Ahura Mazda : The Shining Light

A Zoroastrian Tapestry

Art, religion and culture

Editors: Pheroza J. Godrej & Firoza Punthakey Mistree

Mapin Publishing

762 pages, Price: Not mentioned

A religion that dates back over 3,500 years, that spread by word of mouth until the 6th century when it was finally written down, is bound to fascinate theologists and scholars alike. Zoroastrianism, inspite of having originated at a time when mysticism and worship of nature were at its peak, does not delve into the dark world of spirits or propagate veneration of idols. Rather, the religion is woven around the simple basic principles of good thoughts, good words and good deeds.

A Zoroastrian Tapestry is a fascinating compilation of 39 articles by theologists and scholars who have delved deep into the ancient Iranian imperial dynasties of the Achaemenians, the Parthians and Sesanians and come up with various interesting facts about the religion that have been laid out in proper chronological sequence.

Their comparative studies on similarities between Judaism, Hinduism and Christianity to Zoroastrianism have also been handled with in-depth research that becomes quite clear as one reads the rationale arguments put forth.

Those familiar with scholastic writings on ancient Iran, most certainly must have come across works by Mary Boyce who has written quite a few chapters in the book.