Forgotten Temples in Iran

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Iran has been a land of different religions. Some religions were actually started in this country. People with different religious faith have crossed this region and left some influence. Some have evangelized their beliefs and some have converted. Temples have been built and destroyed. Some are left empty as worshipers are not there anymore.

Fire Temples of Zoroastrians

Maybe the most outstanding temples of the antiquities in Iran are fire temples in which Zoroastrians burned fire as a symbol of heavenly light. Every community had one of them. When Arabs invaded Iran, they destroyed the majority of them. Most of the ones that survived the invasion were transformed into mosques. Only very few of them survived this transformation.

Mithraic Temple

There were many followers of Mithras, the divinity of contracts, all-seeing protector of Truth, the guardian of cattle, etc. Some believe that it has been the divinity of Sun, but Avesta, Zoroastrians' book does not mention this. This religion went from ancient Persia to the heart of Europe, ancient Rome, and found lots of followers. This religion influenced other religions and cultures, but died out in its country of origin.

Anahita Temple

Some ancient Iranians respected water and worshiped the goddess of water, Anahita. There is no doubt they have always realized the value of water and keeping it clean and usable. The followers of Anahita used to let running water into their temples and had particular ceremonies to revere their goddess.

Buddhist Temple

Some Iranians had converted to Buddhism and disseminated the religion inside Persia. Specially, some Parthian nobles and princes were involved in doing so. Today you may find some of such temples in Eastern part of the country. The religion is not practiced, but the temples are still standing and open for visitors.

Hindu Temple

This religion has originated in India, but there used to be some Hindu temples in south and south east of Iran where the followers of the religion were coming together for their religious ceremonies. Today the only Hindu temple remained is in Bandar Abbas, the Iranian port at the strait of Hormoz.

Although other religions like Christianity and Judaism have got temples here, they are not considered forgotten temples, because there are Christians and Jews who practice their faith in Iran and have their own communities in different parts of the country, mainly in Tehran.

Zoroastrians have some modern temples of theirs today as according to their religion the architecture is not important. They concentrate a lot on the spiritual quality of their belief. They have never had any idols either. Some remnants of ancient fire temples are still standing out there, but Zoroastrians do not go to those places for praying.

The forgotten temples of Iran indicate the importance of religion in society and culture since antiquity and throughout the history. They were either originated in here or imported as some appreciated and promoted them.

Destination Iran invites you to travel to Iran to visit its beauties. Iran tourist attractions are there for you to see and enjoy. Learn more at: http://www.destinationiran.com.

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