A place of worship for the Parsis, the fire temple in Udvada is named 'Iranshah" and considered to be one of the most holy places of worship for the Parsi community and holds the holy fire. When the Parsis came to Udvada, King Jadi Rana allowed them to consecrate the Iranashah (in 1742). The newly married make it a point to visit the Iranshah to seek blessings. On auspicious occasions people of the Parsi community also come to Iranshah to pray.
The flame was brought and established in Udvada in the 18th century when the Parsis fled from Persia due to religious persecution. The flame was first consecrated at Sanjan on its arrival in India. The Holy flame was then brought to Udvada and has been burning for more than 250 years. The fire is believed to have been caused from 16 fires which include fire of a funeral pyre, a shepherd’s hearth, a goldsmith’s hearth, a potter’s kiln and a fire caused by lighting.
Celebrations are held every year at the temple on the 9th day of the 9th month, Shahenshahi, according to the Zoroastrian calendar, which is considered as the day the temple was founded. Special ceremonies are also held every month on the 20th day according to the Zoroastrian calendar. The Iranshah Atash Behram at Udvada is one of the eight holy worship places of the Parsis in India. Four others are in Mumbai, two in Surat and one in Navsari.
The entry to the Fire Temple of Iranshah is strictly restricted to the Parsis only.
