Guru Nanak in Azerbaijan
BAKU
The Ateshgah monument, also called the fire worshippers' temple, traces its origins to Zoroastrianism, which took root in ancient Azerbaijan. "It is Azerbaijan which is the mother of Zoroastrianism. This was the base from where this religion spread overseas," an Azeri diplomat said.
The temple complex has evolved over several centuries. Its outer rectangular parameters house a row of rooms, added in several phases. Between the late 17th and mid-19th century, Indian traders funded the establishment of a guest room, stables and prayer rooms.
Apart from Sanskrit, inscriptions in Hindi and Gurmukhi can also be found along the monument's outer periphery. One of them refers to the site as Sri Jwalaji (temple of fire). Another seeks divine blessings from Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith.
