Ahura Mazda
Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, associated with wisdom, truth, and the creation and preservation of the world.
Zoroastrianism: An ancient Iranian religion centered on Ahura Mazda and the struggle between truth and destructive forces. Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity and central focus of this religious tradition.
Zoroaster: The ancient Iranian religious teacher whose teachings became foundational to Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrian tradition presents him as the prophet who received Ahura Mazda’s revelation.
Faravahar: A winged symbol widely associated with Zoroastrian identity and ancient Persian art. It is often interpreted in modern contexts as representing Ahura Mazda, though that identification is debated.
Mithra: An ancient Iranian deity associated with covenants, light, and the protection of truth. Mithra is a major Iranian divine figure distinct from Ahura Mazda, though their roles sometimes overlap.
Asha: The Zoroastrian principle of truth, right order, and alignment with reality. Asha expresses the order and truth that Ahura Mazda establishes and sustains.
Gathas: Seventeen hymns attributed to Zoroaster and preserved within the Avesta. They are the oldest surviving texts that address Ahura Mazda directly.
Zoroastrianism in the Achaemenid Empire: The religious traditions and practices associated with the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Royal inscriptions made Ahura Mazda a prominent source of imperial legitimacy.
Zurvanism: A Zoroastrian theological tradition that treats Zurvan, or infinite time, as the source of opposing principles. Its account of cosmic origins differs from traditions centered on Ahura Mazda’s supremacy.
Druj: The Zoroastrian principle of falsehood, deception, and disorder, opposed to asha. Druj names the opposition to the truth associated with Ahura Mazda.
Avesta: The collection of sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, preserved in Avestan languages. Its prayers and teachings preserve the principal textual traditions about Ahura Mazda.