Ardakan is one of the largest towns in Yazd Province and the most populous city after Yazd, which is divided into three parts including the central Ardakan, Aghda, and Kharanagh, and is known as one of the touristic cities in the Central Desert of Iran. This city has one of the most well-preserved historical textures in Iran and is also home to Chak Chak (meaning drip-drip in Farsi), which is one of the most important and amazing attractions of Yazd, known as a symbol of the unity of the Zoroastrians’ society in Iran. Also known as Pir-e Sabz, this temple is a sacred cave located at the heart of a mountain. Apart from its ancient history and religious importance, what makes Chak Chak standout among the other Zoroastrian temples and shrines is its lovely plain tree and fountain, and its peaceful atmosphere.
Chak Chak Temple - Yazd, Iran
The History of Chak Chak
The historians and archaeologists do not still know the exact history of Chak Chak and how it was created. But according to some history books, when the Arabs invaded Iran during the Sassanid Era, Iran was passing very chaotic and days, therefore Yazdgerd III, the last king of the Sassanid Dynasty (632-651), and his family left Ctesiphon and moved to Yazd to shelter in a safer place, and some fortresses and watchtowers were built to keep the king safe from the Arab invaders. Some believe that the word Yazd is derived from the name of king Yazdgerd.
When king Yazdgerd Passed away, all his children including five daughters and two sons found the situation unsafe and escaped from Yazd. One of his daughters named Nikbanou sheltered in a mountain that is 43 kilometers away from the current city of Ardakan and then got disappeared at this place. According to a myth, while Nikbanou was sheltering in the mountains, the enemies were looking after her and getting closer. So, Nikbanou starts weeping and praying to Ahura Mazda (the God in Zoroastrianism) to save her from the enemies. Suddenly, a crack creates in the heart of the rock, and Nikbanou hides and disappears forever. Many years later, a shepherd who spent a night near this place with his herd, dreamed about a lady who took care of his herd and asked to build a chamber here and turn on candles. Today this place is known as Chak Chak Temple/shrine, the sacred fire temple of the Zoroastrians, and the wonderful sound of water drops dripping from the rocks is a metaphor for the tears of Nikbanou.
Except for the myth mentioned above, the historians say that no document refers to the migration of King Yazdgerd III and his dynasty from Ctesiphon to Yazd. Also, since most of Anahita Temples are located over a hill and a water ditch or pond is located by the temple as a symbolic element, Chak Chak was originally an Anahita Temple for praising the deity of Anahita.
Chak Chak Temple - Yazd, Iran
The Architecture of Chak Chak
The construction of Chak Chak consists of the main building of the fire temple which is a cave dug into the heart of a large rock, a courtyard with trees, and a complex of small structures built in five levels. These rooms were places for the Zoroastrians to do their rituals and Zoroastrians visitors and pilgrims to accommodate and take rest. There is a place for immolating animals and a large oven and a kitchen for cooking the meat as a votive. The temple has a large metal gate which is decorated with the motifs of Persepolis including Achaemenid soldiers holding a spear. The floor of this hall is covered with marble stone, and the walls are dark as a result of the fire which is burning in the hall eternally. A large chandelier is hanged from the ceiling, and drops of water constantly fall from the ceiling and create a wonderful dripping sound. There are some vases and pots for collecting drops of water for drinking and offering to the pilgrims as the holy water. As a result of this continuous dripping, the floor of Chak Chak Temple is always humid.
Chak Chak Temple - Yazd, Iran
The annual Zoroastrian pilgrimage at Chak Chak
Every year from June 14th to June 18th, thousands of Zoroastrians from Iran and other countries especially India, gather at Chak Chak and perform annual rituals including praying, baking and sharing a traditional bread called ‘Seerag’ and a soup, reading Avesta (religious texts of Zoroastrianism) and worshiping Ahura Mazda, lighting fire and candles, and singing happy hymns. All these are done for honoring the sacred soul of Nikbanou and all their ancestors who have passed away. This annual ritual is one of the most important gatherings of the Zoroastrians in the world and is similar to the Haj ritual of the Muslims.
Chak Chak Temple - Yazd, Iran
Tips for visiting Chak Chak
- During the four-day worshiping ritual of the Zoroastrians and also on Sizdah Bedar Day, which is the celebration day of nature on the last day of Nowruz, travelers and visitors are not allowed to enter Chak Chak and only the Zoroastrians can be at this holy place.
- For reaching the Chak Chak Temple on top of the mountain, the visitors should pass 360 stairs.
- The visitors of Chak Chak Temple (of any religion) are required to cleanse themselves before entering the shrine and they can’t enter with shoes on, however, there are slippers available at the entrance. Also, the male visitors should cover their head with a white cap and the female visitors should wear a white scarf, which are provided to them at the entrance.
- Considering the desert climate of the area and the hot weather during summer, the best time of year for visiting Chak Chak is during March and April in spring and October and November in autumn.
