Zoroastrianism, also known as Mazdayasna, is an Iranian religion and one of the world's oldest continually practised organised religions. This religion was founded in Persia around 6-7 BCE by the prophet Zarathustra. They are a monotheistic religion that believes in one eternal God, Ahura Mazda, who is the epitome of justice and goodness. Following the Muslim conquest of Persia, the initial migration has been canonized as a religious persecution by invading Muslims. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Zoroastrianism which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Zoroastrianism - Origin

• Around 6-7 BCE, the prophet Zarathustra founded this religion in Persia.
• Zoroastrianism flourished in modern-day Iran and most of the Mesopotamian region under the sovereignty of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th Century BCE, particularly under Darius I.
• Although Hellenistic beliefs were displaced by Alexander the Great's invasions, they survived in the ancient Achaemenid Empire's provinces, particularly Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) and the Caucasus.
• Zoroastrianism would not return to its homeland until the Parthian Empire was established in the 3rd century BCE.
• Parsis, or Zoroastrians, emigrated to India to escape Muslim persecution in Iran.
• The Zoroastrians first came into touch with India in 936 AD, when they fled Iran due to Islamic conquests.
• They are known as Parsis and are currently one of India's tiniest (and quickly dwindling) communities. They primarily reside in the cities of Mumbai, Goa, and Ahmedabad.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism - Significance

• The teachings and wisdom of the spiritual leader and reformist Zoroaster (also known as Zarathushtra) in the 6th century BCE in modern-day Iran set the foundation for the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism.
• Based on the teachings of the Iranian-speaking prophet Zoroaster, Zoroastrianism, or Mazdayasna, it is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions.
• Ahura Mazda, or the "Wise Lord," is a universal, transcendent, all-good, and uncreated supreme creator deity, according to Zoroastrians (Ahura means "Lord" and Mazda means "Wisdom" in Avestan).
• It is one of the first monotheistic religions in the world.
• Fire is a significant symbol in Zoroastrianism because it symbolizes light, warmth, and purification.
• The evergreen cypress tree is also seen by certain Zoroastrians as a sign of perpetual life.

Symbol of Zoroastrianism

• In Zoroastrian faith, fire and water are viewed as emblems of purity.
• Fire temples are the name given to Zoroastrian sites of worship. Each fire temple has an altar with an everlasting flame that never goes out.
• Their fire temples, known as Atash Bahram, are extremely rare, with only eight known temples in the entire country.
• They revere fire, but also regard air, water, and earth as sacred elements.
• They believe that dead matter corrupts everything, so they leave the dead bodies out in the open to be eaten by vultures.
• These open places are referred to as 'Dakhma,' and the vultures that feed on them as 'Dakhma Nashini.'
• The bodies were left out in the open, exposed to the elements and local vultures, until the bones were picked clean and bleached. They are then collected and placed in ossuaries, which are lime pits.
• The 'Dakhma', or 'Towers of Silence' in Mumbai are the only known location in India where they remain.

Beliefs in Zoroastrianism

• Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion, which means that it believes in only one omnipotent cosmic being. Ahura Mazda, or 'Lord of Light' in Persian, is that entity in this scenario.
• Other notable elements of Zoroastrianism include:
  • Messianism is the belief in a saviour or messiah who will save or liberate a group of people for ultimate redemption.
  • After death, there is a judgement - It is thought that when a soul leaves the earth, Ahura Mazda will judge it to determine whether it will go to heaven or hell.
  • Existence of Heaven or Hell - The presence of heaven and hell is well-explained in Zoroastrianism.
  • Willpower - The idea that each person has the ability to choose between various possible paths of action.
• It's probable that the philosophical views stated above had a significant impact on major faiths like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.
• In Zoroastrianism, a fire temple, also known as Dar-e Mehr (Persian) or Agiyari (Gujarati), is a place of worship for Zoroastrians.
• Fire, together with clean water, are agents of ritual purity in the Zoroastrian religion.

Sacred texts in Zoroastrianism

• Their sacred text, the Zend Avesta, is written in Old Avestan and contains 17 sacred hymns (gathas) as well as the Athuna Vairyo (sacred chant), which is said to have been authored by Zarathustra himself.
• Zend refers to the translations of these books as well as the assembled glossaries.
• This collection is divided into the following five sections:
  • Yasna - Ceremonies and offerings are used to worship.
  • Videvdat - These are laws against the demons.
  • Yashts - Praise as a form of worship.
  • Khordeh Avesta - Book on Daily prayers.
  • Gathas - They are further divided into: Ahunavaiti, Ushtavaiti, Spenta-Mainyu, Vohu-Khshathra, and Vashishta-Isht.
• Denkard is a book collection that covers numerous facets of the faith. It is known as the Encyclopedia of Zoroastrianism.
• It is not divine in any way. It was written during the 10th century.
• Bundahishn roughly translates to "Primal Creations."
• It goes into detail regarding the religion's creation idea. It includes astronomical concepts and hypotheses.
• It also mentions the battles of 'Ahura Mazda' and 'Angra Mainyu.' The majority of the chapters were composed in the eighth and ninth centuries.

Sects in Zoroastrianism

The Parsis are divided into three primary sects:

• Shahenshai - Calculate their calendar using Yazdegerd III, the last Sasanian ruler.
• Kadmi - Claim to be the oldest and most accurate calendar.
• Fasli - They observe the Persian calendar as it has been passed down through the generations.

Jiyo Parsi scheme

• In 2013, the Ministry of Minority Affairs launched the Jiyo Parsi Scheme to combat the Parsi population's decline.
• The scheme's major goal was to stop the Parsi population from dwindling by using a scientific methodology and systematic interventions to stabilize their population and, as a result, increase the number of Parsis in India.
• Workshops, public awareness campaigns, and other advocacy components are included in the Advocacy Component.
• Childcare and Creche help, as well as assistance to the elderly, are all included in the Community Component's health.
• Financial support for infertility screening and treatment, fertility treatment, and other medical expenses are included in the medical component.
• The programme also provides financial aid to Parsi couples who want to start a family. The programme is open to all couples, regardless of their financial situation.
• Assisted reproductive techniques have resulted in 214 births in the last five years.
• This is a scheme that is entirely funded by the government.

Conclusion

There are only about 70,000 Parsis in India because the community's growth rate is slowing due to low birth rates and migration. Despite their small size, they are a highly accomplished group that has made numerous important contributions to Indian civilization, spanning from the liberation movement to business and military endeavours. Dadabhai Naoroji is remembered for founding the Indian National Congress, which laid the groundwork for the Indian Independence struggle.