Zoroastrianism - Types of Sin and Expiation of Sin by Jayaram V According to the Dadestan, a righteous man accepts the occupation provided to him and remains fully watchful in the world so as to avoid being deceived by the evil. By performing whatever that is desirable for God, the Mazda worshipper gains his greatness.
Full Answer
What does Zoroastrianism say about the expiation of sins?
The scriptures also prescribe procedures to be followed for the expiation of certain sins, while for certain mortal sins death is the recommended penalty. Heinous sins are listed in some Zoroastrian texts such as the Menog-i Khrad (Ch. 36) 5- Zoroastrianism beliefs in the duality of existence.
What is the Zoroastrian approach to physical and spiritual healing?
Physical (including the mental) and spiritual healing are all interrelated and the Zoroastrian approaches to healing assist a person's natural healing abilities both as an individual and as the member of a community. An example of the Zoroastrian approach to holistic health promotion and healing is the haoma discipline.
Why did Zoroastrians convert to Islam in Iran?
Over time, most Iranian Zoroastrians converted to Islam. Parsi are followers of Zoroastrianism in India. According to Parsi tradition, a group of Iranian Zoroastrians emigrated from Persia to escape religious persecution by the Muslim majority after the Arab conquest.
Do Zoroastrians proselytize?
Today, Zoroastrians do not proselytize, and consequently Zoroastrians are born to the faith. If a Parsi woman marries outside the religion, her children cannot be Zoroastrians, but if a man marries outside, his children can become Zoroastrians, although his wife cannot.
How did Zoroastrianism influence the Abrahamic religions?
What religion did Zoroaster follow?
What empires did Zoroastrianism dominate?
What happened to the Persian Empire in 633?
How many people worship Zoroastrianism?
Where was the first Zoroastrian fire temple?
When did Zoroaster live?
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What are sins in Zoroastrianism?
Contrary to Calvinism, there is no original sin in Zoroastrianism, and man was born into this world to side with Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian deity of good, in his constant struggle with Ahriman, the Zoroastrian deity of evil.
What is forbidden in Zoroastrianism?
Wearing eyeglasses, long cloak, trousers, hat, boots, socks, winding their turbans tightly and neatly, carrying watches or rings, were all forbidden to Zoroastrians.
What are 3 facts about Zoroastrianism?
Zoroastrianism at a glanceZoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world.Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers, as some Westerners wrongly believe. ... Ahura Mazda revealed the truth through the Prophet, Zoroaster.Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day.More items...•
What are the important practices of Zoroastrianism?
Purification is strongly emphasised in Zoroastrian rituals. Zoroastrians focus on keeping their minds, bodies and environments pure in the quest to defeat evil (Angra Mainyu). Fire is seen as the supreme symbol of purity, and sacred fires are maintained in Fire Temples (Agiaries).
Can you eat pork in Zoroastrianism?
DIET - There are no general dietary restrictions. However, some patients may not eat pork or other forms of meat, and some may prefer a vegetarian diet in Hospital. BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS - It is unlikely that Zoroastrians would be willing to receive or to donate blood.
Can Zoroastrians eat meat?
Animal protein is so fundamental to the Parsi diet that even during the holy month of Bahman, when Zoroastrians are supposed to abstain from meat, they're permitted fish and eggs. Vegetables, on the other hand, are almost never eaten in isolation.
Which is the oldest religion in the world?
The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, many practitioners refer to their religion as Sanātana Dharma (Sanskrit: सनातन धर्म, lit.
What is Zoroastrianism in simple words?
Definition of Zoroastrianism : a Persian religion founded in the sixth century b.c. by the prophet Zoroaster, promulgated in the Avesta, and characterized by worship of a supreme god Ahura Mazda who requires good deeds for help in his cosmic struggle against the evil spirit Ahriman.
Which is older Judaism or Zoroastrianism?
Sometimes called the official religion of ancient Persia, Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest surviving religions, with teachings older than Buddhism, older than Judaism, and far older than Christianity or Islam. Zoroastrianism is thought to have arisen “in the late second millennium B.C.E.
