The Connection of Women with Pilgrimage and Shrine in Zoroastrianism

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Comparative Religious Studies, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.22103/jis.2024.23226.2599

Abstract

Purpose: Pilgrimage is one of the oldest and lasting rites in Zoroastrianism. Believers of this religion go to visit fire temple and holy places that have titles such as "Pir" or "Banū" before and after their names, and praise, pray, and supply to Yazdan. Some ancient fire temples, such as Adrian fire temple of Yazd and places like Pir Sabz, Pir Hrisht, Pir Naraki, etc. are among the most important Zoroastrian shrines. From the point of view of Zoroastrian believers, the fire temple is both a place of prayer and a place of pilgrimage, and there, besides worshiping God, one can visit the holy fire- which is the earthly manifestation of Ahura Mazda- and keep it. Due to the connection of many Zoroastrian pilgrimage places with the element "Water" and "Goddess Anahita", which are usually seen in the foothills of mountains, next to springs or rivers, there is a possibility of a connection between pilgrimage and the woman in Zoroastrianism. On the other hand, women have been regular and faithful visitors to the shrines, who go on pilgrimage with various intentions such as asking for fertility and having children, finding a wife, asking for sustenance, solving family problems, warding off disasters and diseases, asking for forgiveness… and Zoroastrian women have preserved this tradition even today.
Method and Research: In this research, by referring to related sources and using a descriptive-analytical method, with a new approach, we will study the relationship between women and pilgrimage in Zoroastrianism and first of all find out what is the feminine origin of the pilgrimages of this religion and which elements related to women and femininity can be found. In the next place, we will refer to the rituals of pilgrimage and its functions for women.
Findings and Conclusions: Both the presence of women from the Sassanid court in narratives related to the origin of some shrines and their proximity to water, mountains and trees and the connection of these natural elements with goddesses, especially Anahita, give a seal of approval on the connection of these Zoroastrian pilgrimage places with women. We will also find that Zoroastrian women have always played a prominent role in going to the Pirs, preparing votive and ritual foods, performing pilgrimage ceremonies and even serving the shrines.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Iranian Studies
Volume 23, Issue 46 - Serial Number 46
December 2024
Pages 287-308

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