About Desai Atash Behram
Desai Atash Behram is a Zoroastrian fire temple located in Navsari, Gujarat, one of the eight Atash Behrams in India and nine worldwide. Consecrated in 1765 with support from philanthropist Seth Pestonji Jamasji Desai, it houses the highest grade of sacred fire in Zoroastrianism. Revered by the Parsi community, the temple is known for its traditional architecture, continuous sacred fire, and historical association with Navsari as a long-standing centre of Parsi settlement.
Visitors guide
Visitors will find a traditional Parsi fire temple in central Navsari with a white facade, pillared entrance and quiet, well-maintained premises. Parsi and Irani visitors may enter the prayer hall where priests tend the sacred fire in the inner sanctum. Non-Parsi visitors can view and photograph the exterior and entrance area only. The atmosphere is calm with ongoing prayers and religious observances throughout the day.
Key highlights
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One of only eight Atash Behrams in India and nine worldwide housing the highest grade of Zoroastrian sacred fire
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Consecrated in 1765 (Vikram Samvat 1821) and maintaining a continuously burning sacred fire since then
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Established with donation of land and funds by philanthropist Seth Pestonji Jamasji Desai
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Traditional Parsi architecture with sanctum, prayer hall and priest quarters
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Historic association with Navsari as a major centre of Parsi settlement since the 12th-15th centuries
History of Desai Atash Behram
The sacred fire was consecrated as an Atash Behram in 1765 (Vikram Samvat 1821) through the patronage of Seth Pestonji Jamasji Desai who donated land and funds. Navsari had housed Parsi sacred fires since the 15th century after migration from Sanjan. Desai Atash Behram is the second oldest Atash Behram in India after Iranshah Atash Behram at Udvada (1742) and has maintained its consecrated fire continuously since establishment.
Culture & Context
As an Atash Behram, it represents the highest grade of fire temple in Zoroastrianism and is highly sacred to Parsis and Iranis. It is one of nine Atash Behrams worldwide and serves as a major religious centre for the Parsi community of Navsari, historically regarded as the headquarters of Parsi priesthood and the seat of the First Dastur Meherji Rana.