How can I be a good Zoroastrian?
Zoroastrians believe there is one god called Ahura Mazda. Everything that Ahura Mazda created is considered pure and wholly good, and should be treated with love and respect, including the natural environment. Dualism is the belief in the two opposing forces of Good and Evil.
Why do Zoroastrians pray 5 times a day?
Zoroastrianism seems to me the likeliest source, simply because the obligation to pray 5 times a day was fundamental to it in a way that it was not for other faiths – and because Persian influence on proto-Islam in the 8th century, when the Sunna first seems to have developed, was so profound.
Can you convert to Zoroastrianism?
Possibly the least inclusive community in existence – you can't convert to Zoroastrianism, and it is patrilineal – Zoroastrians need to widen their admission criteria fast, or go the way of the lesser Antillean macaw and the koala lemur.
Zoroastrianism: History, Beliefs, and Practices - Theosophical Society ...
The Theosophical Society in America encourages open-minded inquiry into world religions, philosophy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation.
Zoroastrianism: History, Beliefs, and Practices - Theosophical Society ...
Originally printed in the January - February 2003 issue of Quest magazine. Citation: Contractor, Dinshaw and Hutoxy. "Zoroastrianism: History, Beliefs, and Practices." Quest 91.1 (JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2003):4-9.
How did Zoroastrianism influence the Abrahamic religions?
Some scholars say that tenets of Zoroastrianism helped to shape the major Abrahamic religions—including Judaism, Christianity and Islam —through the influence of the Persian Empire.
What religion did Zoroaster follow?
He may have lived in a tribe that followed an ancient religion with many gods (polytheism). This religion was likely similar to early forms of Hinduism. According to Zoroastrian tradition, Zoroaster had a divine vision of a supreme being while partaking in a pagan purification rite at age 30.
What empires did Zoroastrianism dominate?
Over the next millennia, Zoroastrianism would dominate two subsequent Persian dynasties—the Parthian and Sassanian Empires —until the Muslim conquest of Persia in the seventh century A.D.
What happened to the Persian Empire in 633?
The Muslim conquest of Persia between 633 and 651 A.D. led to the fall of the Sassanian Persian Empire and the decline of the Zoroastrian religion in Iran.
How many people worship Zoroastrianism?
Zoroastrianism now has an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worshipers worldwide, and is practiced today as a minority religion in parts of Iran and India.
Where was the first Zoroastrian fire temple?
In the 1990s, Russian archaeologists at Gonur Tepe, a Bronze Age site in Turkmenistan, discovered the remains of what they believed to be an early Zoroastrian fire temple. The temple dates to the second millennium B.C., making it the earliest known site associated with Zoroastrianism.
When did Zoroaster live?
Some scholars believe he was a contemporary of Cyrus the Great, a king of the Persian Empire in the sixth century B.C ., though most linguistic and archaeological evidence points to an earlier date—sometime between 1500 and 1200 B.C.
What are the heinous sins of Zoroastrianism?
Heinous sins are listed in some Zoroastrian texts such as the Menog-i Khrad (Ch. 36) 5- Zoroastrianism beliefs in the duality of existence. Zoroastrians believe that the world is a battleground between good and evil forces . Although the goodwill ultimately triumph and the evil forces would be destroyed, Zoroastrians believe ...
How many prayers do Zoroastrians do?
Zoroastrians also offer five prayers every day, at different times. In addition to these, they also perform an initiation ceremony called Naujote for both boys and girls before inducting them into the Zoroastrian path. They also celebrate some popular festivals in honor of God and His entities.
What was Zoroaster's vision?
In Zoroaster’s vision, we can get acquainted with Zoroastrianism beliefs, he went to heaven and spoke to Ahura Mazda. Ahura Mazda explained that he had a rival named Angra Mainyu, who was an evil being. This is a good example of religion’s dualistic belief pattern. Zoroaster was told to encourage humanity to choose between good and evil, ...
