The Eternal Struggle Between Light and Darkness
Explore one of humanity's oldest monotheistic faiths, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster). Zoroastrianism centers on the eternal cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and Angra Mainyu (Destructive Spirit), emphasizing the sacred fire, ethical dualism, and the path of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
🙏 Living Tradition
Important: Zoroastrianism is a living religion with active practitioners worldwide, particularly in Iran and India (Parsis). This content is presented with deep respect for the faith and its adherents. Descriptions are based on historical texts (Avesta, Gathas) and scholarly sources, not as definitive religious doctrine.
🔥 Core Concepts
Cosmic Dualism
The fundamental struggle between Asha (Truth/Order) and Druj (Lie/Chaos), personified by Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu.
Sacred Fire
Fire (Atar) is the supreme symbol of Ahura Mazda's divine light and wisdom. Fire temples house the eternal flame, which must never be extinguished. Fire represents purity, truth, and the presence of the divine in the physical world.
Ethical Path
The threefold ethical foundation of Zoroastrianism: Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds (Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta). Every individual has free will to choose between good and evil, and their choices directly impact the cosmic struggle.
Amesha Spentas
The "Bounteous Immortals" - seven divine emanations of Ahura Mazda, each representing a virtue and protecting an aspect of creation.
Chinvat Bridge
The bridge of judgment that souls must cross after death. The righteous pass safely to paradise, while the wicked fall into the abyss. The soul's deeds determine the bridge's width.
Frashokereti
The final renovation of the universe when good triumphs over evil. All souls will be resurrected, the world purified by molten metal, and paradise established on earth.
👤 Deities & Divine Beings
⚡ Ahura Mazda - The Wise Lord
The supreme creator deity, source of all goodness, light, and truth. Ahura Mazda created the universe and all that is good, and eternally opposes the forces of darkness and chaos.
😈 Angra Mainyu & the Daevas
The Destructive Spirit and his evil minions who oppose Ahura Mazda. The daevas are malevolent spirits who have always existed in opposition to truth and order.
🌟 Major Yazatas (Divine Beings)
The Yazatas are divine beings worthy of worship, assisting Ahura Mazda in maintaining cosmic order:
📚 Explore Persian Mythology
Deities & Yazatas
Ahura Mazda, Mithra, Anahita, the Amesha Spentas, and other divine beings worthy of worship.
Cosmology
Creation story, cosmic dualism, the Chinvat Bridge, and eschatology (end times).
Heroes & Prophets
Zarathustra (Zoroaster), mythical kings, and heroes from the Shahnameh.
Sacred Plants
Haoma (sacred drink), rose, pomegranate, cypress, and plants used in rituals.
Rituals & Practices
Fire worship, purification rites, festivals (Nowruz, Mehregan), and daily prayers.
Mystical Practices
Divine invocations, protective mantras, and esoteric Zoroastrian wisdom.
Sacred Texts
Avesta, Gathas, Yasna, Bundahishn, and other foundational Zoroastrian scriptures.
Sacred Symbols
Faravahar (winged disk), Sacred Fire, and other symbolic representations.
📖 Primary Sources
- Avesta: The sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism
- Gathas: Hymns attributed to Zarathustra himself, the oldest part of the Avesta
- Yasna: Liturgical texts including the Gathas, used in worship ceremonies
- Bundahishn: "Creation" - Zoroastrian cosmology and cosmogony
- Denkard: Encyclopedia of Zoroastrian beliefs and customs
- Shahnameh: Epic of the Kings by Ferdowsi, preserving pre-Islamic Persian mythology
🔗 Related Traditions
Zoroastrianism has profoundly influenced and shares concepts with many world religions:
Jewish Mysticism
Angelology, eschatology, monotheism, cosmic struggle (influenced during Babylonian exile)
Explore Jewish →Christian Theology
Heaven/Hell, Satan as adversary, final judgment, resurrection concepts
Explore Christian →Islamic Tradition
Angels vs demons, final judgment, paradise/hell, ethical monotheism
Explore Islamic →Hindu Vedic Religion
Shared Indo-Iranian heritage, fire worship, soma/haoma, ancient linguistic connections
Explore Hindu →Related Across the Mythos
Sacred Fire (Atar)
Divine Element
Symbol of Ahura Mazda's light
Fire Temples
Houses of eternal flame
Fire Worship
Sacred Ritual