In our previous note, we introduced Mehraban Guiv fire temple, and the gathering held to celebrate the renovation of its library. We also described the traditional structure of Zoroastrian temples, focusing on the elements of fire and water, which we will continue to explore here-below.
In addition to fire and water, trees and plants are also integral to Zoroastrian temples, particularly evergreens such as cypress, pine, myrtle, boxwood, and rue. These plants are often used in ceremonies. The Avesta also praises plants and trees, with pomegranate and date trees being planted fire temples in India, their branches being used for Yasnakhani ceremonies and other prayers. Plants are linked to the Amesha Spenta Amordad, and placing their branches on religious altars symbolizes respect for them and their guardian Amshaspand.
Another key element in Zoroastrian temples is metal. From the fire altars to the ceremonial vessels, metals must be kept clean, pure, and free from rust. Metals are also celebrated in the Avesta and are associated with the Amesha Spenta Shahrivar. Placing metal vessels on religious altars shows respect for the element and its guardian Amshaspand.
Traditionally, some Zoroastrian temples in Iran, particularly those hosting Yasnakhani ceremonies, would keep a cow. One of the last examples is the Gahanbarkhaneh in Yazd, where a shed for keeping cows still exists. Animals are associated with Bahman Amesha Spenta and have long been revered. Placing eggs, milk, and other animal products on religious altars honors the animals and their guardian Amshaspand.
Earth is another fundamental element of nature revered in various Avesta texts. In particular, the Zamiyad Yisht, while mainly praising “Khvarenah/Farrah,” also lists numerous mountains and lands. Traditionally, religious spreads are placed on the ground as a symbol of respect and acknowledgement of the Earth. Unbaked clay—either painted with “white clay” for funerary rites, unpainted for Gahambars, or decorated for festive occasions like Nowruz—also represents reverence for the earth. In Zoroastrian fire temples, the floor, whether of the fire room or other sections, is always kept clean.
While Zoroastrianism’s respect for nature extends beyond fire, water, metal, animals, plants, and earth, these six elements hold particular importance in connection with the Amesha Spentas and religious spreads.
It is suggested that modern Zoroastrian temples strive to maintain and explain these traditional elements—fire, water, earth, plants, animals, and metal—within their spaces. In an era where human activity threatens the environment, preserving these temple features can serve as a reminder to respect nature universally. Although keeping animals in temples may not be necessary, incorporating water, greenery, and peaceful surroundings can attract local wildlife, fostering a harmonious coexistence. Furthermore, explaining these elements can help prevent misconceptions regarding the significance of fire in Zoroastrian practices.
It is equally important for modern Zoroastrian temples to serve as cultural and social hubs. To facilitate this, it is essential to incorporate a small library and study space within the temple. The focus of these books can predominantly be on Zoroastrianism. In cities like Kerman and Shiraz, for example, fire temples are part of larger complexes that integrate religious, cultural, and social functions, offering everything including library, conference halls and even clubs. However, in many neighborhoods of Yazd, the situation is different, as the fire temple, club, and meeting hall are typically not housed in a single complex but are located nearby one another, which is still valuable. In the Narsi Abad neighborhood of Yazd, for instance, the fire temple, club, and meeting hall are just a few steps apart. In the past, a small library was also available in the meeting hall of this neighborhood, which I hope is still in place.
It is beneficial to establish, preserve and activate and also propagate such structures, based on the unique characteristics of each locality. What matters most is that each neighborhood or area, according to its available resources and methods, can develop and activate its own religious, cultural, and social center.
Below is a suggested text for awareness that, if deemed appropriate, can be used by those in charge and displayed within the temple, or adapted to its layout. For the full text, click here. – for details about religious spreads, refer to the article “Nowrooz spreads and other religious spreads” Amordad, 1399. – Texts related to water, fire, earth, plants, metals, and animals in the Avesta and Middle Persian period are mentioned in various sources. One of the most accessible ones is the “Hamazor Dahman” in the Khorda Avesta, which praises these natural elements and their corresponding Amshaspands.