Why is Zoroaster monotheistic?
Although Zoroastrianism isn’t completely monotheistic because it recognizes more than one god, it does attempt to consolidate the worship of people under one most powerful god.
Why are rituals important?
The rituals constitute an important aspect of righteous conduct. The rituals are meant to purify the world and also the people involved in it. They are usually performed by qualified priests, to the accompaniment of chants from the Avesta, inside a fire temple.
When did Zoroastrianism start?
Zoroastrian is an ancient Persian religion that may have originated as early as 4,000 years ago . Arguably the world’s first monotheistic faith and The following are the important beliefs of Zoroastrianism:
Where would an angel decide whether it should go to heaven or hell?
It would then be led to the Chinawad bridge, where an angel would assess its actions and decide whether it should go to heaven or hell for a temporary residence till the Last Judgment Day. Zoroastrianism believes in the final judgment day, on which God would resurrect all the dead and subject to the second scrutiny.
What did Zoroastrians convert to?
Following the imposition of the jizyah, many Zoroastrians chose to convert to Islam. The rate of conversions accelerated after the Abbasid caliphs moved their capital to Baghdad, leaving the administration of Persia to governors who destroyed ateshkadehs (fire temples) or converted them into mosques.
What was the end of Zoroastrian control?
The Arab Muslim conquest of Persia meant the end of Zoroastrian control, but it did not immediately result in persecution. In fact, the early caliphs adhered to a general policy of religious tolerance. As dhimmī, or legally protected nonbelievers, Zoroastrians were free to worship Ahura Mazdā without punishment.
What were the restrictions of the Abbasids?
Beginning in the late 8th century the Abbasid caliphs attached new restrictions to the jizyah, a tax that dhimmī paid in exchange for their legal protection. The jizyah ensured freedom of religion and exempted dhimmī from conscription and forced labour. Under the Abbasids, however, dhimmī could not spread their religion or build new temples. They could not bear arms or ride horses. Dhimmī were even required to wear clothes that distinguished them from Muslims. Following the imposition of the jizyah, many Zoroastrians chose to convert to Islam. The rate of conversions accelerated after the Abbasid caliphs moved their capital to Baghdad, leaving the administration of Persia to governors who destroyed ateshkadehs (fire temples) or converted them into mosques.
What was the impact of the Umayyad caliphs on Zoroastrians?
But in the 7th and 8th centuries the Umayyad caliphs introduced a ban on non-Muslim participation in government, affecting Zoroastrian families who had clung to their lingering Sasanian political power. This ban encouraged many Zoroastrians to leave Persia altogether; a substantial number emigrated to nearby India.
What is Nowruz celebrated for?
Nowruz, a holiday surviving from at least Cyrus’s reign in the 6th century BCE, proudly reflects on Iran’s Zoroastrian heritage. Although the Iranian regime has condemned Nowruz celebrations associated with the holiday’s pre-Islamic roots, public opinion on Zoroastrian cultural influence is changing.
What did Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi do?
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi continued much of his father’s reconciliatory work, placing a high value on the prophet Zarathustra ’s contributions to ancient Persian culture. The shah also enacted a number of social reforms aimed at elevating Zoroastrians to a near-equal status with Muslims.
Which dynasty lifted the Jizyah?
Under pressure from the British Empire, the Qājār dynasty lifted the longstanding jizyah and eliminated state-sponsored forms of persecution. The Pahlavi family, which ruled from 1925 until 1979, went so far as to openly embrace Persia’s Zoroastrian roots.
How many Zoroastrians are there?
From 600 B.C. to 650 C.E. it was the official religion of Persia (ancient Iran). Today, there are only about 190,000 Zoroastrians around the world.
Where does Zoroastrian worship take place?
Zoroastrian Customs. While there are Zoroastrians temples and many events during which believers worship together, most Zoroastrian worship takes place in the home. Worship focuses on the central ethical values of Good Words, Good Thoughts, and Good Deeds.
