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Ateshgah: The Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Explore the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a historical monument near Baku, where Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Sikh traditions converge around an eternal flame.

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The Ateshgah, or "Fire Temple," is a castle-like religious complex in Surakhani, near Baku. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, it stands on a site where natural gas vents have been burning for centuries, revered first by Zoroastrians and later by Hindus and Sikhs. Today, the temple, with its iconic central flame, is a museum that attracts visitors from around the globe.

A brief summary to Atashgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), another fire-related attraction located a short distance away.
  • Hire a local guide at the entrance for detailed explanations in English or Hindi to enhance your understanding of the site's history and significance.
  • Photography is allowed, so capture the unique architecture, eternal flame, and Sanskrit inscriptions, but drones are prohibited.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Baku city center, take the Baku Metro to Koroglu Station. From there, you can catch a taxi or bus (184) to the Ateshgah Fire Temple. The bus will take you to the north concourse of Suraxanı train station, from where you cross the rail tracks through that station, turn left, go through a grandiose stone gateway then walk another three minutes passing a baronial hall–style cafe-restaurant to reach the temple. A taxi from Koroglu Station to the temple will cost approximately 5-8 AZN.

  • Taxi

    A taxi directly from Baku city center to the Ateshgah Fire Temple is a convenient option. The journey typically takes around 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 10-15 AZN for the ride.

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Discover more about Atashgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Located on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, the Ateshgah, whose name translates to "house of fire", is a testament to Azerbaijan's rich spiritual history. The site's significance stems from the natural gas vents that have been burning for centuries, drawing Zoroastrian fire worshippers to the area. The current structure was erected in the 17th and 18th centuries, built upon an ancient Zoroastrian worship site. It became a pilgrimage center for Zoroastrians from the Indian subcontinent who were involved in trade in the Caspian region. The temple complex is pentagonal in shape, resembling a caravanserai with a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and pilgrims. In the center stands a tetrapillar altar, where a flame burns, fueled by a gas pipeline, preserving the site's historical ambiance. Inside the complex, you can explore monk cells with inscriptions in Sanskrit and Gurmukhi, reflecting the temple's use by Hindu and Sikh communities. The site also features artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of fire worship, Zoroastrianism, and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. While the flames at Ateshgah are now sustained by a gas pipeline, they continue to symbolize the divine and the eternal, attracting those interested in history, religion, and the enduring power of fire.

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