The Zoroastrian or Parsi Cave Temples are called Barot Caves. The seven water reservoirs that line the cliff’s face make up the structure of these caves. These reservoirs are rectangular water tanks that fill up during the monsoon season. Only one of them can keep water until the beginning of February or the end of January. The biggest tank, which guards their revered emblem known as the Iran Shah Fire, is kept full for the whole year. For the Parsis, these caves hold great religious and historical significance.
For thirteen years, the Parsi forefathers sought safety from the Muslim invaders in subterranean caves. It is thought that during this time, they carried the “Iran Shah Flame,” a fire that is said to be still burning inside the caves today. The severe circumstances that the courageous Parsis in Bahrot overcame to maintain their trust in Ahura-Mazda are reflected in these caves.
History of Barot Caves
Trading links between the Iranian Zoroastrians and the Gujrat coast were evident due to the discovery of pottery, coinage, and glassware from the Sassanian Period in Iran within these caves. Sajan was a well-known station among the Parsis they dealt with.
They sought refuge in these caves in order to evade the Muslim invasion for this reason.
How to reach
You can travel by road, train, or air to get to these caves. Bordi, the closest town, is located 145 km away from the closest international airport, which is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai). Gholvad, the closest train station, is 1.5 km away from Bordi. It is accessible via bus, which is owned by the State Government. It takes around two to three hours to get from Aswali Village to the top of the caves.
Activities to do in and around
It is possible to view the fire blazing within the main temple of these Parsi cave temples, which tell the tale of how the Zoroastrian forefathers persevered in their religion in the face of adversity. It is said that this holy fire is of a higher calibre than other sacred fires. These architectural wonders, known as the cave temples, are situated in Dahanu, 8 km from Bordi town and 25 km from Sajan, Gujrat.
Timings of Barot Caves
It is accessible to tourists every day between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Entry Fee
The cost of an entry ticket is Rs. 10 per person.
Ideal time to visit
In the summer, it’s hot and muggy, and during the monsoon, it gets wet. For this reason, August through February are the ideal months to explore the caves.
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