What is the oldest monotheistic religion?
Zoroastrianism is arguably the world’s oldest monotheistic religion. It centers on the words of the prophet Zarathushtra, called Zoroaster by the ancient Greeks, and focuses worship upon Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom. It also acknowledges two competing principles representing good and evil: Spenta Mainyu (“Bounteous Spirit”) ...
What are some similarities between Vedic and Zoroastrianism?
Zoroastrianism therefore has some similarities with ancient Vedic beliefs; for example, the ahura and daevas (agents of order and chaos) in Zoroastrianism compare to the asuras and devas who compete for power in Vedic religion. Zoroastrianism expanded to become one of the most important religions in the ancient world.
Why do Zoroastrian temples keep fire burning?
Zoroastrian temples keep a fire burning at all times to represent Ahura Mazda’s eternal power. Fire is also recognized as a powerful purifier and is respected for that reason. The holiest temple fires take up to a year to consecrate, and many have been burning for years or even centuries.
What is the Indo-Iranian religion?
Indo-Iranian religion in Zarathushtra’s time was polytheistic (meaning that people worshipped multiple gods). While details are scarce, Zoroaster probably elevated an already existing deity into the role of supreme creator, thus creating the world’s first monotheistic religion (a religion worshipping one creator). Zoroastrianism therefore has some similarities with ancient Vedic beliefs; for example, the ahura and daevas (agents of order and chaos) in Zoroastrianism compare to the asuras and devas who compete for power in Vedic religion.
What happens to the soul after death?
The good souls move on to the “best of existences,” while the wicked are punished in torment. As the end of the world approaches, the dead will be resurrected into new bodies.
What do Zoroastrians believe?
Zoroastrians and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints both believe in a strong sense of divine control which will end in victory over an evil personage.
What are the scriptures of Zoroastrianism?
The scriptures of Zoroastrianism are the major source of knowledge for both the history and theology of the faith. Consequently, we will begin with them. Their overall name is the Avesta, which has two primary parts. The first part includes a portion known as the Gathas, which may date back to Zoroaster (or Zarathustra), the founder of the faith. In addition, there is much literature that is used in worship, as well as writings that deal with the major theological themes of the faith. The second part contains material for use in personal worship. The primary difficulty with the Avesta is that it arose over a period of more than a thousand years, thereby making it hard to determine what Zoroaster himself believed versus what later believers of the faith held. The existing texts, however, are our principal source for the content of the Zoroastrian faith.
How many Zoroastrians are there?
The number of Zoroastrians in the world today is not clear. It was held in the twentieth century that there were only 100,000 to 150,000, but recent studies have called that estimate into question, and the site we have been using for populations of the various religions now says the number of Zoroastrians may be around 2.6 million.[1] This number seems much too high, however. The Zoroastrian population is not the only thing difficult to assess. Zoroastrian history and theology are also obscure at times because sacred texts were destroyed by invading peoples such as the Greeks under Alexander the Great, and the Muslims. Thus, as we seek to understand Zoroastrian origins and history, our knowledge is limited by the loss of many of these sacred texts. Given that limitation, we will still be able to see the strength and power of this historic faith. Despite its small size, Zoroastrianism is important not only for its own beliefs but also because its impact on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all of which were in contact with the faith at various points in their histories. Much of what follows is based on S. A. Nigosian’s book The Zoroastrian Faith: Tradition and Modern Research.
What was the religion of Persia?
Zoroastrianism became the religion of Persia under the Achaemenid dynasty (559–330 BCE), with priests known as magi, and was practiced by such great rulers as Cyrus the Great, Xerxes, and others. Greek culture influenced Persia with the coming of Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, and this was followed by the influence of Parthians from eastern Persia, who ruled from 250 BCE to 226 CE. The Parthians were eventually defeated by the Sassanids of Old Persia, who reigned from 226 to 651 CE themselves, finally being defeated by Muslim armies. Zoroastrianism grew and was modified through these periods of political change.[5] Today the two largest communities of Zoroastrians are found in Iran, the land of its origins, and in India, where Zoroastrians are known as Parsis (Persians).
