Chak Chak: A Zoroastrian Shrine
Pir-e Sabz, a mountain pilgrimage shrine near Ardakan
Chak Chak, also called Pir-e Sabz, is a Zoroastrian pilgrimage shrine in the mountains east of Ardakan in Yazd Province. Water drips from the rock beside the shrine, giving Chak Chak its familiar name.
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Geography and Architecture
Chak Chak’s geographical location and significance among Zoroastrians make it a fascinating destination for travelers. Its mysterious aura, unique architecture, and location in the heart of a mountain in the desert amplify its appeal.
Water seeps from the rock and feeds plants beside the shrine. The plane tree growing against the rock is part of the site’s local tradition.
Location of Chak Chak on Google Maps
Religious Importance
Besides its religious importance to Zoroastrians, Chak Chak distinguishes itself from other Zoroastrian shrines due to its natural water source and trees. The efforts of Zoroastrians, both within and outside Iran, in constructing, maintaining, and preserving this site cannot be overlooked.
Ceremonies at Chak Chak Shrine in Yazd
The shrine is a place of prayer and an annual gathering for Zoroastrian pilgrims from Iran and abroad.
Encyclopaedia Iranica describes the annual pilgrimage to Pir-e Sabz. For a particular year, ask the shrine’s custodians about dates and access before planning around the gathering.
Mehregan Festival
Mehregan and Sizdah Bedar have their own traditions. Access to the shrine on festival dates should be checked with its custodians.
Interestingly, similar to followers of other religions who consider their shrines sacred, Zoroastrian brides and grooms also start their new life by visiting this shrine to seek blessings.
The Mysterious History of Chak Chak Shrine
Accounts of the shrine preserve several oral traditions. These stories explain why the place matters to pilgrims, while the early history of the structure is less clear.
Formation of the Shrine
One tradition links the shrine to Nikbanu, said to be a daughter of Yazdegerd III, the last Sasanian ruler. The story does not establish a founding date.
Chak Chak as a Zoroastrian Pilgrimage Site
Today, Chak Chak Mountain is a sacred site for Zoroastrians, rooted in the religion of Iranians during the Sassanian era when Zoroastrianism was the official religion. The shrine holds a special place for Zoroastrians due to their involvement in its construction and maintenance.
Incredible Legends of Chak Chak Shrine
The mysterious and unknown history of Chak Chak is one of its most fascinating aspects. Various legends exist, but it’s unclear which, if any, are closest to reality.
Chak Chak as Pir-e Sabz
Pir-e Sabz is commonly translated as Green Shrine. The name appears alongside Chak Chak in accounts of Zoroastrian pilgrimage.
Temple of Anahita
Water and the mountain setting have prompted comparisons with other Iranian sacred places. The comparison alone cannot establish the shrine’s origin.
Role of Yazdegerd’s Daughters in the Shrine’s Formation
Legend narrates that during the chaotic Arab invasion and fall of the Sassanian dynasty, Yazdegerd III sought refuge in a safe region, now known as Yazd. His daughters fled to the surroundings of Yazd, each facing different fates. One daughter, Nikbanu, disappeared near the Chak Chak mountain.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Nikbanu
An interesting tale surrounds Nikbanu’s disappearance. As the story goes, she sought refuge in the mountain from pursuing enemies. The mountain miraculously opened up to hide her, leading to a spring emerging from its crevices.
Shepherd’s Dream and Shrine Construction
A shepherd, in search of his lost sheep, discovered the water source. In his dream, a lady, believed to be Nikbanu, instructed him to build a shrine and light candles there. This dream led to the construction of the Chak Chak Shrine with the help of Zoroastrian elders.
The Ancient Plane Tree’s Legend
In one version of the legend, the plane tree grew from Nikbanu’s staff.
The Two Important Considerations
The disappearance story belongs to the shrine’s oral tradition. Treat it separately from the documented history of pilgrimage at the site.
Why is the Zoroastrian Shrine Named Chak Chak?
The name “Chak Chak” for this Zoroastrian shrine comes from the sound of dripping water from the rocks, reminiscent of a ‘drip-drip’ sound. This water is significant as it is the main water source for the Chak Chak Shrine in Yazd.
Terraces and Pilgrim Rooms at Chak Chak
Upon reaching Chak Chak Mountain, visitors see a five-story structure built in a staggered, terraced fashion, where the roof of one level serves as the courtyard for the next. These rooms, known as “Khileh,” are used for the rest and accommodation of Zoroastrian pilgrims. The oldest room, dating back to the era of Naser al-Din Shah, is approximately 150 years old.
Inside one of these rooms is a well, considered sacred by Zoroastrian followers. Pilgrims tie a thread around its rope to fulfill their wishes.
Adjacent to these rooms, a kitchen and oven are built for the convenience of pilgrims to cook and offer their sacrificial lambs.
Visiting the Shrine as a Non-Zoroastrian
The stairs pass rooms used by pilgrims. Follow posted directions and ask before entering a room or taking photographs.
At the top, a beautiful, golden-colored door adorned with the image of a spear-wielding Achaemenid soldier marks the entrance to a stone building resembling a cave’s mouth. Upon entering, after removing shoes, visitors step on the marble stones of the fire temple. Since the temple is nestled within the mountain and water drips from certain areas, the floor remains damp and cool.
Inside the fire temple, there’s a wall between two stone boulders designated for candle lighting. In front of it stands the Zoroastrian eternal flame, surrounded by tear-shaped vessels for lighting candles and incense, forming a lotus flower pattern. Zoroastrians light candles and incense here for prayer.
The darkened, smoke-stained walls, a result of the perpetual fire, and an ancient plane tree emerging from the rocks, recognized as a natural heritage of Iran, capture attention. Looking up, you’ll see a stone ceiling with a chandelier for illumination and a part where water drips, collected in vessels for drinking and blessing purposes.
Number of Steps to Chak Chak
The route climbs a long flight of steps from the approach road. Plan for the uphill walk and the descent, especially in hot weather.
Water at the Shrine
Water seeps through the rock beside the shrine. Its steady dripping is one of the features visitors notice on the approach to the sanctuary.
Facilities Limitation at Chak Chak Shrine
The Chak Chak Shrine has limited facilities, offering only electricity, water, toilets, and rooms specifically for Zoroastrians. Therefore, visitors should bring any necessary items from the nearby cities of Yazd or Ardakan.
Visiting Etiquette at Chak Chak Shrine
This is an active place of worship. Follow instructions about shoes, dress and photography at the entrance, and give worshippers room.
Best Time to Visit Chak Chak
A cooler day makes the climb more comfortable. If your visit coincides with a pilgrimage, ask about visitor access in advance.
Location of Chak Chak Shrine
Address: Northwest of Yazd, Iran, 43 kilometers east of Ardakan, in the Khavaranq district.
Access Route to Chak Chak
Approach the site by road from Ardakan. Plan the return ride before setting out, as the shrine is outside town.
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Chak Chak Shrine in Brief
The mountain setting, water and stories of Nikbanu are part of a pilgrimage tradition that continues at Pir-e Sabz.
