::Ahura Mazda
::concepts
Mazda::ahura First::title Citation::empire Mainyu::angra Boyce::https Sassanid::spirit
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Ahura Mazda ({{#invoke:IPAc-en|main}};<ref>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahura%20mazda</ref>) (also known as Ohrmazd, Ahuramazda, Hourmazd, Hormazd, and Hurmuz, Lord or simply as spirit) is the Avestan name for the creator and sole God of Zoroastrianism, the old Iranian religion predating Islam. Ahura Mazda is described as the highest spirit of worship in Zoroastrianism, along with being the first and most frequently invoked spirit in the Yasna. The literal meaning of the word Ahura is light and Mazda is wisdom. Zoroastrianism revolves around three basic tenets – Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds.
Ahura Mazda first appeared in the Achaemenid period (c. 550 – 330 BCE) under Darius I's Behistun Inscription. Until Artaxerxes II (405–04 to 359–58 BCE), Ahura Mazda was worshiped and invoked alone. With Artaxerxes II, Ahura Mazda was invoked in a triad, with Mithra and Apam Napat. In the Achaemenid period, there are no representations of Ahura Mazda other than the custom for every emperor to have an empty chariot drawn by white horses, to invite Ahura Mazda to accompany the Persian army on battles. Images of Ahura Mazda began in the Parthian period, but were stopped and replaced with stone carved figures in the Sassanid period.
Ahura Mazda sections
Intro Nomenclature Characteristics Zoroaster's revelation History In other religions 101 Names In popular culture See also Notes References Bibliography [[Ahura_Mazda?section=Further</a>_reading|Further</a> reading]]
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