Recognition of Zoroastrian temple in the village of Kalle Kashan

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Abstract

In early Islamic sources, it has been mentioned of a temple with exceptional natural position in Kashan Ardhar, where Zoroastrians held a ritual in the thirteenth day of July. This ritual includes knocking stone to mountain and seeking water from the spring for healing. Also in the sources of Ghajar Period, a step of the same natural position is mentioned in Ardhar area, where more or less the same ritual was performed by residents. The position that is now recognized is located in the mountain known the step mountain in the village of Kalle. In this position, there is a gap like portico, of which water is leaking, and there is a spring of little water which the people call Abjah Kahra. The similarities in both early and late reporting and its comparison with the current situation, definitely show that this two report refer to the same situation. The survey of this issue shows that, at first this ritual as Tirgan celebration and the ritual of seeking for rain was performed in relation to Tishtar god. Nahid god as Bidokht (Baghdokht), too, was sought for healing and water.

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