Chak Chak Ardakan Zorastrian — Local services in دهستان زرین

Chak Chak, also known as "Pīr Sabz" (Green Saint), is a significant pilgrimage destination for Zoroastrians in Iran, situated near Ardakan in Yazd province. This historic shrine is revered across the world and carries deep spiritual importance for the Zoroastrian faith.

The shrine's mystery is accentuated by its distinct geographical location. Nestled within a mountain, the Chak Chak is well-known for the continual pouring of water from the rock face, which has resulted in rich flora, including a venerable cypress tree and a variety of plants. This natural marvel, along with the shrine's rich history and mystical air, has made it a popular pilgrimage and tourist attraction.

According to Zoroastrian oral traditions, the Chak Chak shrine is dedicated to Nik-banu, the daughter of Yazdgerd III, the final Sassanian ruler. As Arab troops attacked Persia, Nik-banu took sanctuary in the mountains. According to folklore, she pleaded for safety, and the mountain opened to shelter her. The continual flowing of water from the rock is thought to symbolize her tears, representing her grief and the loss of her birthplace.

Over time, a shrine was established at this hallowed spot, and it became a pilgrimage destination for Zoroastrians. Similar shrines dedicated to other members of the Sassanian royal family were built in different locations of Yazd, each with its own distinct history and importance.

Every year, from June 24th to 27th, Zoroastrians from all over the world gather at the Chak Chak temple for a massive pilgrimage. This spiritual gathering is commonly referred to as the "Zoroastrian Hajj." During these days, pilgrims perform a variety of rites, such as praying, reciting the Avesta, presenting sacrifices, and lighting candles. The environment exudes dedication and a feeling of community.

The term "Chak Chak" is onomatopoeic, referring to the sound of water droplets falling repeatedly. Geologically, the land around Yazd was previously buried beneath a massive sea, and the limestone formations there are prone to erosion. The water dripping from the rock is caused by subsurface water seeping through the...

Hayat Banoo, the daughter of Yazdgerd Sassanid, was one of the princesses that were displaced in areas around Yazd after the collapse of Ctesiphon. To maintain her honor and chastity, Hayat Banoo came into the hillsides behind Homin and Senjed, she saw the enemy from a distance. She climbed the arid and high mountains crying and weeping. As the enemy approached, she sighed, looked at the mountains and said: "embrace me as a kind mother and save me". At the same moment, a gap opened in the mountain and she hid there. The enemy troops were disappointed and stopped the search. After a while, drops of water started dripping from the top of this mountain like tears of the orphans and the oppressed. A waterfall was created so passengers and passersby could be refreshed and in case a larger group approached, more water was flowing so that it was sufficient for all. Now, the arid mountain is green with a pleasant view because of the blessing of this old woman. It has been said that once upon a time, a shepherd had lost his flocks near the Matk well. He came into the mountain where the drops were dripping, after much searching, tired and frustrated, thirsty and hungry, he drank the water and took some rest there. Meanwhile, he fell asleep. He dreamed his missing flocks in the shelter of a charismatic woman who was saying: "build a room in this place in my name and turn on candles and lights and announce others to do so. When he woke up, he saw his flocks grazing here. He was bursting with joy. In a short time, he built the green old shrine with the help of Zoroastrians. Zoroastrians go there and they pray for Ahura Mazda. It has also been said the tree which is in the shrine has grown from Hayat Banoo's walking stick. The colour green in the Iranian culture represents honour...

If you go outside of Ardakan city toward Kharanaq for less than an hour you will meet a great relegious site between the mountains. It belongs to Zoroastrian people and is used as a relegious place for certain ceremonies. There is a beatiful fire temple on top of the place which is located below a spring and there are soke beatiful fire chalices inside it. The place doesnt provide accomodation and there are no restaurant's and cafe's there, so you better think about getting food in the cities around the place, before going there. The whole place is not residental and it has kind of a special architecture. Make sure you dont go there during Zoroastrian ceremonies because they wont allow visitors...