The god of light and wisdom, Ahura Mazda is the principal deity of Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism, or more natively Mazdayasna, is one of the world's oldest, and at one time most powerful religions, "combining a cosmogonic dualism and eschatological monotheism in a manner unique... among the major religions of the world." Ascribed to the teachings of the Iranian Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra), he exalted their deity of wisdom, Ahura Mazda, as its Supreme Being.Zoroastrianism
Sasanian Empire
The Sasanian Empire, or the Neo-Persian Empire, officially known as the Empire of Iranians, was the last kingdom of the Persian Empire before the rise of Islam. Named after the House of Sasan, it ruled from 224 to 651 AD. The Sasanian Empire succeeded the Parthian Empire and was recogni…
What does Ahura Mazda represent?
Zoroastrians believe in one God, called Ahura Mazda (meaning 'Wise Lord'). He is compassionate, just, and is the creator of the universe. Ahura Mazda is: Omniscient (knows everything)
How did Zoroastrianism impact history?
Some scholars say that tenets of Zoroastrianism helped to shape the major Abrahamic religions—including Judaism, Christianity and Islam—through the influence of the Persian Empire.
Who is Ahura Mazda's enemy?
Angra Mainyu was the source of all sin and misery in the universe. Zoroaster claimed that Ahura Mazda used the aid of humans in the cosmic struggle against Angra Mainyu.
How did Zoroastrianism spread to the other parts of the world?
Zoroastrianism spread throughout Iranian lands, into Central Asia along trade routes, and further into East Asia. The Seleucids, Parthians, and Sassanians all practiced the faith. But as Richard C. Foltz has noted, Zoroaster's doctrine was not codified until sometime in the third century CE, under the Sassanians.
Why is Zoroastrianism important to history?
Historically, the unique features of Zoroastrianism, such as its monotheism, messianism, belief in free will and judgement after death, conception of heaven, hell, angels, and demons, among other concepts, may have influenced other religious and philosophical systems, including the Abrahamic religions and Gnosticism, ...
What are 3 facts about Zoroastrianism?
Zoroastrianism at a glanceZoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world.Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers, as some Westerners wrongly believe. ... Ahura Mazda revealed the truth through the Prophet, Zoroaster.Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day.More items...•
How powerful is Ahura Mazda?
His level of power and expertise is unknown, but he may be just as powerful as such deities as Vishnu, Odin and Zeus. Like the All-Father Odin, all magic of the Yazatas flows from Ahura Mazda.
Which is world's oldest religion?
The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, many practitioners refer to their religion as Sanātana Dharma (Sanskrit: सनातन धर्म, lit.
When did Ahura Mazda live?
Ahura Mazdā, (Avestan: “Wise Lord”) also spelled Ormizd or Ormazd, supreme god in ancient Iranian religion, especially Zoroastrianism, the religious system of the Iranian prophet Zarathustra (c. 6th century bce; Greek name Zoroaster).
Who is the only God?
God is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things" [Quran 6:103] Allāh is the only God and the same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism. (29:46).
Where is Zoroastrianism most influential today?
The Zoroastrian faith has survived from ancient times with followers worldwide, mainly in Iran and India. The Zoroastrians who settled in India more than one thousand years ago, referred to as the Parsi (Persian) community, are very influential in Indian society today.
How did Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin?
How did Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin? Alexander the Great conquered Persia which resulted in the culture of Zoroastrianism to spread among Persia and other countries.
Where is Zoroastrianism most influential today?
The Zoroastrian faith has survived from ancient times with followers worldwide, mainly in Iran and India. The Zoroastrians who settled in India more than one thousand years ago, referred to as the Parsi (Persian) community, are very influential in Indian society today.
How did Zoroastrianism affect the government?
As the first monotheist philosophy, Zoroastrianism inspired a unique form of religious toleration. The ancient Zoroastrians opposed the political rivalries attributed to belligerent city-state gods. This played a vital role in the rise of the Persian Empire.
What was Judaism's impact on society?
