Iranshah Atash Behram

Iranshah Atash Behram in Udvada, Valsad district, Gujarat, is the most sacred Zoroastrian fire temple in India. Located in the coastal town of Udvada, it enshrines the sacred fire known as Iranshah, said to have been consecrated in Sanjan in 721 CE and moved to Udvada in 1742. Revered by Parsis worldwide, it is the highest grade Atash Behram and a major pilgrimage centre.

Visitors can expect a serene white temple complex in the quiet coastal town of Udvada. The sacred fire is housed in the inner sanctum, which is accessible only to Zoroastrians (Parsis and Iranis). Non-Zoroastrian visitors cannot enter the main hall but can view the temple exterior, its traditional architecture, and the peaceful surroundings from outside the premises. The area includes a courtyard and ancillary structures within a calm, residential setting near Udvada Beach.

The Iranshah fire was consecrated in Sanjan in 721 CE after Zoroastrians arrived in Gujarat from Iran. To protect it from invasions, the fire was moved to various locations including Bahrot Caves, Vansda, Navsari and Surat, before being ceremonially installed in Udvada in 1742. It has been burning continuously for over 1300 years and is regarded as the spiritual heart of the Parsi community in India.

Regarded as the King of Iran (Iranshah) by Zoroastrians, the fire is the most venerated Atash Behram for Parsis globally. Udvada is considered the holiest Parsi pilgrimage town, and every devout Zoroastrian is expected to visit the shrine at least once. The temple is central to Parsi religious identity, rituals and annual festivals.