What Is Zoroastrianism?
A religion said to have been founded in ancient Persia by the prophet Zarathustra (known in Greek as Zoroaster). Scholars disagree widely on when it was founded, with estimates ranging anywhere from around 1500 BCE to around 600 BCE β the exact date remains unresolved.
One God, Ahura Mazda, and the Duality of Good and Evil
Zoroastrianism worships a single supreme god, Ahura Mazda, who represents wisdom and goodness, within a dualistic worldview in which a good spirit and an evil spirit (Angra Mainyu) are locked in conflict.
The Common Misconception About Fire Worship
Zoroastrianism is often called a "fire-worshipping religion," but its followers don't actually worship fire itself as a god. Fire is regarded as a symbol representing Ahura Mazda's wisdom, truth, and purifying power, which is why temples (Atash Bahram) carefully maintain an eternal flame.
The Scripture: The Avesta
The Avesta is Zoroastrianism's sacred scripture. Its oldest portion, the Gathas, is believed to be a set of hymns composed by Zarathustra himself.
The Spiritual Pillar of the Persian Empire
From the Achaemenid dynasty through the Parthian and Sassanid empires, Zoroastrianism held what was effectively state-religion status across successive Persian empires, flourishing under royal patronage.
Theories About Its Influence on Other Religions
Some scholars theorize that concepts like heaven and hell, the Last Judgment, a coming savior, and angels influenced the eschatological worldviews later found in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam β though the specifics of this influence remain a subject of ongoing scholarly debate.
Towers of Silence and Sky Burial
Because a corpse was believed to defile sacred natural elements like earth, fire, and water, traditional funerary practice involved placing the deceased atop a tall structure called a "Tower of Silence" (dakhma), allowing birds to naturally consume the remains.
Today's Followers: The Parsi Community
After Islamic forces conquered Persia in the 7th century, many followers fled persecution and migrated to western India, forming the community known as the Parsis. A small number of Zoroastrians continue to practice their faith today, centered largely around Mumbai, India.