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Zoroastrianism: Meaning, Origin, Principle Beliefs & More | UPSC Notes

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Zoroastrianism is also called Mazdayasna and Behdin. It is one of the oldest organized religions globally. It follows the teachings of Zoroaster, an Iranian-speaking prophet. This faith centers around the idea of a single, powerful deity named Ahura Mazda, and is known as the 'Lord of Wisdom,' and a destructive spirit called Angra Mainyu. 

In this article, candidates can learn about Zoroastrianism in detail, along with associated facts and questions can be seen related to this topic in both prelims as current affairs and Mains in GS paper III of the UPSC IAS examination. 

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Key Practices in India

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Parsis in India, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Zoroastrian Cultural Points, Influence on Indian Urban Society

What is Zoroastrianism?

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest known living religions. It originated in ancient Persia, which is present-day Iran. It has followers in Iran and northern India. Zoroastrianism is based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra). The religion emphasizes the existence of a supreme deity called Ahura Mazda, who is associated with truth, goodness, and light. Zoroastrians believe in the cosmic battle between good and evil forces, with humans having the free will to choose between them. 

Origin of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism originated around 3,500 years ago from a shared Indo-Iranian religion. This makes it one of the world's oldest living religions. It likely arose in Central Asia around the 2nd millennium BCE. It reached Iran and gained prominence under the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian empires. The religion faced competition from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions during its expansion. The religion's decline followed the Arab conquest in 651 CE, leading to an exodus of Zoroastrians. Parsis migrated to India while remnant communities remained in rural Iran.

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Principle Beliefs of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is a belief system centered on the idea of one powerful cosmic entity, making it a monotheistic religion. This cosmic entity is known as Ahura Mazda, often referred to as the 'Lord of Light' in Persian. The main principles of Zoroastrianism include:

  • Messianism: This involves the belief in a 'messiah' or savior who will bring liberation and eternal salvation to a group of people.
  • Judgment after Death: Followers believe that after departing from earthly life, the soul undergoes judgment by Ahura Mazda. This will determine its passage to either heaven or hell.
  • Existence of Heaven and Hell: Zoroastrianism provides detailed insights into the existence of both heaven and hell.
  • Free Will: The concept of free will emphasizes that every individual possesses the ability to make choices among different possible courses of action.

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Zoroastrian Symbols and their Beliefs

Zoroastrianism has several symbols that hold significant meaning within the religion. Here are some of the main symbols and their associated beliefs:

  • Faravahar: The Faravahar is an ancient symbol of Zoroastrianism. It depicts a winged figure, usually interpreted as a guardian angel. This represents the divine spirit within each individual. Fire: Fire is a sacred element in Zoroastrianism and represents purity and divine light. Zoroastrians believe it as a powerful symbol of the presence of Ahura Mazda.
  • Cypress Tree: The evergreen cypress tree is considered a symbol of eternal life in Zoroastrianism. It represents the immortality of the soul.
  • Towers of Silence: In the past, Zoroastrians practiced a unique burial ritual known as "sky burial." They built circular towers called Dakhmas or Towers of Silence. Here, the bodies of the deceased were exposed to the elements and scavenging birds. This practice symbolized the return of the physical body to nature.

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Sacred Texts of Zoroastrianism 

The key sacred texts of Zoroastrianism are called the Avesta. Here is some information about them:

  • The Avesta is a collection of religious writings that are considered holy by Zoroastrians.
  • These texts were composed in an ancient Iranian language called Avestan.
  • The Avesta is divided into two main sections: the Older Avesta and the Younger Avesta.
  • The Older Avesta contains the oldest texts and includes the Gathas. These are hymns attributed to Zarathustra (Zoroaster), the founder of the religion.
  • The Gathas are considered to be the most important part of the Avesta. They contain Zarathustra's teachings and prayers.
  • The Younger Avesta is a later collection of religious texts and is larger in volume compared to the Older Avesta.
  • The Younger Avesta includes prayers, hymns, and rituals that are recited and performed by both priests and laypeople.
  • These texts address various topics, such as purity laws, devotional practices, and the worship of different divinities.
  • The Avesta is considered a sacred guide for Zoroastrians. It provides them with teachings on morality, the afterlife, and the ultimate defeat of evil.

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Sects in Zoroastrianism

Shahenshai

The Shenshai calendar divides the year into 12 Mahs, each of which contains 30 days. Every one of these days is referred to as a Roj, and every Roj has a unique name. However, there are five more Gatha or Gah days after the 12th month. When the Sasanian King Ardashir I ascended to the Persian throne in 226 CE, there was a significant rebirth of the Zoroastrian faith.

  • By adding five extra days—five extra days that were solemnly devoted to the five Gathas of Zarathushtra—he converted the previous 360-day calendar to a 365-day one.
  • For its calendar era (year numbering system), the Zoroastrian calendar employs the Y.Z. Suffix (Yazdegerdi Era), which denotes the number of years since Yezdegerd III’s coronation in 632 CE, the last monarch of the Sasanian dynasty.

Kadmi

Around 1129 CE, Zoroastrians in India added an extra month to the calendar; however, those who stayed in Iran never added a thirteenth month.

