☀️ Mithra

Attributes & Domains

Mythology & Stories

Mithra is one of the most ancient and revered yazatas, with worship predating Zarathustra. He serves Ahura Mazda as the divine enforcer of contracts and cosmic order, ensuring that all agreements - between humans, between humans and gods, and within the cosmic structure itself - are kept sacred.

Key Myths:

• Guardian of Truth: Mithra possesses ten thousand eyes and ears, allowing him to see and hear all things everywhere. No oath can be broken, no contract violated, without Mithra knowing. He is said to ride across the sky in a chariot pulled by white horses, his all-seeing gaze penetrating every corner of creation.
• Slayer of Oath-Breakers: When someone breaks a sacred oath, Mithra becomes their relentless pursuer. His mace strikes down the faithless, and his judgment is absolute. Yet he is also merciful to those who keep their word, protecting the righteous and blessing those who honor agreements.
• The Bull Sacrifice: In one account, Mithra captures and slays the primordial bull. From the bull's blood and body spring forth all beneficial plants and animals, showing Mithra's role in sustaining creation. This myth became central to later Mithraic mystery cults in the Roman Empire.
• Ally of Warriors: Mithra rides ahead of righteous warriors, ensuring victory to those who fight in defense of truth and justice. He grants courage to the faithful and terror to oath-breakers. Kings and soldiers alike invoke Mithra before battle.

Divine Nature & Powers

Sacred Functions

• Keeper of Oaths: Witnesses and enforces all contracts and promises
• Solar Deity: Commands the light of the rising sun, dispelling darkness
• Judge of Souls: Assists at the Chinvat Bridge in judging the dead
• Protector of the Righteous: Guards those who keep faith and honor agreements
• Destroyer of Evil: Battles daevas and supports Ahura Mazda's cosmic order

Special Attributes

• All-Seeing: Ten thousand eyes perceive all actions and intentions
• All-Hearing: Ten thousand ears hear every spoken word and whispered prayer
• Swift Justice: His mace never misses, his judgment never fails
• Eternal Vigilance: Never sleeps, constantly watches over the world
• Lord of Wide Pastures: Provides abundance and fertility to faithful lands

Relationships

Family

• Parents: Created by Ahura Mazda as a yazata
• Consort(s): None explicitly stated; some traditions associate with Anahita
• Children: None
• Siblings: Fellow yazatas, especially close to Rashnu (Justice) and Sraosha (Obedience)

Allies & Enemies

• Allies: Ahura Mazda (supreme lord), Rashnu (weighs souls), Sraosha (divine messenger), Verethraghna (victory), all righteous beings
• Enemies: All daevas, especially those who promote lying and oath-breaking; Druj (personification of falsehood)

Worship & Rituals

Sacred Sites

Mithra was widely worshipped throughout the ancient Persian Empire and beyond. Major temples existed in Persepolis, Ecbatana, and throughout Anatolia. Later, Mithraic mystery cults established underground temples (Mithraea) across the Roman Empire, though these represented a distinct evolution of Mithra worship.

Festivals

• Mehregan (Autumn Equinox): The great festival of Mithra, celebrating the harvest, friendship, and affection. Time for renewing vows, honoring contracts, and giving thanks for Mithra's protection. Includes feasting, wine, and exchange of gifts among friends.
• Tirgan (Summer Festival): Celebration honoring Tishtrya (star deity) but invoking Mithra for his role in bringing rain and abundance to the land.
• Daily Dawn Prayers: Zoroastrians traditionally pray at dawn, facing the rising sun as Mithra's chariot illuminates the world.

Offerings

Libations of wine (or non-alcoholic haoma), offerings of bread and fruit (especially pomegranates), and incense. Warriors would dedicate weapons to Mithra before battle. Most importantly, keeping one's oaths and honoring contracts is itself the greatest offering to Mithra.

Prayers & Invocations

Traditional Invocation: "Mithra of wide pastures, I invoke you! Mithra with ten thousand eyes and ears, I call upon you! May my word be true, may my oath be sacred. Witness my promise and guard my honor. Grant me your light and protection, O keeper of covenants!"

The Mehr Yasht (Yasht 10) is the complete hymn to Mithra, recited in full during major ceremonies and festivals dedicated to him.

Historical Significance

Mithra's influence extended far beyond Persia. The Roman Mithraic mysteries (1st-4th centuries CE) created a distinct religious tradition based on Mithra worship, popular especially among soldiers. Key elements that spread:

• Sol Invictus (Unconquered Sun): Roman solar worship influenced by Mithra
• Mystery Initiations: Secret rites and seven grades of initiation
• December 25th: Mithra's birthday celebration (Dies Natalis Solis Invicti) later associated with Christian Christmas
• Military Ethics: Emphasis on loyalty, courage, and brotherhood among warriors