Judaism marked the beginning of a revolutionary idea that laid the groundwork for social reform: humans have the ability and therefore the responsibility to stop injustices in the world. The Jews were the first to decide that it was their responsibility as the Chosen People to fight against inequality in the world.
Did Zoroastrianism influence other religions?
The idea of a single god was not the only essentially Zoroastrian tenet to find its way into other major faiths, most notably the 'big three': Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
What is the religion of ancient Iran?
ancient Iranian religion: Ahura Mazdā. Ahura Mazdā (“Wise Lord”) was probably the chief god of the pre-Zoroastrian pantheon. In both the religion of Zarathustra and that of Darius and Xerxes, he was worshipped as the supreme god, almost to the exclusion of all others. First of all he…. ancient Iran: Religion.
Who created the universe and the cosmic order?
Zoroastrianism: The reformation of Zarathustra. …his successors worshipped Auramazda ( Ahura Mazdā) “and the other gods who exist” or “ Ahura Mazdā, the... According to Zarathustra, Ahura Mazdā created the universe and the cosmic order that he maintains. He created the twin spirits Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu ( Ahriman )—the former beneficent, ...
What is an encyclopedia editor?
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. ...
Who is the god of Zoroaster?
First of all he…. His god was Ahura Mazdā, who, it seems likely, was a creation, in name and attributes, of Zoroaster. Though in a certain sense technically monotheistic, early Zoroastrianism viewed the world in strongly dualistic terms, for Ahura Mazdā and the “Lie” were deeply involved in a struggle for the….
Who is the Primal Man?
Something of this conception is reflected in Manichaeism, in which God is sometimes called Zurvān, while Ormazd is his first emanation, Primal Man, who is vanquished by the destructive spirit of darkness but rescued by God’s second emanation, the Living Spirit.
Who did Zoroastrianism worship?
Zoroastrianism: The reformation of Zarathustra. …his successors worshipped Auramazda ( Ahura Mazdā) “and the other gods who exist” or “ Ahura Mazdā, the greatest god.”.
What is the origin of Ohrmazd Bay?
In Manichaeism, the name Ohrmazd Bay ("god Ahura Mazda") was used for the primal figure Nāšā Qaḏmāyā, the "original man" and emanation of the Father of Greatness (in Manicheism called Zurvan) through whom after he sacrificed himself to defend the world of light was consumed by the forces of darkness.
What does Ahura Mazda represent?
The winged symbol with a male figure who was formerly regarded by European scholars as Ahura Mazda has been now speculated to represent the royal xvarənah, the personification of divine power and royal glory. However, it was customary for every emperor from Cyrus until Darius III to have an empty chariot drawn by white horses as a place for Ahura Mazda to accompany the Persian army on battles. The use of images of Ahura Mazda began in the western satraps of the Achaemenid Empire in the late 5th century BCE. Under Artaxerxes II, the first literary reference as well as a statue of Ahura Mazda was built by a Persian governor of Lydia in 365 BCE.
What did Zoroaster see?
As a result of this vision, Zoroaster felt that he was chosen to spread and preach the religion. He stated that this source of all goodness was the Ahura worthy of the highest worship. He further stated that Ahura Mazda created spirits known as yazata s to aid him. Zoroaster proclaimed that some of the Iranian gods were daevas who deserved no worship. These "bad" deities were created by Angra Mainyu, the destructive spirit. The existence of Angra Mainyu was the source of all sin and misery in the universe. Zoroaster claimed that Ahura Mazda was not an omnipotent God, but used the aid of humans in the cosmic struggle against Angra Mainyu. Nonetheless, Ahura Mazda is Angra Mainyu's superior, not his equal. Angra Mainyu and his daevas, which attempt to attract humans away from the Path of Asha, would eventually be defeated.
What is the meaning of Ahura Mazda?
Ahura Mazda is the first and most frequently invoked spirit in the Yasna. The literal meaning of the word Ahura is "lord," and that of Mazda is " wisdom .". Ahura Mazda first appeared in the Achaemenid period (c. 550 – 330 BC) under Darius I 's Behistun Inscription.
