A Parsi Times reader asked why we have swords, spears and maces adorning the walls of the sanctum sanctorum of an Atash Bahram. He wondered whether this tradition of keeping weapons evolved after the Arab invasion of Iran when fire temples were desecrated by the invading marauders? Were these weapons kept at places of worship to ward off intruders? Swords, spears and maces adorning the walls of the sanctum sanctorum of an Atash Bahram have only symbolic and spiritual significance.

Spiritual Warrior King

Zoroastrianism theorizes a fundamental cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil and it is believed that a duly consecrated Atash Bahram (Victorious Fire) plays an important role in vanquishing the forces of evil at the cosmic level. Thus, weaponry is only of a spiritual nature. In the Atash Niyaesh we chant: “Atarsh spenta rathaeshtaro,” referring  to ‘atash spenta’ or the ‘beneficent fire’ as a ‘rathaeshtara’ or (spiritual) warrior. Weapons adorning the wall remind devotees of the status of the Holy Fire as a Spiritual Warrior battling the forces of evil at an unseen spiritual level.

Also, the consecrated fire is considered a Spiritual King – Atash Padshah (Fire King) and the weapons adorning the inside walls of the sanctum sanctorum are considered as part of the Fire King’s Royal Regalia or Insignia. The Atash Padshah is a Warrior King against the forces of evil and the swords, spears, shields and maces symbolise weaponry of this spiritual King.

Even when the consecrated fire is enthroned (takht-e-nashin) or re-enthroned after routine repair work is carried out within the sanctum sanctorum, the fire-king is taken in a procession with priests in their full priestly regalia as also some leading members of the community carrying swords, gurz (mace) and spears in hand, just the way soldiers march along with their king.

However, as per long-standing custom and tradition only the Bareshnumwala Mobedsahebs of the nine families are allowed to be present when Iranshah in Udwada is shifted and re-enthroned. Behdin (laity) respectfully wait outside. It is the belief and tradition among the Sanjana priests whose ancestors consecrated and served Iranshah for more than a millennium that no Behdin should be allowed to see the King without His crown. Hence, only after Iranshah is re-enthroned under His Gumbaj (the circular dome within the sanctum sanctorum), can Behdins see Iranshah and bow before this spiritual king of kings!

In Zoroastrian theology, Bahram Yazata, (also known as Verethragna) is a divine being or energy associated with victory, strength and righteousness. According to the Bahram Yasht, Bahram Yazata manifests in various forms, including as a bull, a horse, a boar, a bird and a young warrior with a sword to smite evil. One could say that Bahram Yazata’s divine energy is present within an Atash Bahram with swords reminding us of the symbolic weapon with which this Divinity smites evil, removes obstacles and restore righteous order.

Symbolism Of The Sword

The sword, as a symbol, transcends its literal function as a weapon, holding deep spiritual significance across various cultures, symbolizing courage, strength and the struggle against adversity, both internal and external. In Zoroastrianism, besides Bahram Yazata who is believed to manifest himself in the form of a young warrior with a sword, Shehrevar Ameshaspand (Avesta Kshathra Vairya) who represents divine dominion and the power to shape good leaders, is also depicted with a sword, symbolizing His role in guarding metals and representing divine power and righteous rule with justice.

In Roman Mithraism, Mithras is frequently depicted with a sword, particularly in the iconic tauroctony scene where he slays a bull. In this scene Mitras is depicted kneeling on a bull (tauro), stabbing it with a sword while looking at the figure of Sol (the Sun). This act is central to the cult’s iconography and mythology. The sword in Mithraic iconography likely symbolizes power, sacrifice, and the slaying of evil or chaos, as represented by the bull. It is believed, though also debated in some scholarly circles that the Roman cult of Mithraism was either borrowed or influenced by Zoroastrianism or the Zoroastrian belief in Meher Yazata – the Divine Judge (Davar).

Symbolism Of The Spear

In various religious traditions, the spear holds significant symbolic meaning, particularly as a representation of power, protection and divine authority. In Zoroastrianism, Tir Yazata, the Divinity associated with the star Tishtrya, is often depicted using an arrow to combat Aposa, the demon of drought and evil. This is also based on the legend of Arash the Archer, who uses an arrow to demarcate the Iranian border, symbolizing Tir Yazata’s power to overcome adversity and bring rain. While the triangular arrowhead is similar but not the same as a spearhead, both are penetrative weapons with a sharp and pointed tip used in battle.

During the Achaemenid dynasty, the spear, along with the bow, served as a symbol of royal power and military prowess. It was depicted in royal reliefs, on coins, and in inscriptions and often depicted as being held by the king or his attendants, signifying strength and authority. The spear, alongside the bow, was also used to represent the empire’s outreach and military might, as seen in inscriptions like the one at mount Behistun near Kermanshah in North western Iran. At mount Behistun, Darius the Great inscribes the following in Cuneiform script: “the spear of a Persian man has gone forth far; then shall it become known to you: a Persian man has carried out battle far indeed from Persia.”

Reliefs at Persepolis also depict royal guards holding spears, emphasizing the importance of the weapon in representing the king’s protection and the empire’s security.

Symbolism Of The Shield

In religious traditions, shields often symbolize divine protection, faith and spiritual strength, representing a believer’s defence against negative influences and a link to divine protection. In the Zoroastrian tradition, the Sudreh and the Kusti are together considered as a spiritual shield against all negative forces.

Also, the Fravahar, often depicted as a winged disc though not a literal shield, embodies protection and spiritual direction, reflecting the Zoroastrian belief in a pure personal spirit that guides individuals towards righteousness and protects one against evil. It represents faith, protection and symbolises a spiritual connection between the devout and the divine. While adorning a building, wall or simply worn as a charm around the neck, the Asho Farohar symbolises a spiritual armour aiding and inspiring one to face life’s challenges more positively, purposefully and productively.

Symbolism Of The Mace

The mace embodies courage, wisdom and authority, signifying the force needed to overcome obstacles and destroy ego. In Zoroastrianism, the ox-headed mace, also known as a gurz, is a powerful symbol representing the victory of Asha (Truth and Divine Order) over Druj (untruth and disorder.)  The gurz is most famously associated with King Fereydoon’s victory over the evil Zahhak, as depicted in the Shahnameh (Book of Kings). The mace, with its distinctive cow or bull head, is also a symbol of priestly authority and given to a newly initiated priest after the Navar ceremony, reminding the young priest that he is now ritually empowered to battle Druj with religious ceremonies and sacred Avesta chants.

Bahram Yazata or Verethraghna, bestows victory in all battles to the righteous and is also often depicted holding a mace. The mace, in this context, symbolizes Bahram Yazata’s power to vanquish evil and protect the righteous.