![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Faravahar.png\")
1. Zoroastrianism Was Founded Thousands of Years Ago<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHistorians believe the religion was founded 4,000 years ago<\/a> in Ancient Persia<\/a>. It is believed to have been organized in the 2nd millennium Before Common Era (BCE). However, written records about the faith only date back to the 6th century BCE.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe religion cites Airyanem Vaejah<\/a> as the birthplace of Zoroastrianism. It is Zoroaster\u2019s home and the place where he reportedly received his enlightenment. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn Indo-Iranian mythology, it is the home of Indians and Iranians between 5000 and 2000 BCE. The two nations used to live as one and shared the same language and culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the nations separated in the 3rd millennium BCE. This is why India and Iran have different languages, cultures, and physical characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, there are many similarities when you look closely at the Avesta, which are Zoroastrianism\u2019s sacred texts. And also, Rig Veda, India\u2019s holy texts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Zarathustra<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nZoroaster was born Zarathustra. This was his original name in the Avestan or native Indo-Iranian language. Zoroaster is a Greek translation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is tricky to pinpoint the exact year of Zoroaster\u2019s birth, but historians have it pegged between 1500 and 1000 BCE. While his exact birthplace and birthdate are unknown, Zoroaster lived in an Iranian plateau. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the founder of the first documented monotheistic faith, Zoroaster reportedly left a huge impression on two of the most famous philosophers in the world: Pythagoras and Plato. Zoroastrianism is also believed to have influenced religions centered on the God of Abraham: Christianity<\/a>, Islam, and Judaism.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nSince historical documentation from the time is incredibly limited, little is known about Zoroaster\u2019s life until he became a prophet. His teachings began to spread throughout the country. By the 6th century BCE, Zoroastrianism became the official religion<\/a> in Iran.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nHe created Gathas, also known as the hymns of Zarathustra<\/a>. They glorified Ahura Mazda, the god of Zoroastrianism. Gathas made his followers believe that Zoroaster was a priest who preached about the ancient Iranian religion, which was polytheistic in nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe hymns were Zoraster\u2019s way of demonstrating that he had been enlightened with the knowledge that Ahura Mazda was the one true god, not the others that the ancient Iranian religion centered around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. 200,000 People in the World Are Zoroastrians<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOnce the most dominant religion in Iran, there are now only around 200,000 Zoroastrians in the world<\/a>. Many of them are in Iran and India, the original practitioners of the faith. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThere is also a significant Zoroastrian population in North America. In 2022, Zoroastrians converged at the four-day World Zoroastrian Congress in New York City to discuss the religion\u2019s growth and the challenges it faces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the major challenges<\/a> of the religion is the refusal to convert new members. Zoroaster never preached about the faith in his hymns but merely venerated Ahura Mazda. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe religion also doesn\u2019t recognize children of mixed marriages as Zoroastrians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The older generation believes that bringing in younger Zoroastrians has the power to keep the religion alive for many years to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. The Bearded Man<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Faravahar<\/a> is the best-known symbol for Zoroastrianism. It depicts a bearded man reaching forward with one hand while standing on a pair of outstretched wings. A circle in the middle represents eternity. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNo written interpretation of the symbol has been found, but based on the teachings of Zoroastrianism, the bearded man is a representation of Ahura Mazda. Some also relate the symbol to a guardian angel, the divine grace, the king, and the tenets of Zoroastrianism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Faravahar_Atashkadeh_Yazd-1024x445.jpg\")
Faravahar Symbol in a Fire temple (Atashkadeh) in Yazd, Iran,<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Good Vs. Evil<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn everyday life, people are constantly confronted with the choice between good and evil. It is not a unique concept\u2014for example, Christians have the angel and devil\u2014and Zoroastrianism has a similar personification for this constant battle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this faith, Ahura Mazda alone is good, while the bad is represented by the evil spirit Ahriman. The concept of good and evil is what historians believed ultimately influenced the newer religions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. 7 Zoroastrian Holy Immortals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs a monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism only has one god: Ahura Mazda. It also believes in the seven holy immortals<\/a>. This is similar to how Catholics pray to the saints for intercession.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWho are these holy immortals, and what do they do? They are Ahura Mazda\u2019s leaders in governing the world and are assisted by deities known as yazatas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spenta Mainyu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKnown as the Zoroastrian Holy Spirit, the Spenta Mainyu is said to represent light and goodness. Zoroastrian mythology pegged Spenta Mainyu as the protector of all living things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asha<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAsha means \u201ctruth and correctness,\u201d but in Zoroastrianism, it holds a heavier meaning. It subscribes to the notion that every action merits a reaction. Asha upholds justice, truth, and righteousness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vohu Manah<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nVohu Manah represents good deeds. Zoroastrianism teaches that good deeds are possible only with good thoughts and good words. Thoughts play an important role in shaping a person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kshathra Vairya\/Shathra<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRepresenting power, Kshathra Vairya\/Shathra is depicted with a sword in one hand and a circle in another, as he is meant to guard metals. He shapes good leaders and rulers. In mythology, his enemy is Savol, the personification of