Where did Ahura Mazda originate?
Some scholars (Kuiper. IIJ I, 1957; Zimmer. Münchner Studien 1984:187–215) believe that Ahura Mazda originates from *vouruna-mitra, or Vedic Varuna (and Mitra ). According to William W Malandra both Varuna (in Vedic period) and Ahura Mazda (in old Iranian religion) represented same Indo-Iranian concept of a supreme "wise, all-knowing lord".
Where is the Ahura Mazda inscription?
Amongst the earliest surviving inscription, on the Elamite Persepolis Fortification Tablet 377, Ahura Mazda is invoked along with Mithra and Apam Napat, Vedic Varuna ("moon-god").
When was Ahura Mazda first used?
Ahura Mazda first appeared in the Achaemenid period (c. 550 – 330 BC) under Darius I 's Behistun Inscription. Until Artaxerxes II of Persia (405–04 to 359–58 BC), Ahura Mazda was worshipped and invoked alone in all extant royal inscriptions. With Artaxerxes II, Ahura Mazda was invoked in a triad, with Mithra and Anahita. In the Achaemenid period, there are no known representations of Ahura Mazda at the royal court other than the custom for every emperor to have an empty chariot drawn by white horses, to invite Ahura Mazda to accompany the Persian army on battles. Images of Ahura Mazda, however, were present from the 5th century BC, but were stopped and replaced with stone carved figures in the Sassanid period and later removed altogether through an iconoclastic movement supported by the Sassanid dynasty.
How many angels did Ahura Mazda have?
Ahura Mazda created six divine beings, or angels , to help him spread goodness and rule the universe. One of the most important angels was Asha Vahishta (”Excellent Order” or “Truth”), who was associated with justice. Another key angel was Vohu Manah (”Good Mind”), who symbolized love and sacred wisdom and welcomed souls to paradise.
What is the symbol of Ahura Mazda?
Ahura Mazda was associated with light and fire , the emblems of truth, goodness, and wisdom. Zoroastrians would often pray using a flame or other source of light as the point of focus for their prayers, much like Christian churches use a crucifix as a focal point for worshippers. The symbol most commonly associated with Zoroastrianism is an image of Ahura Mazda shown as a figure with eagle-like wings and tail. Ahura Mazda appears in Persian art and texts as a bearded man wearing a robe covered with stars. Dwelling high in heaven, he had the sun for an eye.
Who is the wisest god in Zoroastrianism?
Ahura Mazda. The Wise Lord (or possibly more correctly ‘The Lord Wisdom’), God in Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster was convinced he had seen Ahura personally and had been called by him. This injected into the foundations of Zoroastrianism a concept of a personal God. In the Gāthās, Ahura is referred to as the creator of all things, of the heavens, of humanity, both materially and spiritually. In the developed Zoroastrian tradition, the emphasis is on Ahura Mazda 's goodness and knowledge, but not on his omnipotence, for he is restricted by the activities of the wholly independent evil Angra Mainyu. The first creations of Ahura were the Amesa Spentas, the heavenly forces. Beneath them in the heavenly hierarchy are the yazatas, or worshipful beings. In modern Zoroastrian exegesis, the Amesa Spentas are often compared to the archangels and angels of Judaism and Christianity. Ahura Mazda is the Good Creator ( Bundahisn) who will ultimately triumph over evil ( Frasokereti ). In that battle he has his helpers ( hamkars) chief among whom are humans.
Where is Persia now?
The ancient land known as Persia now falls mostly in the country of Iran. Using your library, the Internet, or other available resources, locate a map that shows the extent the ancient Persian Empire. What other present-day countries did the Persian Empire include?
Does Encyclopedia have page numbers?
Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. However, the date of retrieval is often important. Refer to each style’s convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates.
How long did the battle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu last?
For the last 3000 years, Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu would fight on an equal footing.
What does Angra Mainyu mean?
Angra Mainyu, on the other hand, is known also as Ahriman in Middle Persian, and the name of this deity translates to mean “Destructive Spirit.”. Moreover, Angra Mainyu’s principal epithet is “Druj,” which means “Lie.”. This is in opposition to the concept of “Asha,” which has been translated as “Truth,” which is upheld by Ahura Mazda.
