Thread by @folkloristan

For #LegendaryWednesday this week, let's take a look at some of the beliefs about fire, and fire deities of Pakistan's Parsi community - a short thread:

The Zoroastrians see the fire is seen as a symbol of life, energy, and growth. It is also associated with the sun and is believed to have healing powers.

#LegendaryWednesday

Atar, the God of Fire, in Parsi tradition, is considered a powerful deity who has the ability to purify and cleanse the world with fire. He has battled several demons of darkness like Azi Dahaka & Apaosha to restore order to the world.

#LegendaryWednesday

In Zoroastrian belief, life was created from the love affair between Atar, the God of Fire, and Anahita, the Goddess of Water.

#LegendaryWednesday

It is the God of Fire, Atar, who also has the power to transform metal into minerals and is the one who taught man how to forge metal.

#LegendaryWednesday

Fire is believed to be the visual representation in this world of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism. It can also be a messenger of the gods and is associated with prophecy and divination.

#LegendaryWednesday

The Parsi temple in Karachi is one of the most sacred fire temples in the world. Built in 1918, it houses three grades of fire that are tended by priests. Open to both, worshippers and visitors, non-Zoroastrians are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum where the fire is kept.