temple to offer prayers, meditate, and get connected with the divine fire.

It is a very old practice dating back thousands of years in ancient Persia, where Zoroastrianism started. Atash Behrams or Agiaries were initially fire temples and were turned into religious buildings where priests kept sacred fires with utmost reverence. A fire that was always burning indicated an enormous power, which was an indication of the religion of the people for religious purity, as well as the endurance of their religion. Even after Parsis had settled in India, this ritual remained at the center of their religious identity.

The holy fire is kept and fed by trained priests called Mobeds on a daily basis. The priests note that the fire is never put out but is rather kept alight at all times by sandalwood and other clean woods, which are said to preserve the cleanliness of the fire. The devotees cleanse themselves prior to approaching the temple as a sign of respect. The fire burns day and night consistently to symbolize that the society is committed to keeping its religion in perfect shape. It's supposed to remind Parsis who they are and why they have to make sure they keep their tradition intact from one generation to the next. Holy fire is a symbol of perseverance, unity, and hope to other people in a changing world .

The sacred fire is not just lit casually, its consecrated in a great detail and has a sacred process that takes up to a year. In the case of an Atash Behram, the highest grade of fire temple, 16 different types of fire are collected from various sources such as a potter’s kiln, a baker’s oven, lightning, a soldier’s hearth, and others. Each fire undergoes purification rituals many times before being united into one sacred flame, once consecrated through prayers, the fire is then lit and preserved without interruption for generations.