Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism
Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Zoroastrianism
Founder	Zarathustra
Founded date	c. 2nd millennium BCE
Region	Originated in Greater Iran
Headquarters	Yazd, Mumbai
Number of followers	c. 100,000–200,000
Classification	Iranian religions
Language	Avestan, Middle Persian
Scripture	Avesta
Deity	Ahura Mazda
Theology	Dualism

Zoroastrianism. It is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions, founded by the prophet Zarathustra in ancient Greater Iran. Central to its theology is a cosmic dualism between Ahura Mazda, the wise lord, and the destructive spirit Angra Mainyu, with an emphasis on human free will, ethical choice, and the ultimate renovation of the universe. The faith served as the state religion of the Achaemenid Empire, the Parthian Empire, and most notably the Sasanian Empire, profoundly influencing the development of Western philosophy, Abrahamic religions, and Iranian culture.

History

The origins are traced to the Indo-Iranians and the teachings of the prophet Zarathustra, whose lifetime is debated but often placed between 1500–1000 BCE in northeastern Greater Iran or Afghanistan. The religion gained imperial patronage under the Achaemenid Empire, with rulers like Darius I and Xerxes I invoking the favor of Ahura Mazda in inscriptions at Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam. It flourished as the official creed of the Sasanian Empire, during which the Magi priesthood was institutionalized and religious texts were systematically compiled. The Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE led to a gradual decline, with some communities migrating to Gujarat, India, where they became known as the Parsis. Later persecutions occurred under the Mongol Empire and the Safavid dynasty, while the Qajar dynasty saw increased contact with the British Raj and the Western scholarly world.

Beliefs and theology

Theology is characterized by a cosmic dualism between the benevolent creator Ahura Mazda and the adversarial Angra Mainyu, a struggle reflected in the human choice between Asha (truth/order) and Druj (deceit/chaos). Key divine entities include the Amesha Spentas, six holy immortals that embody virtues like Vohu Manah (good mind) and Spenta Armaiti (devotion). Eschatology involves individual judgment at the Chinvat Bridge and a cosmic renovation called Frashokereti, heralded by the Saoshyant. This framework influenced later concepts in Judaism, Gnosticism, and Manichaeism, particularly regarding angelology, eschatology, and soteriology.

Practices and rituals

Central practices focus on maintaining purity and promoting life, with the sacred fire kept perpetually burning in fire temples like the Atash Behram in Mumbai and Yazd. Priests, known as Mobeds, perform ceremonies such as the Yasna, which involves the ritual preparation of Haoma. Important rites of passage include the Navjote (initiation) and ceremonies for the dead, where bodies are exposed in structures called Dakhmas (Towers of Silence) to avoid contaminating the earth. Major festivals include Nowruz, the New Year celebration marking the spring equinox, and Mihragan, which honors the divinity Mithra.

Scriptures

The primary collection of sacred texts is the Avesta, composed in the ancient Avestan language. Its oldest and most revered section is the Gathas, seventeen hymns attributed to Zarathustra himself. Other significant parts include the Yasna (liturgical texts), the Visperad (invocations for rituals), the Vendidad (laws and purity codes), and the Yashts (hymns to divinities). During the Sasanian Empire, extensive commentaries known as Zand were written in Middle Persian, with later important works including the Denkard and the Bundahishn, which elaborate on theology and Iranian mythology.

Demographics and communities

The global population is estimated between 100,000 and 200,000. The largest group is the Parsis of India, concentrated in Mumbai and Gujarat, with significant institutions like the Bombay Parsi Panchayat. In Iran, remaining communities are found primarily in Yazd, Kerman, and Tehran. A diaspora exists in North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with notable centers like the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York. Demographic challenges, including low birth rates and intermarriage, are addressed by organizations such as the World Zoroastrian Organisation and the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America.

Influence on other religions

Theological concepts significantly shaped the development of Judaism during the Babylonian captivity, introducing ideas of a clear cosmic dualism, eschatology, and figures like Angra Mainyu, which evolved into Satan in post-exilic texts. These ideas further permeated Christianity and Islam, influencing depictions of heaven and hell, angelology, and a final judgment. The faith's impact is also evident in the philosophy of Greek thinkers like Plato and Heraclitus, the syncretic religion of Manichaeism founded by Mani, and various Gnostic sects. Its cultural legacy endures in the celebration of Nowruz, recognized by UNESCO, and in the symbolism of the Faravahar.

Category:Zoroastrianism Category:Indian religions Category:Iranian religions