What is the main sacred of Zoroastrianism?

Avesta
Avesta, also called Zend-avesta, sacred book of Zoroastrianism containing its cosmogony, law, and liturgy, the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathushtra). The extant Avesta is all that remains of a much larger body of scripture, apparently Zoroaster’s transformation of a very ancient tradition.

What is the sacred symbol of Zoroastrianism?

The Faravahar
The Faravahar is an ancient symbol of the Zoroastrian faith. It depicts a bearded man with one hand reaching forward. He stands above a pair of wings that are outstretched from a circle representing eternity. Fire is another important symbol of Zoroastrianism, as it represents light, warmth and has purifying powers.

Why is fire sacred in Zoroastrianism?

Fire is seen as the supreme symbol of purity, and sacred fires are maintained in Fire Temples (Agiaries). These fires represent the light of God (Ahura Mazda) as well as the illuminated mind, and are never extinguished. No Zoroastrian ritual or ceremony is performed without the presence of a sacred fire.

What are the most sacred scriptures in Zoroastrianism called?

The Avesta (/əˈvɛstə/) is the primary collection of religious texts of Zoroastrianism, composed in the Avestan language.

Which is older Hinduism or Zoroastrianism?

Zoroastrianism is older than Hinduism. Zoroastrianism rose circa 6,000 BCE to 4,000 BCE and remained a dominant religious tradition until the prophet…

What is the most popular symbol of Zoroastrianism?

The Faravahar (Persian: فَرَوَهَر‎), also known as the Forouhar (فُروهَر‎) or Farr-e Kiyâni (فَرِّ کیانی‎), is one of the best-known symbols of Zoroastrianism, an Iranian religion.

Can Zoroastrians drink alcohol?

Only members of religious minorities – Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians – are allowed to brew, distil, ferment and drink, in their homes, and trade in liquor is forbidden. Catholic priests make their own wine for Mass.

Who is the evil God in Zoroastrianism?

Angra Mainyu, (Avestan: “Destructive Spirit”) Middle Persian Ahriman, the evil, destructive spirit in the dualistic doctrine of Zoroastrianism.

What do the Parsis call their god?

Ahura Mazda
Zoroastrians believe in one God, called Ahura Mazda.

Do Zoroastrians have a holy book?

What are the key sacred texts of Zoroastrianism? These religious ideas are encapsulated in the sacred texts of the Zoroastrians and assembled in a body of literature called the Avesta.

Which religion is most oldest?

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. ”the Eternal Dharma”), which refers to the idea that its origins lie beyond human history, as revealed in the Hindu texts.

Why do the Zoroastrians wear The Sudreh Kusti?

The kusti is made of lamb’s wool which is said to be very effective in “capturing” the vibrations of the Zoroastrian manthras or prayers. The 4 knots we tie in the kusti are a symbol of renewing our faith in Ahura Mazda and in the teachings of his prophet, Zarathustra.

What are the rituals of the Zoroastrian religion?

Unlike in Vedic religion, in Zoroastrianism the initiation ceremony is performed for both boys and girls without any discrimination. During the ceremony, the initiate is given a sacred bath and made to wear Sudre (white garment) and kusti (sacred thread) to signify the beginning of their lives on the spiritual path.

What kind of girdle does a Zoroastrian wear?

Kushti (also: Kusti, Koshti) is the sacred girdle worn by Zoroastrians around their waists. Along with the Sudreh, the Kusti is part of the ritual dress of the Zoroastrians. The Kusti is worn wound three times around the waist. It is tied twice in a double knot in the front and back, the ends of the Kushti hanging on the back.

Why was the Navjote ceremony named after a Zoroastrian?

The ceremony is so named, because it is after its performance that a Zoroastrian child is said to be responsible for the duty of offering prayers and observing religious customs and rites as a Zoroastrian. The ceremony of Navjote among the Parsis, corresponds to that of ‘Confirmation’ among the Christians.