Ahura Mazda
Lord of Wisdom, Supreme Being, Creator
Supreme deity
Place of Origin: Persia (Greater Iran)
Origin Date: Ahura Mazda's worship began around the late 3rd millennium BCE and became prominent during the Achaemenid period (c. 550–330 BCE)
Domain: Creation, wisdom, cosmic order
Symbols: Fire, water
Attributes: Omniscience, omnipotence, upholder of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds
Epithets: Ahuramazda, Hurmuz, Hourmazd, Ohrmazd
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents to Ahura Mazda in other religions, but he is sometimes compared to other supreme deities like the Abrahamic God.
Religion: Zoroastrianism
Sacred Texts: Ahura Mazda is mentioned in the Avesta, the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism, which were composed over several centuries, with the oldest parts dating back to around 1200 BCE.
Iconography: Ahura Mazda is often depicted in ancient Persian art, such as the relief at Naqsh-e Rostam, presenting the diadem of sovereignty to Persian kings.
Relations: Ahura Mazda is associated with the twin spirits Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu. He is also linked to other deities like Mithra and Anahita during the Achaemenid period.
Description
Ahura Mazda is the creator deity and god of the sky in Zoroastrianism, the ancient Iranian religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra). Ahura Mazda is considered the all-wise, all-knowing, and omnipotent deity who created the universe and maintains cosmic order. He is often depicted as the upholder of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
Narratives
Creation of the Universe
Ahura Mazda created the universe and the cosmic order, including the twin spirits Spenta Mainyu (beneficent) and Angra Mainyu (destructive). The struggle between these spirits represents the eternal battle between good and evil.
First Humans: Mashya and Mashynag
Ahura Mazda created the first human beings, Mashya and Mashynag, and placed them in a harmonious environment. However, they were deceived by Angra Mainyu, leading to their eviction from paradise and a life of suffering.
Zoroaster's Vision
The prophet Zoroaster experienced a divine revelation at the Daytia River, where he encountered the angel Vohu Mana. This vision revealed the fundamental principles of Zoroastrianism, including the dualistic struggle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu.
The Behistun Inscription
During the Achaemenid period, Darius the Great invoked Ahura Mazda in the Behistun Inscription, seeking his guidance and protection for the Persian Empire.
Artaxerxes II and the Triad
Under the reign of Artaxerxes II, Ahura Mazda was worshipped alongside Mithra and Anahita, forming a divine triad. This period marked the integration of Ahura Mazda with other deities in royal inscriptions.
The Empty Chariot
In ancient Persian battles, an empty chariot drawn by white horses was used to invite Ahura Mazda's presence and support for the Persian army.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Ahura Mazda in Zoroastrianism
Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, representing wisdom, light, and goodness. He is considered the creator of the universe and the source of all good.
Core Beliefs
Supreme Deity: Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, representing wisdom, light, and goodness. He is considered the creator of the universe and the source of all good. Ahura Mazda is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, embodying the principles of truth, righteousness, and cosmic order.
Symbol of Wisdom and Cosmic Order: Ahura Mazda is seen as a symbol of wisdom, cosmic order, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. He represents the qualities of truth, righteousness, and the ability to maintain harmony in the universe. Ahura Mazda is often associated with light and fire, symbolizing purity and divine presence.
Creator and Upholder of Good: Ahura Mazda is revered as the creator and upholder of all that is good. He is believed to have created the universe and the cosmic order, including the twin spirits Spenta Mainyu (beneficent) and Angra Mainyu (destructive). His blessings are sought for guidance, protection, and the triumph of good over evil.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Ahura Mazda is often depicted in ancient Persian art, such as the relief at Naqsh-e Rostam, presenting the diadem of sovereignty to Persian kings. He is associated with the colors white and gold, symbolizing purity and divine light.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Ahura Mazda include fire, water, and the Faravahar (a winged symbol representing the divine spirit). These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Ahura Mazda are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Zoroastrian traditions. He embodies the qualities of wisdom, cosmic order, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Ahura Mazda. These include offerings of food, herbs, and other natural items to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in fire temples, where a sacred fire is kept burning at all times to symbolize his divine presence.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Ahura Mazda can be found in various locations, where his presence is believed to be strongest. These sites are often located in places associated with purity and divine light, such as fire temples and natural springs.
Offerings: Offerings to Ahura Mazda typically include food, herbs, and items related to his symbols, such as representations of fire and water. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Nowruz: Nowruz, celebrated at the spring equinox, is a major festival dedicated to Ahura Mazda. The festival marks the renewal of life and the triumph of light over darkness. It includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Ahura Mazda's blessings for guidance and protection during the new year.
Gahambars: Seasonal festivals that celebrate the six creations of Ahura Mazda: the sky, water, earth, plants, animals, and humans. Each Gahambar involves communal feasts and rituals.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Ahura Mazda for protection, wisdom, and success in their endeavors. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the creator and upholder of good, seeking his guidance and blessings.
Ahura Mazda's role as the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism embodies the core values and beliefs of the religion, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, cosmic order, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.