bad government, laziness, and chaos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Armaiti<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nArmaiti is the goddess of the earth and fertility that focuses on piety and devotion. In some works, she is portrayed as the wife of Ahura Mazda, but there are inconsistencies in the records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Haurvatat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHaurvatat is the manifestation of health and salvation through wholeness and integrity. As the bearer of water in the universe, Haurvatat also brings freshness to plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ameratat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAmeratat represents immortality, grows plants, and raises sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Fire Altar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFire is an important element in Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrians also worship in a temple where the altar is supposed to have eternal fire. Furthermore, fire and water are symbols of purity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Parsi Directory, there are currently 167 fire temples worldwide, many of which are in India. Some 45 fire temples are said to be in Mumbai, another 105 are spread throughout India, and 17 are located in different countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nine fire temples are considered the main Zoroastrian temples: eight are in India, and one is in Iran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highest-grade fire is said to be in the Fire Temple of Yazd in Yazd, Iran. It houses the Atash Bahram, or Victorious Fire of Zoroastrianism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fire in the temple has burned continuously since the year 470<\/a> and is the longest-burning flame in Iran. Outside the temple lies a pool to complete Zoroastrian\u2019s veneration of fire and water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zoroastrian_Fire_Temple_Yazd_2-768x1024.jpg\")
Zoroastrian Eternal Flame at the Fire Temple in Yazd, Central Iran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n8. Nowruz Holiday<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNowruz<\/a>, which means \u201cnew day,\u201d is a popular Iranian holiday. It marks the first day of spring, either March 20 or 21. Many religions and cultures also celebrate it, but for Iranians, it is their New Year. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe holiday is rooted in Zoroastrianism, which is why a major part of the celebration involves ritual dances centered on fire and water. Many also believe that Zoroaster was the one who established Nowruz as a holiday to be celebrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Famous Zoroastrians<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt is no longer very common for people to hear that someone is Zoroastrian today. Two of the most well-known Zoroastrians have passed, but they have left an imprint on many people\u2019s lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jamsetji Tata<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne of the most famous and wealthy Zoroastrians was Jamsetji Tata<\/a>. He was the founder of the Tata Group, India\u2019s largest conglomerate. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHe wasn\u2019t born wealthy, and his family was driven out of their hometown during the Muslim conquest of Persia. They settled in India, where Tata\u2019s father established an export-trading firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tata had a Western education and performed well in school. He eventually joined his family\u2019s business and made a name for himself at 29 when he created a successful trading firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most important things in Zoroastrianism is that you are supposed to help others in your religion, especially when you gain wealth. Tata did just that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freddie Mercury<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The religion cites Airyanem Vaejah<\/a> as the birthplace of Zoroastrianism. It is Zoroaster\u2019s home and the place where he reportedly received his enlightenment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Indo-Iranian mythology, it is the home of Indians and Iranians between 5000 and 2000 BCE. The two nations used to live as one and shared the same language and culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the nations separated in the 3rd millennium BCE. This is why India and Iran have different languages, cultures, and physical characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are many similarities when you look closely at the Avesta, which are Zoroastrianism\u2019s sacred texts. And also, Rig Veda, India\u2019s holy texts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Zoroaster was born Zarathustra. This was his original name in the Avestan or native Indo-Iranian language. Zoroaster is a Greek translation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is tricky to pinpoint the exact year of Zoroaster\u2019s birth, but historians have it pegged between 1500 and 1000 BCE. While his exact birthplace and birthdate are unknown, Zoroaster lived in an Iranian plateau. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the founder of the first documented monotheistic faith, Zoroaster reportedly left a huge impression on two of the most famous philosophers in the world: Pythagoras and Plato. Zoroastrianism is also believed to have influenced religions centered on the God of Abraham: Christianity<\/a>, Islam, and Judaism.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since historical documentation from the time is incredibly limited, little is known about Zoroaster\u2019s life until he became a prophet. His teachings began to spread throughout the country. By the 6th century BCE, Zoroastrianism became the official religion<\/a> in Iran.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n He created Gathas, also known as the hymns of Zarathustra<\/a>. They glorified Ahura Mazda, the god of Zoroastrianism. Gathas made his followers believe that Zoroaster was a priest who preached about the ancient Iranian religion, which was polytheistic in nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The hymns were Zoraster\u2019s way of demonstrating that he had been enlightened with the knowledge that Ahura Mazda was the one true god, not the others that the ancient Iranian religion centered around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the most dominant religion in Iran, there are now only around 200,000 Zoroastrians in the world<\/a>. Many of them are in Iran and India, the original practitioners of the faith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is also a significant Zoroastrian population in North America. In 2022, Zoroastrians converged at the four-day World Zoroastrian Congress in New York City to discuss the religion\u2019s growth and the challenges it faces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the major challenges<\/a> of the religion is the refusal to convert new members. Zoroaster never preached about the faith in his hymns but merely venerated Ahura Mazda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The religion