Zoroastrianism: An Offshoot of the Vedic Religion

According to the Bhavishya Purana (14 and 39.43.45), Zoroaster belonged to the Shaka (Scythian) community. The Shakas were strong warriors who moved to various regions, including Bharat and Persia (now Iran), where they gained importance. Besides their strength, they were also known for valuing knowledge and wisdom.

The Shakas and King Vikramaditya

The Shakas ruled parts of Bharat for a long time until they were defeated by King Vikramaditya of Ujjayini. After their defeat, their region was called Shakadweep. The learned people from the Shaka community who performed rituals and ceremonies were known as Magas.

Zoroaster’s Origin in the Shaka Community

Zoroaster was born into the Shaka community. He was the son of Rishi Rijishva's daughter and belonged to the Maga Brahmins, who were teachers and performed religious ceremonies. Zoroaster later became a great spiritual leader and founded Zoroastrianism, which became widely followed in Persia.

Zoroaster’s teachings were different from the Vedic religion, which was common in Bharat at that time. He introduced a new script, written from right to left, a notable change from the traditional Vedic texts. This difference marked his followers' break from Vedic practices.

Reversing the Vedic Religion

Zoroaster’s followers, known as Parsis, practiced their religion in a way that was the opposite of the Vedic tradition. While the Vedic religion worshiped gods called Devas, Zoroaster’s followers worshiped Asuras, who were considered demons in the Vedic texts. They even sang the Vedas backward, symbolizing their rejection of Vedic ways.

The Magas, who followed Zoroaster, created their own versions of the Vedas, known as Vid, Visparad, Vidad, and Angiras, completely separating themselves from Vedic beliefs.

The Spread of Zoroastrianism

Zoroaster’s religion, Zoroastrianism, became very important in Persia. His followers, presently known as the Parsis, continued to follow his teachings and distanced themselves from the Vedic beliefs of Bharat.

Knowledge Bank

What is the difference between Veda and Upanishad?

Upanishads are part of the Vedic corpus. The Vedic corpus can be divided into two parts: Mantra bhaga and Brahmana bhaga. The Mantra bhaga is also called Samhita. It contains praises of Devas, unraveling of the mysteries of the universe, and history. They are in the form of Mantras. The Brahmana bhaga contains 1. Vidhi - procedure for conducting yajnas. 2. Aranyaka - about upasanas and 3. Upanishad - the essence of Vedic knowledge.

When to start Pradosha Puja?

The time for puja starts 3 ghatikas before sunset. 3 ghatikas means 72 minutes, roughly one and a quarter hours. If sunset is at 6:30, then puja should start at 5:15.