Ateshgah of Baku
Azerbaijan
The Ateshgah of Baku, often called the Fire Temple of Baku, is a remarkable pentagonal complex located in Surakhany, Azerbaijan. Built during the 17th and 18th centuries atop a natural gas field, it served as a place of worship for Zoroastrians and Hindus alike. The temple features a central tetrapillar altar surrounded by cells for monks, and is adorned with inscriptions primarily in Devanagari script referencing Hindu deities like Goddess Jvala Ji. The site symbolizes the sacred fire element, central to Zoroastrian belief as a connection to God. Historically, it was a pilgrimage and philosophical center for Zoroastrians from the northwestern Indian subcontinent engaged in Caspian trade. Though the natural eternal flame was extinguished in 1969 due to petroleum extraction, it is now maintained by piped gas. The temple was abandoned in the late 19th century but was restored and converted into a museum in 1975. It remains a cultural and historical monument, reflecting the multicultural religious history of the region and Azerbaijan's epithet as the "land of fires."
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the temple's architecture and inscriptions. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. The site offers discounts for students and groups. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the temple's history and cultural significance. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
Interesting facts
- •Out of 23 inscriptions found at the temple, 18 are in Devanagari script, 2 in Gurumukhi, 2 in Landa scripts, and 1 in Farsi.
- •The temple features the sacred Hindu Swastika symbol in six inscriptions and many inscriptions begin with Om Shri Gaṇeshāya Namah.
- •The temple's name derives from Persian words meaning 'home of fire' and is located atop a natural gas field that once produced spontaneous fires.
- •The temple was a pilgrimage center for Zoroastrians from the northwestern Indian subcontinent involved in trade via the Grand Trunk Road.
- •The natural eternal flame was extinguished in 1969 due to petroleum extraction but is now maintained by piped gas supply.
- •The temple was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998 and declared a state historical reserve in 2007.
History
Surakhany, where the temple stands, has been known since ancient times for natural oil seeps and eternal flames fueled by hydrocarbon vapors.
The Ateshgah was constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries over one such natural gas field.
It served as a religious site for Zoroastrians and Hindu traders, with inscriptions commemorating visits by figures such as Guru Nanak.
The temple was abandoned in the late 19th century as the local Indian population declined and petroleum industry developed.
The natural flame was extinguished in 1969 but the temple was preserved as a museum from 1975 onward.
In 2007, it was declared a state historical-architectural reserve by Azerbaijan.
Place Guide
Central Tetrapillar Altar17th-18th century
The heart of the temple complex, this altar is where the sacred fire was maintained, symbolizing the divine connection in Zoroastrianism. It is surrounded by the pentagonal courtyard and is architecturally significant for its design and religious symbolism.
Monks' Cells17th-18th century
The complex includes 24 cells surrounding the courtyard, which served as living quarters and meditation spaces for monks and pilgrims visiting the temple.
Inscriptions17th-18th century
The temple walls bear 23 inscriptions in multiple scripts including Devanagari, Gurumukhi, Landa, and Farsi, many invoking Hindu deities and commemorating pilgrimages, including one referencing Guru Nanak's visit.
Contact
Phone: (012) 452 44 07