also doesn\u2019t recognize children of mixed marriages as Zoroastrians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The older generation believes that bringing in younger Zoroastrians has the power to keep the religion alive for many years to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Faravahar<\/a> is the best-known symbol for Zoroastrianism. It depicts a bearded man reaching forward with one hand while standing on a pair of outstretched wings. A circle in the middle represents eternity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No written interpretation of the symbol has been found, but based on the teachings of Zoroastrianism, the bearded man is a representation of Ahura Mazda. Some also relate the symbol to a guardian angel, the divine grace, the king, and the tenets of Zoroastrianism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In everyday life, people are constantly confronted with the choice between good and evil. It is not a unique concept\u2014for example, Christians have the angel and devil\u2014and Zoroastrianism has a similar personification for this constant battle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this faith, Ahura Mazda alone is good, while the bad is represented by the evil spirit Ahriman. The concept of good and evil is what historians believed ultimately influenced the newer religions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism only has one god: Ahura Mazda. It also believes in the seven holy immortals<\/a>. This is similar to how Catholics pray to the saints for intercession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who are these holy immortals, and what do they do? They are Ahura Mazda\u2019s leaders in governing the world and are assisted by deities known as yazatas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Known as the Zoroastrian Holy Spirit, the Spenta Mainyu is said to represent light and goodness. Zoroastrian mythology pegged Spenta Mainyu as the protector of all living things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Asha means \u201ctruth and correctness,\u201d but in Zoroastrianism, it holds a heavier meaning. It subscribes to the notion that every action merits a reaction. Asha upholds justice, truth, and righteousness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vohu Manah represents good deeds. Zoroastrianism teaches that good deeds are possible only with good thoughts and good words. Thoughts play an important role in shaping a person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Representing power, Kshathra Vairya\/Shathra is depicted with a sword in one hand and a circle in another, as he is meant to guard metals. He shapes good leaders and rulers. In mythology, his enemy is Savol, the personification of bad government, laziness, and chaos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Armaiti is the goddess of the earth and fertility that focuses on piety and devotion. In some works, she is portrayed as the wife of Ahura Mazda, but there are inconsistencies in the records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Haurvatat is the manifestation of health and salvation through wholeness and integrity. As the bearer of water in the universe, Haurvatat also brings freshness to plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ameratat represents immortality, grows plants, and raises sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fire is an important element in Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrians also worship in a temple where the altar is supposed to have eternal fire. Furthermore, fire and water are symbols of purity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Parsi Directory, there are currently 167 fire temples worldwide, many of which are in India. Some 45 fire temples are said to be in Mumbai, another 105 are spread throughout India, and 17 are located in different countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nine fire temples are considered the main Zoroastrian temples: eight are in India, and one is in Iran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The highest-grade fire is said to be in the Fire Temple of Yazd in Yazd, Iran. It houses the Atash Bahram, or Victorious Fire of Zoroastrianism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fire in the temple has burned continuously since the year 470<\/a> and is the longest-burning flame in Iran. Outside the temple lies a pool to complete Zoroastrian\u2019s veneration of fire and water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nowruz<\/a>, which means \u201cnew day,\u201d is a popular Iranian holiday. It marks the first day of spring, either March 20 or 21. Many religions and cultures also celebrate it, but for Iranians, it is their New Year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The holiday is rooted in Zoroastrianism, which is why a major part of the celebration involves ritual dances centered on fire and water. Many also believe that Zoroaster was the one who established Nowruz as a holiday to be celebrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is no longer very common for people to hear that someone is Zoroastrian today. Two of the most well-known Zoroastrians have passed, but they have left an imprint on many people\u2019s lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most famous and wealthy Zoroastrians was Jamsetji Tata<\/a>. He was the founder of the Tata Group, India\u2019s largest conglomerate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He wasn\u2019t born wealthy, and his family was driven out of their hometown during the Muslim conquest of Persia. They settled in India, where Tata\u2019s father established an export-trading firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tata had a Western education and performed well in school. He eventually joined his family\u2019s business and made a name for himself at 29 when he created a successful trading firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most important things in Zoroastrianism is that you are supposed to help others in your religion, especially when you gain wealth. Tata did just that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Zarathustra<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. 200,000 People in the World Are Zoroastrians<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. The Bearded Man<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Good Vs. Evil<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. 7 Zoroastrian Holy Immortals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spenta Mainyu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asha<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vohu Manah<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kshathra Vairya\/Shathra<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Armaiti<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Haurvatat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ameratat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Fire Altar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Nowruz Holiday<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Famous Zoroastrians<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Jamsetji Tata<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Freddie Mercury<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n