Ahura Mazda : The Supreme God
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At a glance
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Iranian Mythology |
| Classification | Gods |
| Family Members | N/A |
| Region | Iran |
| Associated With | Creation |
Ahura Mazda
Introduction
Ahura Mazda is the supreme lord in ancient pre Islamic Iranian or Persian mythology. The word Ahura, which literally means wise lord, refers to Ormizd, the supreme god of Zoroastrianism and the religious system of Iranian prophet Zarathustra. In ancient Iran, Ahura was regarded as the king’s protector and greatest of all gods and was worshipped by Darius I who reigned from 522 to 486 BCE.
According to Zarathustra, Ahura created the universe and its cosmic order. He created the two spirits known as Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu, which were both good and evil respectively. The struggle between good and evil is reflected in the choices that humanity makes. In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is all-wise, bounteous, undeceiving, and the creator of everything good, while Angra Mainyu is the opposite. Both of these spirits are regarded as beings that are mutually limiting with the world between them as their battleground.
Physical Traits
In many of the available images of the god, the bearded Ahura Mazda emerges from a winged ring or disk accompanied by a bird’s tail and a pair of paws. Although there are various interpretations of these images, most scholars believe that the disk represents Ahura Mazda himself. Some other images that depict “Ohrmazd” show a male figure wearing a crown. As aniconic as these images are, rejection of other anthropomorphic entities such as Ahura Mazda became common in Zoroastrianism.
Family
Ahura Mazda is said to have existed before anything and everything that was created came from him include the universe and all living forms on it, however he did not have a family as such.
Other Names
Ahura Mazda is also known as Ahuramazda, Harzoo, Hormazd, Hourmazd, Hurmuz, Ohrmazd, ‘Lord’ or ‘Spirit’. The Avestan form of the Mazda, which is considered the proper name for the god, is derived from the word maazdah which is feminine in nature. Some linguists believe that it may also come from the Sanskrit word medhās, meaning ‘intelligence’ or ‘wisdom’. During the Achamenid era, the name was also known as Ahuramazda, while during the Parthian and the Sassanian, the forms of Hormazd and Ohrmazd were used.
Powers and Abilities
Like all supreme deities, Ahura Mazda has a long list of characteristics and titles. Aside from being the supreme being in Garothman, which is the uncreated spirit, he is also known to be the only one who can move all while not being moved by anyone. He has no equal on earth or in the heavens and is also a good and righteous man who upholds the proper behaviour and conduct. Most importantly, beyond, apart and without him, there is nothing in existence.
Modern Day Influence
Ahura Mazda has evolved over the years under various dynasties and the meaning and religious iconography has also undergone monumental changes. The religious group know as Zoroastrians moved from Muslim Shia dominated Iran to India many years ago when they were threatened with complete decimation of their religious structures and the extinguishing of their sacred fire. They have now assimilated into the Indian society and continue to keep their traditions and rituals alive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the god Ahura Mazda?
Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism. He is the embodiment of goodness, truth, and light. He opposes Angra Mainyu, the spirit of evil. He created the world and all living things. He is the ultimate goal of human existence.
Is Ahura Mazda in Islam?
Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism. He is the embodiment of goodness, truth, and light. He opposes Angra Mainyu, the spirit of evil. He is not part of Islamic theology. Islam focuses on the monotheistic worship of Allah.
Is Ahura Mazda in the Bible?
No, Ahura Mazda is not mentioned in the Bible. The Bible primarily focuses on the monotheistic worship of God, who is referred to by various names such as Yahweh, Elohim, and Adonai. While the Bible does mention other deities and religious figures from different cultures, Ahura Mazda, being the supreme deity of Zoroastrianism, is not included.
Who is the wife of Ahura Mazda?
In Zoroastrian mythology, Ahura Mazda, the supreme god of wisdom and creation, does not have a specific wife in the traditional sense. However, the goddess Spenta Armaiti is sometimes considered a divine female figure closely associated with him. Spenta Armaiti is the Amesha Spenta (a holy immortal spirit) who represents earth, devotion, and love. While not directly depicted as Ahura Mazda’s wife, her role complements his, and she embodies the nurturing, feminine aspect of creation within Zoroastrian cosmology.
Who is the prophet of Ahura Mazda?
The prophet of Ahura Mazda is Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra. He is the founder of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. Zoroaster is believed to have received divine revelations from Ahura Mazda, teaching the principles of good (asha) and evil (druj) and the importance of choosing righteousness.
