Hinduism and Zoroastrian are the two oldest surviving religions of the world. Both have come into contact with each other several times in history. Hinduism (Sanskrit: , , also known as , ) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ... Zoroastrianism was adapted from an earlier, polytheistic faith by Zarathushtra (Zoroaster) in Persia very roughly around 1000 BC (although, in the absence of written records, some scholars estimates are as late as 600 BC). ...

Similarities

Vedic Aryan origin

Just as the Abrahamic religions spring forth from the tribe of Abraham, the Aryan religions come from the ancient Indo-Iranians(Aryans). Both of the early Indo-Iranian scriptures, the Rig-Veda and the Avesta, share common verses and whole passages, suggesting that both may have arisen from a common book. Both the Vedic Sanskrit and Avestan languages are also very similar, up to the point where they are mutually intelligible in many areas. Yama or Yima is identified as the ancestor of both religions. Yama/Yima was born from Vishswat/Vivanghat. In both religions he is a judge and a king. The Hindus refer to him as "Yam Raj" whereas the Zoroastrians refer to him as "Yima Kshaeta." It is said that he organized society into four groups.[1] Map of the Sintashta-Petrovka culture (red), its expansion into the Andronovo culture during the 2nd millennium BC, showing the overlap with the BMAC in the south. ... This article is about the term Aryan. For Arian, a follower of the ancient Christian sect, See Arianism. ... Indo-Iranian can refer to: The Indo-Iranian languages The prehistoric Indo-Iranian people, see Aryan This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The Rig Veda ऋग्वेद (Sanskrit á¹›gveda from á¹›c praise + veda knowledge) is a collection of hymns(each hymn is called a Rucha.) counted among the four Hindu religious scriptures known as the Vedas, and contains the oldest texts preserved in any Indo-Iranian language. ... See Avesta Municipality for the Swedish town Yasna 28. ... Vedic Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, which are the earliest sacred texts of India,. The Vedas were first passed down orally and therefore have no known date. ... Yasna 28. ... It has been suggested that Yanluo be merged into this article or section. ... In Zoroastrianism, Yima, son of Vivanghat, was the first mortal man to converse with the great god Ahura Mazda. ...

Good religion/law (Dharma and Daena)

The word "religion" and "law" are the same for both Zoroastrianism and Hinduism; the religion is the universal law. In Hinduism, the word is "Dharma" and in Zoroastrianism, "Daena". Hinduism is also known as Hindu Dharma or Arya Dharma ("noble religion") and Zoroastrianism as Behdini ("good religion.) Hinduism (Sanskrit: , , also known as , ) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ... Dharma (Sanskrit धर्म) or Dhamma (Pāli) means Natural Law or Reality, and with respect to its significance for spirituality and religion might be considered the Way of the Higher Truths. ... Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra, Zartosht). ...

Good order (Rita and Asha)

The word Rita is the cosmic order of the universe in the Hindu religion. In Avesta, it is also known as Asha, in middle Persian, Asho and in modern Persian Arta. In both religions Shri Varuna (who becomes known as Ahura Mazda in the Avesta) is the protector of this cosmic order. The evil violation of the cosmic order is known as Druh in Hinduism and Druj in Zoroastrianism. Rita can mean: St. ... This article is about the god. ...

Om and On

The holiness of the mantra Om or On is believed in both religions. Hindus use Om, however some like the Sikhs use On as in Ek Onkar. Both the Hindus and Zoroastrianins start their prayers with this syllable. A Hindu would say Om tat sat while a Zoroastrian would say, On Ashem Vohu. The word Om and similar words have these meanings:- Aum, a sacred bijakshara (syllable) of Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism; also relevant in Buddhism. ... Image:EkOngkar. ...

The Magi and the Brahmins

The Magi were a group of priests that were of the same origin and function as the Brahmins. Like the Vedic Brahmins, they extensivly practiced fire rituals (agnihotra.) They are the priestly classes for both religions. In Hinduism Mag priests from the Iranian-descended Rajputs are referred to as Magacharyas and are priests in the Saura or sun-worshipping tradition. The Magas of Hinduism are the Atharvans (Athwya in the Rigveda) who wrote the Atharva Veda. Zarathustra, who might be the Vedic Zuryastata ("restorer of sun worship") also belonged to the Maga clan. The Wise Men are given the names Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar in this Romanesque mosaic from the Basilica of St Apollinarius in Ravenna, Italy. ... Roman Catholic priest A priest or priestess is a holy man or woman who takes an officiating role in worship of any religion, with the distinguishing characteristic of offering sacrifices. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ... In Hinduism, Atharvan is a legendary sage and seer, and one of the Rishis, said to have composed the Atharvaveda. ... The Atharva Veda is a sacred text of Hinduism, part of the four books of the Vedas. ...