What is the name of the destructive spirit?
Angra Mainyu or Ahriman is the name of Zoroastrianism's underlying reality or substance of the "destructive/evil spirit" and the main adversary in Zoroastrianism either of the Spenta Mainyu, the "holy/creative spirits/mentality," or directly of Ahura Mazda, the highest deity of Zoroastrianism. In these accounts, both Angra Mainyu ...
How are Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu related?
There are several different accounts of how Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu are related to one another . One of these versions can be found in the Gathas, the 17 Avestan hymns believed to have been composed by Zoroaster (known also as Zarathustra), the founder of Zoroastrianism. The Gathas are thought to have been written during the 14th or 13th century BC, and were included in the Avesta (the primary collection of Zoroastrian religious texts) when it was codified in about the 7th century AD.
What is the name of the gods in Zoroastrianism?
The former is the supreme deity of this religion, whereas the latter is the evil, destructive spirit. Angra Mainyu or Ahriman is the name of Zoroastrianism's underlying reality ...
When was Ahura Mazda first mentioned?
The earliest known reference to an image of Ahura Mazda is also found in a text, in which a satrap of Lydia is recorded to have erected a statue of the deity during the 39 th year of Artaxerxes II Mnenon (around 365 BC). Since it was written by a Greek, the deity was referred to as “Zeus” the lawgiver, and once again, probably refers to Ahura Mazda.
Did Angra Mainyu and Ahura Mazda exist?
In the Bundahishn, Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu seem to have existed for all eternity but were separated by a void. When Angra Mainyu began attacking Ahura Mazda, however, the process of creation began. The world was created as a battlefield, so that Ahura Mazda could vanquish Angra Mainyu.
What did Zoroaster see?
As a result of this vision, Zoroaster felt that he was chosen to spread and preach the religion. He stated that this source of all goodness was the Ahura worthy of the highest worship. He further stated that Ahura Mazda created spirits known as yazata s to aid him, who also merited worship. Zoroaster proclaimed that some of the Iranian gods were daevas who deserved no worship. These “bad” deities were created by Angra Mainyu, the destructive spirit. The existence of Angra Mainyu was the source of all sin and misery in the universe. Zoroaster claimed that Ahura Mazda was not an omnipotent God, but used the aid of humans in the cosmic struggle against Angra Mainyu. Nonetheless, Ahura Mazda is Angra Mainyu’s superior, not his equal. Angra Mainyu and his daevas, which attempt to attract humans away from the Path of Asha, would eventually be defeated.
What is the name of the god of Zoroastrianism?
Parthian Empire. Sassanid Empire. Present-day Zoroastrianism. In other religions. 101 Names. Ahura Mazda ( Avestan: Mazdā Ahura also known as Oromasdes, Ohrmazd , Ahuramazda, Hourmazd , Hormazd, and Hurmuz) is the creator and highest deity of Zoroastrianism. Ahura Mazda is the first and most frequently invoked spirit in the Yasna.
What does Ahura Mazda represent?
The winged symbol with a male figure who was formerly regarded by European scholars as Ahura Mazda has been now speculated to represent the royal xvarənah, the personification of divine power and royal glory. However, it was customary for every emperor from Cyrus until Darius III to have an empty chariot drawn by white horses as a place for Ahura Mazda to accompany the Persian army on battles. The use of images of Ahura Mazda began in the western satraps of the Achaemenid Empire in the late 5th century BCE. Under Artaxerxes II, the first literary reference as well as a statue of Ahura Mazda was built by a Persian governor of Lydia in 365 BCE.
What is the origin of Ohrmazd Bay?
In Manichaeism, the name Ohrmazd Bay (“god Ahura Mazda”) was used for the primal figure Nāšā Qaḏmāyā, the “original man” and emanation of the Father of Greatness (in Manichaeism called Zurvan) through whom after he sacrificed himself to defend the world of light was consumed by the forces of darkness.
