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[[File:Atashkadeh.png|350px|right|thumb|Painting of a {{PAGENAME}}, done in the ''[[Benacian Academy]]'' style. Dated {{AN|1715}}.]] | |||
'''{{PAGENAME}}''', the abodes of sacred Atash flames, are typically found at sacred sites throughout [[Eura]], such as temples or other religious centres. They are typically located in a central or prominent location within the sacred site, and are surrounded by other features such as altars, statues, or other objects of religious significance. Examples of {{PAGENAME}} may also be found in nations with substantial [[Babkha]]n diaspora populations, such as [[Elluenuueq]] and [[New Alexandria]]. | '''{{PAGENAME}}''', the abodes of sacred Atash flames, are typically found at sacred sites throughout [[Eura]], such as temples or other religious centres. They are typically located in a central or prominent location within the sacred site, and are surrounded by other features such as altars, statues, or other objects of religious significance. Examples of {{PAGENAME}} may also be found in nations with substantial [[Babkha]]n diaspora populations, such as [[Elluenuueq]] and [[New Alexandria]]. | ||
Revision as of 19:36, 9 December 2022
Atashkadeh, the abodes of sacred Atash flames, are typically found at sacred sites throughout Eura, such as temples or other religious centres. They are typically located in a central or prominent location within the sacred site, and are surrounded by other features such as altars, statues, or other objects of religious significance. Examples of Atashkadeh may also be found in nations with substantial Babkhan diaspora populations, such as Elluenuueq and New Alexandria.
The layout of an Atash Fire typically involves a central hearth or fireplace, where the flames are lit and maintained. This may be surrounded by a raised platform or other structure, on which religious ceremonies and other rites are performed. In some cases, the Atash Fire may be located within a larger complex, such as a temple or monastery, and may be connected to other religious structures or features.
The rites performed at an Atash Fire typically involve the lighting of the flames, which may be done using special rituals or other forms of religious practice. This may involve the use of sacred texts, prayers, or other forms of devotion, and may be led by a priest or other religious leader. Other rites may also be performed at the Atash Fire, such as chanting, meditation, or other forms of religious devotion.
Other salient features of an Atash Fire may include statues or other objects of religious significance, which may be placed around the flames or within the broader complex where the fire is located. These may include images of gods or other deities, or objects that be used as focal points for devotion, or may be seen as symbols of the divine presence at the site.
There is also to be found a hidden alcove in Zurvanite fire temples which serves as a sacred space where the Mobads, or clergy of the Zurvanite religion, engage in private worship and veneration. In this alcove, the Mobads light incense and venerate icons depicting the Sayoshant, or Messiah, in various dramatic poses slaying the depicted manifestations and avatars of rival deities.
According to Zurvanite theology, all divine entities are simply different manifestations of Zurvan, the ultimate god of time and space. Therefore, the failure to recognise this truth is seen as a form of rejection of Zurvan's boundless love and grace. In response to this perceived rejection, the Mobads engage in the act of killing the deity of a rival religion, which is seen as an act of love.
The rationale for this act is that it frees the souls of those who are misguided by rival religious beliefs from the captivity of delusions that are bound up in the mortal realm. By releasing these souls from their misguided beliefs, the Mobads believe that they are able to help them return to Zurvan, the source of their essence, and restore them to perfect union with the cosmos. This union is seen as the ultimate goal of the Zurvanite religion, and is believed to provide the peace and oblivion that comes with lasting union with the divine.
Grades of the Sacred Fire
The three grades of sacred flame in Zurvanism are Atash Dadgah, Atash Adaran, and Atash Behram. These different grades of fire represent different levels of consecration and importance, with the Atash Behram being the highest grade of sacred fire.
The Atash Dadgah is the lowest grade of sacred fire, and can be consecrated within a few hours by two priests who recite the 72 verses of the Yasna liturgy. This fire is typically used for daily worship and is tended by laypersons when no services are in progress.
The next highest grade of fire is the Atash Adaran, the "Fire of fires". This fire requires a gathering of hearth fire from representatives of the four feudal estates: priests, soldiers and civil servants, farmers and herdsmen, and artisans and laborers. The consecration of this fire takes between two and three weeks and involves eight priests.
The highest grade of fire is the Atash Behram, the "Fire of victory". This fire requires the gathering of 16 different kinds of fire from 16 different sources, including lightning and fire from a cremation pyre. The consecration of this fire takes up to a year and involves 32 priests.
Temples that maintain an Atash Adaran or Atash Behram fire also maintain at least one Atash Dadgah fire. This fire is used for daily worship and is the one at which the public invokes blessings for individuals, families, or events. The higher grades of fire are only ever addressed to the fire itself and not to any deity or spiritual being.
