Anahita Temple

Temple of Anahita - Kangavar’s Monument to the Goddess of Water

• The history behind the Goddess of water
• More attraction to visit nearby

The history behind the Goddess of water

The Anahita Temple is the name of one of two archaeological sites in Iran popularly thought to have been attributed to the ancient Iranian deity Anahita. The larger and more widely known of the two is located at Kangavar in Kermanshah Province. The other is located at Bishapur.

The remains at Kangavar display Persian architectural designs. The plinth's enormous dimensions for example, which measure just over 200m on a side, and its megalithic foundations, which echo Achaemenid stone platforms, "constitute Persian elements". This is thought to be corroborated by the "two lateral stairways that ascend the massive stone platform recalling Achaemenid traditions", particularly that of the Apadana Palace at Persepolis.

Originally, 200 BCE was proposed as the date of the site's construction. "Under the Parthians any observable western influence can just as well be a survival from the Hellenistic period, which is why the monument at Kangāvar was once acceptably dated as early Parthian while recent investigations proved it to be late Sasanian".

In this regard, Warwick Ball however states:
"Earlier studies favored a Seleucid date, with some suggesting an Achaemenid date for the platform. A date in the Parthian period has since been more generally favoured on stylistic grounds, but recent excavations found evidence for major Sassanian construction. However the colonnaded temenos is different in almost every respect to Sassanian architecture. Probably, the temple underwent numerous major reconstruction periods, with perhaps a 2nd-century AD date for the colonnaded temenos, and major Sassanian reconstruction of the sanctuary building inside."

The Temple of Anahita in Kangavar, Iran, is listed on UNESCO’s Tentative List as a cultural heritage site.

More attraction to visit nearby

Drive from Kangavar towards west to Kermanshah to marvel at the Taq-e Bostan rock reliefs, where Sasanian kings are forever captured in stone. For history lovers, the ancient inscriptions at Bisotun offer a breathtaking glimpse into the Achaemenid Empire, framed by striking mountain cliffs. A stroll through the Kermanshah Traditional Bazaar immerses you in the region's vibrant culture, with colorful textiles, aromatic spices, and handmade treasures. Each destination adds a layer of depth to your journey, blending natural beauty with centuries of storytelling.