Zarathustra: The First Prophet of Light
Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster in Greek, was the enlightened sage and spiritual reformer who founded the ancient Parsi religion known as Zoroastrianism. Born in the cradle of ancient Persia around 1500–1000 BCE, he is regarded as the world’s first prophet to teach the concept of one universal God — Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom and Light. In a time when polytheism, ritual sacrifices, and superstition were common, Zarathustra brought a revolutionary vision of truth, morality, and conscious choice. He preached that every human being has the power and responsibility to choose between good and evil, guided by three sacred principles: Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds (Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta). His divine revelations, received through spiritual communion with Ahura Mazda, were recorded in the Gathas, the holiest part of the Zoroastrian scripture, the Avesta. Zarathustra emphasized free will, inner purity, respect for nature, and service to humanity. He opposed violence, ritualistic animal sacrifices, and blind obedience to religious authority. Though he faced resistance and exile, his message eventually found royal support and blossomed into one of the most influential religions of the ancient world. His legacy shaped later spiritual thought across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As the First Prophet of Light, Zarathustra lit the path of ethical living, spiritual freedom, and divine truth — a flame that continues to glow in the hearts of Zoroastrians today.
Birth and Early Life:
Name: Zarathustra (known as “Zoroaster” in Greek)
Birth: The exact date of his birth is uncertain, but historians believe he was born sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE.
Birthplace: Ancient Persia, which is present-day Iran.
Family Background: He was born into a priestly family, where religious rituals and fire worship were common. From a young age, he was exposed to spiritual practices and philosophical thought.
His Teachings:
The Threefold Mantra:
“Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta”
= Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds
These three principles form the core foundation of Parsi living and ethics.
Monotheism:
Zarathustra preached that there is only one true God — Ahura Mazda, who is the embodiment of wisdom, light, and truth.
He strongly opposed polytheism, superstition, and animal sacrifices that were widely practiced at the time.
Moral Living:
He taught that every individual is responsible for their own thoughts, speech, and actions.
One’s virtue or sin is not decided by birth or caste, but by one’s deeds and intentions.
Love for Nature:
Zarathustra emphasized that the four elements of nature — fire, water, earth, and air — are sacred and must be protected.
He encouraged harmony with nature as a spiritual duty.
Struggles in His Life:
In the beginning, Zarathustra faced opposition and rejection from society because he challenged existing beliefs, rituals, and the authority of priests.
But later, he gained the support of King Vishtaspa, who was deeply influenced by his teachings.
With royal backing, Zarathustra’s message began to spread across Iran and Central Asia, gaining many followers.
Death
According to some historical accounts, Zarathustra died in a temple, where he was attacked by an enemy priest who opposed his teachings.
However, the exact circumstances of his death remain uncertain, and some believe he may have died a natural death.
- Religion World Bureau
