Goodness and purity are closely linked in Zoroastrianism (as in many other religions), and purity is playing an important role in Zoroastrian rituals. Through Fire, Zoroastrians believe that the message of purity is communicated. Hence purity of fire is acknowledged.
So far, fire is the most important and most frequently used symbol of purity. Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers but they believe that the elements are pure and that purity of fire represents God’s light or wisdom.
When all souls in Zoroaster’s eschatology will be purified by fire and molten metal to purify evil, fire becomes significant. The kind soul will not be hurt, and the corrupt soul will burn in pain
How is the Purity of Fire maintained?
Although the fire can be purified and even consecrated, the torch is not immune to contamination, and the Zoroastrian priests have taken many precautions to prevent this from happening.
When approaching a fire, wear a cloth called “padan” on your mouth and nose to avoid breathing and saliva contaminating the fire.
This reflects a view of saliva similar to the Hindu beliefs, which has some historical origins from Zoroastrianism, in which case saliva has never been allowed to come into contact with eating utensils due to its unclean nature.
Many Zoroastrian temples, especially those in India, do not even allow non-Zoroastrians or Jews to enter their borders.
Even if these people follow standard procedures for maintaining purity, their existence is considered to be too corrupt in spirit to enter the Temple of Fire. (Purity of Fire)
The room with the torch (called Dar-I-Mihr or “Mitra’s porch”) is usually positioned so that people outside the temple cannot even see it.
How is Fire used in Zoroastrian rituals?
Fire is integrated into many Zoroastrian rituals. Pregnant women ignite fires or lights as protective measures. A part of navjote’s launching ceremony also lights lamps that often use ghee (another purification substance) as fuel. This ceremony is performed when a child is accepted into the Zoroastrian fellowship. (Purity of Fire)
Significance of Fire temples
All traditional Zoroastrian temples, also known as “bird nests” or “fire fields”, include the holy flame to represent the kindness and purity that all people should strive for. After the proper dedication, the temple fire must not be extinguished, although it can be transported to other locations if necessary.
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Does Zoroastrians pray to every element?
Traditionally, Zoroastrians prayed several times a day. Some people wore ropes knotted three times to remind them of the motto “good words, good thoughts, good behavior”.
They wrapped kusti outside sudreh (a long, clean white cotton shirt). They may perform washing rituals, such as washing their hands, and then untie and then re-bound when praying. (Purity of Fire)
Prayer is mainly out of calling and celebrating Ahura Mazda and its beautiful nature throughout. It is said to pray towards the sun, fire, or other light sources representing the divine light and energy of Ahura Mazda.
Zoroastrian rituals strongly emphasize purification. Zoroastrians are focused on keeping their mind, body, and environment pure to defeat evil (Angra Mainyu).
Fire is regarded as the highest symbol of purity, while the Temple of Fire (dovecote) maintains the sacred fire. These fires represent the light of God (Ahura Mazda) and the illuminated soul, and never go out. Without the sacred fire, Zoroastrian rituals or ceremonies will not be performed. (Purity of Fire)
Are Zoroastrian fire-worshippers?
Sometimes it is mistaken for Zoroastrians to worship fire. Fire is regarded as a great purifier and symbolizes the power of Ashura Mazda.
Similarly, although Catholics admit that holy water has spiritual characteristics, they do not worship holy water. (Purity of Fire)
Although this symbol is widely respected and regarded as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, Christians generally do not worship the cross.
Significance of Ahura Mazda
Although it is generally believed that Ahura Mazda is a formless god, completely spiritual energy, not a god of material existence, he is sometimes equated to the sun, and the images related to him are of course still very flaming. Ahura Mazda is the light of wisdom, which can reverse the darkness of chaos. He is the creator of life, just as the sun brings life to the world.
Conclusion
Fire and water are regarded as the pure symbol of the Zoroastrian religion. Zoroastrian places of worship are sometimes called the Temple of Fire. Each temple of the fire has an altar with an eternal flame, which continues to burn and never goes out.
Hence the purity of fire or one can say that Zoroastrians do believe that fire is the element of purity, those who have sinned may get burned with that, but those with noble deeds will be unharmed by the fire.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What does fire mean 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.
Where was Parsi holy fire kept?
The Udvada Atash Behram, also known as the Iran Shah, “King of Iran”, is a sacred fire housed in a temple in Udvada, Gujarat on the west coast of India. It is the first of the eight fire temples (holy place of worship) of the Zoroastrian religion in the country.