The Zoroastrian Nāhn Purification Rituals

The Zoroastnan Nāhn rituals, based on a threefold purificatory process, are documented and analysed in the article using both literary sources and field study. On the basis of the documentation and analysis it is suggested that these rituals replicate the universal struggle between good and evil. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Choksy, Jamsheed Kairshasp 1943- (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Dep. [1987]
In: Journal of ritual studies
Year: 1987, Volume: 1, Issue: 2, Pages: 59-74
Further subjects:B Urine
B Evil
B Ritual pollution
B Environmental Pollution
B Priests
B Purification rituals
B Zoroastrianism
B Water purification
B Prayer
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Description
Summary:The Zoroastnan Nāhn rituals, based on a threefold purificatory process, are documented and analysed in the article using both literary sources and field study. On the basis of the documentation and analysis it is suggested that these rituals replicate the universal struggle between good and evil. They fulfill the need for communal unity and communicate the function of purification: the isolation and expulsion of evil. The rituals arise from the cosmic and ethical dualism of good and evil, purity and pollution, upon which Zoroastrianism is based. They reinforce belief in this dualism and unite the material and spiritual worlds in the battle against evil.
ISSN:0890-1112
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of ritual studies