Where did Ahura Mazda originate?
Some scholars (Kuiper. IIJ I, 1957; Zimmer. Münchner Studien 1984:187–215) believe that Ahura Mazda originates from *vouruna-mitra, or Vedic Varuna (and Mitra). According to William W Malandra both Varuna (in Vedic period) and Ahura Mazda (in old Iranian religion) represented same Indo-Iranian concept of a supreme “wise, all-knowing lord”.
When was Ahura Mazda first used?
Ahura Mazda first appeared in the Achaemenid period (c. 550 – 330 BCE) under Darius I’s Behistun Inscription. Until Artaxerxes II of Persia (405–04 to 359–58 BCE), Ahura Mazda was worshipped and invoked alone in all extant royal inscriptions. With Artaxerxes II, Ahura Mazda was invoked in a triad, with Mithra and Anahita. In the Achaemenid period, there are no known representations of Ahura Mazda at the royal court other than the custom for every emperor to have an empty chariot drawn by white horses, to invite Ahura Mazda to accompany the Persian army on battles. Images of Ahura Mazda, however, were present from the 5th century BCE, but were stopped and replaced with stone carved figures in the Sassanid period and later removed altogether through an iconoclastic movement supported by the Sassanid dynasty.
Why is Mani's name sogdian?
In Sogdian Buddhism, Xwrmztʼ (Sogdian was written without a consistent representation of vowels) was the name used in place of Ahura Mazda.
Functionalism In Atonement
Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. After Moses the priestly scribes manufactured a plethora of laws, moral and ceremonial. This has
Compare Aztec's Creation Story
In every civilization that has graced our planet at some point, each has wondered about how the world, and its people were created. Depending on the location of the civilization, and the influences from other civilizations, each early civilization has created some form of tale to explain how the world and it people were created.
Anthropocentric Orientations In Genesis
Patriarchal Gods: An Analysis of the Importance of Anthropocentric Originations in Genesis and in Mesopotamian Mythology This mythological study will define the anthropocentric originations of the world through the compare and contrast of gender roles orientation in Genesis and in Mesopotamian mythology.
Genesis 2 4b-2 Analysis
GENESIS (1) Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-2:25 are seen as two accounts of the creation which give conflicting reports regarding the order of the creation of man, animals and vegetation. They further present different conceptions of the Deity.
Religion In Ancient Mesopotamia
According to them, communities believed that everything was created by different gods and ruled by them. At first there was only fresh (Apsu) and salt (Tiamat) water.
Why Are Designer Babies Good Or Bad
When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.” Finally it says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” All three of these versus tell us that god created humans the way he wanted to. By changing the
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Creation stories are tales and myths that were told from all around the world, in which was believed by each individual culture to be true on how the universe first came about. According to the Zuni emergence tale, the Pueblos believed that they were created like seeds growing from within Mother Earth.
Overview
Ahura Mazda , also known as Oromasdes, Ohrmazd, Ahuramazda, Hourmazd, Hormazd, Hormaz and Hurmuz, is the creator deity in Zoroastrianism. He is the first and most frequently invoked spirit in the Yasna. The literal meaning of the word Ahura is "lord", and that of Mazda is "wisdom".
The first notable invocation of Ahura Mazda occurred during the Achaemenid p…
Nomenclature
'Ahura' is cognate with the Vedic word 'asura', both meaning 'lord'. Finnish Indologist Asko Parpola traces the etymological root of Asura to *asera- of Uralic languages, where it means 'lord, prince'.
'Mazda', or rather the Avestan stem-form Mazdā-, nominative Mazdå, reflects Proto-Iranian *mazdáH (a feminine noun). It is generally taken to be the proper name of the spirit, and like its Vedic cognate medhā́, means "intelligence" or "wisdom". Both the Avestan and Sanskrit words re…
Characteristics
Even though it is speculated that Ahura Mazda was a spirit in the Indo-Iranian religion, he had not yet been given the title of "uncreated spirit". This title was given by Zoroaster, who proclaimed Ahura Mazda as the uncreated spirit, wholly wise, benevolent, and sound, as well as the creator and upholder of Asha.
