ASKiIMAN™ REALM 74 / ZOROASTRIANISM
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The Eternal Flame

Agiary, Faravahar, Parsis & The Threefold Path

REALM 74 — ZOROASTRIANISM

MICRO-REALM 01

Zarathustra

  • The Prophet (Zoroaster), born in ancient Persia (estimated between 1500–1000 BCE).
  • Reformed existing polytheistic religions into one of the world's oldest monotheistic faiths.
  • Taught that the universe is a cosmic struggle between truth and falsehood.
MICRO-REALM 02

The Avesta

  • The primary collection of religious texts of Zoroastrianism.
  • The core consists of the Gathas , seventeen hymns believed to be composed by Zarathustra himself.
  • Written in the ancient Avestan language, closely related to Vedic Sanskrit.
MICRO-REALM 03

Ahura Mazda

  • The "Wise Lord," the supreme, omniscient, and wholly good creator.
  • Opposed by Angra Mainyu (the destructive spirit of falsehood and chaos).
  • Humans are granted free will to actively choose the side of Light (Spenta Mainyu).
MICRO-REALM 04

Arrival in India

  • Following the Arab conquest of Persia (7th century CE), Zoroastrians fled to preserve their faith.
  • Arrived in Gujarat (Sanjan) around the 8th–10th century.
  • These refugees became known as the Parsis (Persians).
MICRO-REALM 05

The Qissa-i Sanjan

  • The famous legend of assimilation with the local Hindu king, Jadi Rana.
  • The king showed a full cup of milk, implying his land was full.
  • The Parsi priest stirred sugar into the milk, promising to sweeten the land without overflowing it.
MICRO-REALM 06

Sudreh & Kusti

  • The sacred garments worn by Zoroastrians after their initiation (Navjote ceremony).
  • Sudreh: A white muslin shirt representing purity.
  • Kusti: A sacred thread tied around the waist, serving as a spiritual armor against evil.
MICRO-REALM 07

Fire Temples (Agiary)

  • Places of worship where a sacred fire is kept burning eternally.
  • Fire (Atash) is revered as the visible presence of Ahura Mazda and a symbol of truth/purity.
  • Highest grade is the Atash Behram (Fire of Victory), of which there are 8 in India (e.g., Udvada).
MICRO-REALM 08

Purity of Elements

  • Deep reverence for the natural elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air.
  • Strict religious codes prohibit polluting these elements.
  • For example, the dead cannot be buried (pollutes earth) or cremated (pollutes fire).
MICRO-REALM 09

Tower of Silence

  • The Dakhma : A circular, raised structure used for excarnation.
  • Bodies are exposed to the sun and scavenging birds (vultures) to prevent pollution of the sacred elements.
  • Today, the decline of vultures has forced the community to adapt these traditions.
MICRO-REALM 10

Navroz

  • The Iranian New Year, celebrated on the vernal (spring) equinox.
  • A festival of renewal, light, and the triumph of warmth over winter.
  • Celebrated with the Haft-sin table and visits to the Agiary.
MICRO-REALM 11

Parsi Contributions

  • Despite being a micro-minority, Parsis laid the foundation of modern industrial India.
  • Pioneers include the Tata family (steel, aviation, science), the Godrej family, and the Wadia master shipbuilders.
  • Dadabhai Naoroji was a key architect of Indian nationalism.
MICRO-REALM 12

Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta

  • The core ethical maxim of Zoroastrianism, represented by the three layers of the Faravahar's wings.
  • Humata: Good Thoughts.
  • Hukhta: Good Words.
  • Hvarshta: Good Deeds.