  • An Irani-Zoroastrian monk named Jamasp Peshotan Velati journeyed from Iran to India in the year 1720 CE.
  • Upon his arrival, he learned that the Parsi calendar and his calendar were off by one month. Some powerful priests asserted that their visitor’s interpretation of the calendar must be accurate and incorrect because he was from the old “homeland” of about 1740 CE. This is considered to be the most accurate and oldest calendar.

Fasli

The “Zarthosti Fasili Sal Mandal,” also known as the Zoroastrian Seasonal-Year Society, was founded in 1906 by Bombay Parsi Khurshedji Cama. The Fasili calendar, also known as the Fasli calendar, was based on an earlier version that was released in 1079 CE. Two key details about this calendar stood out. It was in tune with the seasons, and the first day of the year fell on the vernal equinox. It had an auto-regulatory leap day every four years; the leap day, known as Avardad-sal-Gah (Pahlavi: Ruzevahizak), followed the five existing Gah days at the end of the year, just as the Shenshai and Kadmi calendars (12 months of 30 days each + 5 extra days). In contrast to the other two, the Fasli group asserted that their calendar was an accurate religious calendar.

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Significance of Zoroastrianism

Truth is the most important aspect of Zoroastrianism. Man is equipped with mental consciousness to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and he has free will to choose between right and wrong. A Zoroastrian child’s first prayer is dedicated to truth. “Truth is the greatest virtue,” says one free translation of the prayer, Ashem Vohu. It is contentment. Happy is who is truthful for the sake of truth.”

A line in the very second prayer a Zoroastrian child learns, the “Yatha Ahu Vairyo,” says, “He who helps the poor acknowledges God’s kingdom.”

Zoroastrianism values purity, both of the body and the mind.

Zoroastrianism emphasizes hard work and the dignity of labor. Zarathushtra asks in the Gathas, which are records of the prophet’s conversations with Ahura Mazda, “What is the way of furthering the Mazdayasni religion?” “Incessant corn cultivation, O Spitama Zarathushtra,” Ahura Mazda responds. Whoever grows corn grows righteousness.”

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Conclusion

The Zoroastrian group in India is the smallest, making up about 0.006% of the total population. The Zoroastrian community is typically divided into two groups: those with central Asian ancestry, sometimes known as Parsis (or Parsees), and those with South Asian ancestry. Since they migrated from Persia in the seventh century A.D., they have been known as Parsis. Parsis are primarily found in Gujarat and Mumbai in India.

As a result, the Gujarati village of Udwada is revered as a place of pilgrimage by Parsis, who flock there in their numbers each year. JAMSHED-e-NAVROZ: Since they think that on this day, the monarch of Persia, Jamshed, ascended to the throne, it is one of the most significant Parsi celebrations named after the Persian ruler Jamshed. The Zoroastrians follow the Shenshahi calendar, which has the first day of the first month that represents renewal and rebirth. Additionally, it heralds the beginning of the spring equinox and the change from winter to summer.

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Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Origins and Founder: One of the world's oldest monotheistic faiths, Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) circa 6th century BCE in ancient Persia, modern-day Iran.
  • Holy Writ: The Avestas are the scripture texts of Zoroastrianism: hymns attributed to Zarathustra, as well as writings detailing liturgy, law, and religious doctrine.
  • Core Beliefs: It is a dualistic cosmology centered on the struggle between good and evil: the supreme god, representing good, is called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord), while Angra Mainyu (Destructive Spirit) is the evil one. Individual responsibility plays a key role in this cosmic struggle.
  • Main Ideas: Include a focus on truth (asha), the purity of conscience and morality, good thinking, speaking, and doing, and a concept of an afterlife in which souls are judged.
  • Rituals and Practices: Zoroastrians adhere to rituals like Yasna (a sacrificial ceremony), fire worship in temples (not an idol worship, but sacred fire maintenance), and those of festivals like Nowruz (New Year) and Zartosht No-Diso (Death anniversary of Zarathustra).
  • Historical Influence: Zoroastrianism had significantly influenced other key religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam about heaven, hell, and final judgment.
  • Diaspora and Demographics: After the Islamic conquest of Iran, large numbers of Zoroastrians became refugees and emigrated to India. They came to be popularly known as Parsis. The largest concentrations of Zoroastrians today are found in India and Iran, but the global population of Zoroastrians is relatively small.
  • Cultural Contributions: Parsis have produced monumental contributions to the cultures and economies of their adopted countries, particularly in India. Some of the important personalities include business leaders like the Tata family, musicians like Zubin Mehta, and freedom fighters like Dadabhai Naoroji.

We hope all your doubts regarding the topic “Zoroastrianism” are addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides comprehensive notes and online classes for UPSC, including different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its products, like content pages, live tests, GK and current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App!

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Zoroastrianism FAQs

Founded more than 3,000 years ago, Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions still in existence, predating Christianity and Islam by many centuries

Zarathustra is held to be the founder of the religion, and his followers call themselves Zartoshtis or Zoroastrians.

Zoroastrianism is an Iranian religion and one of the world's oldest organized faiths, based on the teachings of the Iranian-speaking prophet Zoroaster. It has a dualistic cosmology of good and evil within the framework of a monotheistic ontology and an eschatology that predicts the ultimate conquest of evil by good

. Zoroastrianism’s religious ideas are encapsulated in the sacred texts of the Zoroastrians and assembled in a body of literature called the Avesta.

. The beliefs of Zoroastrianism were spread across Asia via the Silk Road, a network of trading routes that spread from China to the Middle East and into Europe.
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