Zoroaster's revelation
According to Zoroastrian tradition, at the age of 30, Zoroaster received a revelation: while fetching water at dawn for a sacred ritual, he saw the shining figure of the Amesha Spenta, Vohu Manah, who led Zoroaster to the presence of Ahura Mazda, where he was taught the cardinal principles of the "Good Religion" later known as Zoroastrianism. As a result of this vision, Zoroaster felt that he was chosen to spread and preach the religion. He stated that this source of all goodness was th…
Plutarch
According to Plutarch Zoroaster named "Areimanios" as one of the two rivals who were the artificers of good and evil. In terms of sense perception, Oromazes was to be compared with light, and Areimanios to darkness and ignorance; between these was Mithras the Mediator. Areimanios received offerings that pertained to warding off evil and mourning.
In describing a ritual to Areimanios, Plutarch says the god was invoked as Hades gives the identif…
History
Whether the Achaemenids were Zoroastrians is a matter of much debate. However, it is known that the Achaemenids were worshipers of Ahura Mazda. The representation and invocation of Ahura Mazda can be seen on royal inscriptions written by Achaemenid kings. The most notable of all the inscriptions is the Behistun Inscription written by Darius I which contains many r…
In other religions
Some scholars (Kuiper. IIJ I, 1957; Zimmer. Münchner Studien 1984:187–215) believe that Ahura Mazda originates from *vouruna-mitra, or Vedic Varuna (and Mitra). According to William W Malandra both Varuna (in Vedic period) and Ahura Mazda (in old Iranian religion) represented same Indo-Iranian concept of a supreme "wise, all-knowing lord".
101 Names
1. yazat ("Worthy of worship.")
2. harvasp-tavãn ("Omnipotent.")
3. harvasp-âgâh ("Omniscient.")
4. harvasp-h'udhâ ("The Lord of all.")
Character Overview
- Ahura Mazda (pronounced ah-HOO-ruh MAHZ-duh), whose name means “wise lord,” was the most important god in ancient Persian mythology. When the religion known as Zoroastrianism became widespread in Persia around 600 bce, Ahura Mazda became its supreme deity or god. The Persians considered him to be the creator of earth, the heavens, and humankind, as...
Major Myths
- Ahura Mazda created six divine beings, or angels, to help him spread goodness and rule the universe. One of the most important angels was Asha Vahishta (”Excellent Order” or “Truth”), who was associated with justice. Another key angel was Vohu Manah (”Good Mind”), who symbolized love and sacred wisdom and welcomed souls to paradise. One now-extinct branch of Zoroastria…
Ahura Mazda in Context
- Ahura Mazda is an important figure in Zoroastrianism, a religious movement based on the philosophies of a prophet and poet named Zoroaster, who lived in Iran around 1000 bce. Zoroastrians believe that the world was created and is ruled by a single god, Ahura Mazda, and that humans are forever being tested by the temptations of evil. Since Ahura Mazda is considere…
Key Themes and Symbols
- Ahura Mazda was associated with light and fire, the emblems of truth, goodness, and wisdom. Zoroastrians would often pray using a flame or other source of light as the point of focus for their prayers, much like Christian churches use a crucifix as a focal point for worshippers. The symbol most commonly associated with Zoroastrianism is an image of Ahura Mazda shown as a figure …
Ahura Mazda in Art, Literature, and Everyday Life
- Many stone reliefs and statues of Ahura Mazda have been found at ancient Persian sites. However, as the religion became less popular over the centuries, depictions of Ahura Mazda also became less abundant. As with many mythological figures, Ahura Mazda has been given new life in modern times as a character in comic books. Notable appearances include the long-running D…
Read, Write, Think, Discuss
- The ancient land known as Persia now falls mostly in the country of Iran. Using your library, the Internet, or other available resources, locate a map that shows the extent the ancient Persian Empire. What other present-day countries did the Persian Empire include? SEE ALSO Ahriman; Angels; Persian Mythology