Holy cow

In both religions, the cow is the most sacred animal. Zarathustra's family name Spitma means "milk white" because milk is from the holy cow and white means pure.

Animal Sacrifice

Both believed in offering animal sacrifices to God. In Indian languages, sacrifice is yajna while in Iranian languages it is yasna. The practice was common in the Vedic religion but was gradually abandoned, as the Indo-Aryans gradually adopted vegetarianism to protect their cattle supply (their equivalent of money) and protect their health in order to adapt to the climate of their new home. According to passages in the Rig-Veda exhalting vegetarianism, the practice was probably abandoned very early in the religion. Zoroastrianism also gradually gave up its practice of the ritual, but it was still preserved by those who worshipped Mithra (Sanskrit Mitra). It later spread abroad in tandem with Mithra worship. The religion of the Vedic civilization is the predecessor of classical Hinduism, usually included in the term. ... Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatama Gandhi and a Rajasthani tribesman The Indo-Aryans are the ethno-linguistic descendents of the Indic branch of the Indo-Iranians. ... The Rig Veda ऋग्वेद (Sanskrit ṛgveda from ṛc praise + veda knowledge) is a collection of hymns(each hymn is called a Rucha.) counted among the four Hindu religious scriptures known as the Vedas, and contains the oldest texts preserved in any Indo-Iranian language. ... Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra, Zartosht). ... Mithra (Avestan Miθra, modern Persian مهر Mihr, Mehr, Meher) is an important deity or divine concept (so called Yazata) in Zoroastrianism and later Persian mythology and culture. ... *Mitra (Proto-Indo-Iranian, nominative *Mitras) was an important divinity of Indo-Iranian mythology, thought to be a guardian of oaths and agreements. ...

Triangular flags

Both religions have triangular flags as the symbol of their religion. The Hindus use the two-pointed Bhagwa Dhwaj ("Saffron flag") while the Zarathustrians use the two-pointed white flag[2].

Differences

Strict Monotheism

In Hinduism a disciple is allowed to practice their devotion in anyway as long as it is non-violent and giving praise to a good spirit. Prophet Zarathutra believed that only Ahura Mazda the Wise-Lord should be worshipped as opposed to other spirits. Of course to say that Hinduism does not believe in monotheism is simply wrong. Nityo nityanam cetanas cetananam (Katha Upanisad 2.2.13) means that God has many forms and that any form can be worshipped. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita further said that no matter to whom the prayers are directed, they all go to Him. Ahura Mazda is the Avestan language name for an exalted divinity of ancient proto-Indo-Iranian religion that was subsequently declared by Zarathustra (Zoroaster) to be the one uncreated creator of all (God). ... In theology, monotheism (in Greek μόνος = single and θεός = God) is the belief in the existence of one deity or God, or in the oneness of God. ... Krishna with Radharani, 18th C Rajasthani painting Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari, in IAST ), according to various Hindu traditions, is the eighth avatar of Vishnu. ... Bhagavad Gīta भगवद्गीता, composed ca the fifth - second centuries BC, is part of the epic poem Mahabharata, located in the Bhisma-Parva chapters 23–40. ...

Idolatry

All Hindus keep an idol of the god or gods of their family in their house. Zarathustra said that God should not be represented in any material way as prayers should be directed to only God Almighty. Early Vedic Hinduism did not utilize idol worship (with exception to peepul trees and and clay figurines, generally among indigenous peoples) and the early Vedas even condemned it as false and non-Aryan. It was at the time of the Indo-Greek period in the northwest, that idol worship became more prominent in Hinduism. Idols were initially used in Buddhism but as it spread over India, Hinduism borrowed this practice and from then on, most deities were represented by idols. In general, however, Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita mentions that all prayers go to Him so most Hindus do not so much worship the idols themselves as they use them as medium to worship God. Vedic may refer to: Ancient India the Vedic civilization the Vedas, the oldest preserved Indo-Aryan texts Vedic Sanskrit, their language (see also Vedic meter, Vedic accent, Vedic chant and Shrauta) the historical Vedic religion traditional Hindu culture: Vedic astrology the Ayurveda (Vedic medicine) Ancient Vedic weights and measures modern... Hinduism (Sanskrit: , , also known as , ) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ... The Vedas (Sanskrit: वेद) are the main scriptural texts of Hinduism, also known as the Sanatana Dharma, and are a large corpus of texts originating in Ancient India. ... Maximum extent of Indo-Greek territory circa 175 BCE. The Indo-Greeks (or sometimes Greco-Indians) designate a series of Greek kings, who invaded and controlled parts of northwest and northern India from 180 BCE to around 10 BCE. They are the continuation of the Greco-Bactrian dynasty of Greek... Hinduism (Sanskrit: , , also known as , ) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ... Buddhism (also known as Buddha Dharma, Pali: बुद्ध धम्म, the teachings of the awakened one) is a dharmic, non-theistic religion, a way of life, a practical philosophy, and a life-enhancing system of applied psychology. ... Hinduism (Sanskrit: , , also known as , ) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ...