How many levels of heaven are there in Zoroastrianism?
But if we look more closely, we see that the correlation is not as close as it seems. While there are three levels of heaven in Zoroastrianism, they exist beforethe resurrection, while Latter-day Saints talk about three degrees followingthe Resurrection and Final Judgment. Secondly, the good soul passes through all three levels in Zoroastrianism to arrive at the highest level, while among Latter-day Saints the basic assumption is that there is not progression between the degrees of glory.
How do the worshipers come to the altar?
The worshipers come individually, at any time they wish. Inside the entrance each washes the uncovered parts of the body, recites the Kusti prayer in Avestan, and then, putting off shoes, proceeds bare-footed through the inner hall to the threshold—no further—of the fire chamber, where a priest accepts an offering of sandalwood and money and gives in return a ladleful of ashes from the sacred urn, which the worshiper rubs on the forehead and eyelids. Bowing towards the fire, the worshiper offers prayers (but not to the fire, for it is only a symbol), and then retreats slowly backward and with shoes replaced goes home. [23]
Why were dead bodies placed in the Tower of Silence?
Tower of silence, Yazd, Iran. Dead bodies were once placed in these towers to avoid polluting either the earth or fire. Courtesy of PetrAdam Dohnalek.
What is the name of the Greek philosopher who taught the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism?
ZOROASTER WAS THE PERSIAN PROPHET on whose teachings the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism is based.The name by which he is commonly known in the West is from the Greek form of his original name,Zarathushtra, which means "Shining Light."
How long ago was Zoroaster born?
Archeological remains in Turfan, China, state that Zoroaster was born "2715 years after the Great Storm," placing his birth at 1767 B.C. The latest dates for his life come from Persian writings that place him 258 years before Alexander, that is, about 600 years B.C. Many other scholars place Zoroaster's birth between 1500 and 1200 B.C.
What is the law of Asha?
The law of Asha is the principle of righteousness or "rightness" by which all things are exactly what they should be.
Why is the fire altar important to the Parsis?
The fire altar where that historic fire is still burning is an important pilgrimage site for the Parsis. Because the fire is such a sacred and holy symbol , the fire temples are open only to Zoroastrians.
Why did the Sasanians rise up against the Parthians?
To counteract the resulting chaotic state of the religion, the Sasanians (who were also Zoroastrians) rose up against the Parthians and overthrew them in 225 A.D. The Sasanians wanted to unify Zoroastrianism and to establish rules about what Zoroastrianism was and what it was not. A High Priest was established, who was next to the King in authority. Zoroastrianism was made the state religion of the Empire, and conversions were actively made to counteract the proselytizing zeal of Christians. This missionary activity shows that Zoroastrianism was really a universal religion and not an ethnic religion, limited to one people.
How do good and evil come into existence?
Good and evil may be said to only come into existence when man in his evolution develops the power of knowledge and of choice; the original duality is not of good and evil, but is of spirit and matter, of reality and non-reality, of light and darkness, of construction and destruction, the two poles between which the universe is woven and without which no universe can be. . . . There are two names again that give us the clue to the secret, the "increaser" and the "destroyer," the one from whom the life is ever pouring forth, and the other the material side which belongs to form, and which is ever breaking up in order that life may go on into higher expression.
Is the Zoroastrian community in Iran doing well?
Today, the Zoroastrian community in Iran is doing well and has an unusually high number of successful people. Within the past few decades, there has been an emigration of Zoroastrians from Iran and India to the Western world. These two communities, the Iranian and Indian, are now united, go to the same fire temples, intermarry, and prosper in harmony.
What do Zoroastrians believe?
Zoroastrians believe this is the best way to dispose of the dead rather than burying them in the earth or burning them in fire for reasons we have already explained. In the Vendidad, a Zoroastrian scripture, the following practices are prescribed by the prophet Zarathushtra himself for dealing with the dead.
