Nestled amidst the bustling SM Street (Sweet Meat Street) in Kozhikode, Parsi Anju Amman Baug stands as a testament to the legacy of the Parsi community in Kerala. Constructed in the 18th century, this fire temple is the only Parsi place of worship in the state, built when Parsi traders settled in Kozhikode around 200 years ago. A 13th-century inscription within the temple reveals that the land was donated by a Zamorin, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

Parsi Anju Amman Baug adheres to the traditional Zoroastrian faith, where fire holds a central place of reverence. Symbolizing light, wisdom, and purity, fire is seen as the earthly representation of Ahura Mazda, the lord of endless light in Zoroastrianism. Religious ceremonies are performed in the presence of fire, which is kept burning continuously in the sanctum sanctorum. The sacred flame is maintained in a large metal container called an Afargan, with a concave copper vessel hanging above to ensure its sanctity. Devotees follow strict rituals before entering, including washing hands, reciting prayers while performing the kusti ritual (tying a sacred thread), and covering their heads with a scarf or topi.

The temple is architecturally modest but spiritually significant, with an outer hall leading to the inner prayer hall and the sanctum. The walls are adorned with paintings of Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), while a hundred chairs in the hall silently bear witness to the once-thriving Parsi community in Kozhikode, which now comprises just one family of six—the Marshalls.

The temple remains closed to non-Parsis, preserving its sanctity for the dwindling community. Parsis visit the temple primarily for rituals connected to marriage, health, and longevity, often gathering for prayers on Sundays. The temple also becomes a focal point for the Zoroastrian New Year celebrations, symbolizing the resilience of Parsi traditions despite their declining numbers in the region.

Parsi Anju Amman Baug is not just a place of worship but a living monument to the cultural and spiritual legacy of a community that has played a significant role in Kerala's history, offering a quiet but enduring glow amidst the lively streets of Kozhikode.