Asuras/Ahuras versus Devas/Daevas

It is observed the Indian branch of the Indo-Iranians worshipped the Devas as gods and the Asuras as demons, while the Iranian branch switced the dichotomy to good Ahuras and bad Daevas. It is believed that at some point in history, there was a brief rivalry between the Indo-Aryans and the Iranians while they were still together in their home in Turkestan. Archaeologic excavations at BMAC in Turkmenistan suggest the existence of an early Iranian culture, prior to the Aryan invasion of Iran, that was destroyed by enemy tribes. It is possible that the Indo-Aryans may have been these enemies and that the cities referred to in the Rig-Veda were those in the BMAC culture. The theological reversal in both faiths may be a lingering religious expression of this old rivalry that long subsided and was eventually forgotten, as the Aryans settled in their new homes. Map of the Sintashta-Petrovka culture (red), its expansion into the Andronovo culture during the 2nd millennium BC, showing the overlap with the BMAC in the south. ... Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatama Gandhi and a Rajasthani tribesman The Indo-Aryans are the ethno-linguistic descendents of the Indic branch of the Indo-Iranians. ... Map of Turkestan (green) with borders of modern states in white Turkestan (Persian: ترکستان ) (also spelled Turkistan or Türkistan) is a region in Central Asia, which today is largely inhabited by Turkic people. ... The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (or BMAC, also known as the Oxus civilization) is a modern archaeologists designation for a Bronze Age Turkmenistan. ... Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatama Gandhi and a Rajasthani tribesman The Indo-Aryans are the ethno-linguistic descendents of the Indic branch of the Indo-Iranians. ... The Rig Veda ऋग्वेद (Sanskrit ṛgveda from ṛc praise + veda knowledge) is a collection of hymns(each hymn is called a Rucha.) counted among the four Hindu religious scriptures known as the Vedas, and contains the oldest texts preserved in any Indo-Iranian language. ... The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (or BMAC, also known as the Oxus civilization) is a modern archaeologists designation for a Bronze Age Turkmenistan. ...

From then on, the Indians referred to the asuras as the demons while Devas were the gods. The Iranians, in turn, worshipped the daevas as demons and the Ahuras as gods. When Zarathustrianism was established, Shri Varuna who Zarathustra referred to as the Ahura Mazda (Rigvedic Assur Mehda or Assur Mahadeo) was God Almighty while all other spirits were given the status of angels.

Canon

In Hinduism, there is no scripture that Hinduism is focused on anymore. After Shri Gautam Buddha taught Hindus the Vedas cannot be the only scriptures Hindus should believe in. As a result, the Hindus starting creating many commentaries on the Vedas referred to as smriti. Before, the Vedas were at the centre. In Zarathustrianism however, the Avesta is at the centre. Just as the smriti are the commentaries of the Vedas, the Gathas and other scriptures are the commentaries on the Avesta. As Lord Krishna and Lord Rama were incanations of Lord Vishnu, the Aditya (Solar Deity) so too is Shri Buddha an incarnation of Shri Vishnu (too Hindus) as he too was born into the Sakya, Suryavamsha (Solar heritage) caste. ... Smriti (Sanskrit स्मॄति, that which is remembered) refers to a specific canon of Hindu religious scripture. ... The Gathas (Gāθās) are the most sacred of the texts of the Zoroastrian faith, and are traditionally believed to have been composed by Zarathushtra (Zoroaster) himself. ...

See Also

• Indo-Iranian
• Indo-Iranian religion
• Hinduism
• Hindu
• Zoroastrianism
• Parsi

Indo-Iranian can refer to: The Indo-Iranian languages The prehistoric Indo-Iranian people, see Aryan This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The ancient Indo-Iranians were the founders of Persia and of Indian Vedic culture. ... Hinduism (Sanskrit: , , also known as , ) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra, Zartosht). ... A Parsi (IPA: ) is a member of the close-knit Zoroastrian community based in the Indian subcontinent. ...

External Links

• The Vedic Religion in Ancient Iran and Zarathushtra