Why is Zoroastrianism so difficult to follow?
One of the most important traditions that sets Zoroastrianism entirely apart from the rest of the world religions today is in respect of the way it suggests the dead should be disposed of. It is also probably the reason why the religion is most difficult to follow in the modern world, in many countries, where legal complications ...
How many stripes did Zoroaster have?
Zoroaster prescribed a penalty of 1000 stripes to any one who would throw clothes upon a dead body. The body should be carried by two strong men, after they strip off their clothes, to the place (usually the dakhma or the tower of silence), where the corpse eating birds or animals are present.
How to dispose of dead animals in Dadestan?
In Dadestan we find further instructions to dispose of the dead. Once the flesh of the corpse is completely consumed by the flesh eating birds and animals or disintegrated on its own, men (usually close relatives) should convey the bones away to a bone-receptacle, which is a vault (kadako) of solid stone covered with a single stone and its bottom paved with perforated stones or , now a days, usually lime stone and charcoal. It should be elevated from the ground, but covered with a roof top so that neither rain nor flood water will reach the dead matter. The bones should be left there and never touched by a human hand.
What is the practice of giving a bath to the body?
But the current practice is to give a bath to the body, offer some prayers and carry it to a dakhma, which is a kind of a tower, a rounded structure with high walls and no roofs, where it is left in the open, to be consumed by the vultures and crows.
What should we do in case of death?
According to Zoroastrian scriptures, one should isolate the dead body and stay as far away from it as possible to avoid any possible contact with the impurities that the evil forces impart to it by invading it and making it their residence.
What are the funeral ceremonies of the Parsees?
The ceremonies and observances can be divided into two parts: I. Those that relate to the disposal of the body. II. Those that relate to the good of the soul. For a proper appreciation of the ceremonies of the first kind, one has to look to the Zoroastrian or Parsi ideas ...
What is the goal of Zoroastrianism?
Ushta is a state of being where body, mind and spirit are in a state of wellness and serenity (armaiti). The goal of life in Zoroastrianism is to achieve ushta. A sound spirit (mainyu) and mind (man) in a sound body (tan) - stated differently: a state of spiritual, mental and physical wellness - enables a person to lead an active, meaningful and fulfilling life and realize her or his khvarenah - their higher calling and full potential. It therefore behoves a person to actively build and maintain wellness. A lack of wellness can interrupt this quest or state of being. Zoroastrians through the ages have developed approaches to healing and restoration.#N#While physical health is important for human beings to lead full and productive lives, the achievement of ushta does not rely on perfect health where such an ideal is not possible. Even when a person approaches the end of their physical lives, an aim of Zoroastrianism is to approach such an eventuality in spiritual health and ushta - serenity and equanimity.
What is the Zoroastrian tradition of sitting on a sheet?
Amongst the symbolism afforded by this practice is humility and being grounded - literally and figuratively - with the earth. The earth is associated with the amesha spenta Armaiti and serenity.
What does "Asho-Baeshazo" mean?
1. One who heals with goodness and care (Asho-Baeshazo / Ashoo-Pezeshk) (righteous and healthy living cf. amesha spentas ),
What is spiritual wellness?
Spiritual wellness and healing involves various aspects: the wellness and healing of the spirit, increasing an individual's spiritual strength, the spiritual power of the manthra - the ancient prayer, as well as invoking external spiritual powers - be they guardian angels (fravashis), divine entities or angels (yazatas or fereshtes), or what some may call the power of the universe.#N#This aspect of Zoroastrianism requires faith and not all Zoroastrians subscribe to this faith for some consider wellness and healing through prayer as a form of superstition. For orthodox Zoroastrians, however, the primary vehicle for accessing the spiritual realm is prayer - the recitation of the ancient Zoroastrian manthra (also see our page on Healing Prayer ).
How many healers are mentioned in Yasht 3.6?
In Yasht 3.6 (Ardavahisht Yasht. Also see Vendidad 7.44) five healers are mentioned and we list them below (with the Avestan / Middle Persian names beside them):
Where did Zoroastrians worship?
Before the advent of temples - a relatively modern development, Zoroastrian community worship was conducted on hilltops and high on mountain slopes. This feature automatically made Zoroastrians regularly walk and climb in the outdoors - at all times of the year. Simple hiking, in hilly country where possible, and reciting a manthra (silently when appropriate) whenever the spirit moves one, and especially next to a body of water (associated with the amesha spenta Haurvatat), will serve as a substitute for the traditional Zoroastrian practice.
What is the principle of moderation?
In all things that are not intrinsically harmful, moderation and the avoidance of excess or deficiency is a key guiding principle. The consumption of wine is an example of where this principle applies.
How did Zoroastrianism influence the Abrahamic religions?
Some scholars say that tenets of Zoroastrianism helped to shape the major Abrahamic religions—including Judaism, Christianity and Islam —through the influence of the Persian Empire.
What religion did Zoroaster follow?
He may have lived in a tribe that followed an ancient religion with many gods (polytheism). This religion was likely similar to early forms of Hinduism. According to Zoroastrian tradition, Zoroaster had a divine vision of a supreme being while partaking in a pagan purification rite at age 30.
What empires did Zoroastrianism dominate?
Over the next millennia, Zoroastrianism would dominate two subsequent Persian dynasties—the Parthian and Sassanian Empires —until the Muslim conquest of Persia in the seventh century A.D.
What happened to the Persian Empire in 633?
The Muslim conquest of Persia between 633 and 651 A.D. led to the fall of the Sassanian Persian Empire and the decline of the Zoroastrian religion in Iran.
How many people worship Zoroastrianism?
Zoroastrianism now has an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worshipers worldwide, and is practiced today as a minority religion in parts of Iran and India.
Where was the first Zoroastrian fire temple?
In the 1990s, Russian archaeologists at Gonur Tepe, a Bronze Age site in Turkmenistan, discovered the remains of what they believed to be an early Zoroastrian fire temple. The temple dates to the second millennium B.C., making it the earliest known site associated with Zoroastrianism.
When did Zoroaster live?
Some scholars believe he was a contemporary of Cyrus the Great, a king of the Persian Empire in the sixth century B.C ., though most linguistic and archaeological evidence points to an earlier date—sometime between 1500 and 1200 B.C.
Origins of Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrian Customs
- While there are Zoroastrians temples and many events during which believers worship together, most Zoroastrian worship takes place in the home. Worship focuses on the central ethical values of Good Words, Good Thoughts, and Good Deeds. Many Zoroastrians pray several times a day, always facing a source of fire or light. Though it is not required, some practitioners wear a knott…
Zoroastrian Beliefs
- Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian Supreme Creator, is the only god worshiped, although the existence of lesser spiritual beings is also recognized. The overriding ethical principle of Zoroastrianism is Humata, Hukhta, Huveshta: “to think good, to speak good, to act good.” This is the divine expectation of humans, and only through goodness will chaos be kept at bay. A person’s goodne…
Avesta, The Zoroastrian Religious Text
- The sacred texts of Zorastrianism are called The Avesta. The original Avesta is believed to have been largely destroyed when Alexander the Great attacked Persia. The remaining texts were gathered and compiled between the 3rd and 7thcenturies C.E. The Avesta contains multiple sections, each of which is further subdivided. 1. The Yasna and Visperad s...
Zoroastrian Holidays and Celebrations
- Different Zoroastrian communities recognize different calendars for holidays. For example, while Nowruz is the Zoroastrian New Year, Iranians celebrate it on the vernal equinox while Indian Parsis celebrate it in August. Both groups celebrate Zoroaster’s birth on Khodad Sal six days after Nowruz. Iranians mark Zoroaster’s death on Zarathust No Diso around December 26 while Parsi…