Pir (Zoroastrianism)

Pir (Persian: پیر‎) refers to a site of pilgrimage, typically one of the Zoroastrian faith, in Persian. Pirs range from localized devotional sites to major centers of worship.[1] Among the most well-known pirs are the six mountain pir which can be found in and around the city of Yazd, Iran: Seti Pir, Pir-e Sabz, Pir-e Nāraki, Pir-e Bānu, Pir-e Herisht, and Pir-e Nārestān.[2] However, pirs can be found in cities throughout the Persian world including Kerman,[3] Shiraz[4] and Tehran.[5]

Structure of a Pir

There is no universalizing principal of design in Zoroastrian religious architecture; as a result, each pir has its own unique structures and features. However, there are certain traits which many pirs possess such as an altar-like structure used to house atar or sacred fires. In mountain pirs, shrines often take the form of a large stone or solid piece of rock.[6] Many of the larger shrines are located near a natural water source, the water of which may be considered sacred as well.[7] Often, plane trees or cypresses[8] can be found in or near the pir. To these trees are sometimes tied wish-ribbons, a form of decorative, occasionally highly complex, textile garlands.

Modern Practices

Traditionally, pilgrims would spend three days at pirs before departing;[1] however, in modern times this practice has declined.[9] The only exception to this is in Pir-e Sabz, where it is still common for worshippers to remain near the site from June 15 to 18, the traditional dates of pilgrimage.[9] In Vancouver, the Zoroastrian community annually gathers in a specific spot in the mountains on June 13 and practices the rituals and traditions that they would be enacting were they able to travel to Pir-e Sabz itself.[10] This community has observed the pilgrimage days in this manner since 1999.[9]

See also

References
  1. Aspandyar Sohrab Gotla (2000). "Guide to Zarthoshtrian historical places in Iran." University of Michigan Press. LCCN 2005388611 pg. 164
  2. http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/iran/zoroastrian.htm
  3. Aspandyar Sohrab Gotla (2000). "Guide to Zarthoshtrian historical places in Iran." University of Michigan Press. LCCN 2005388611 pg. 47
  4. http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Firuzabad/Firuzabad00.htm
  5. G. Gropp, "Die rezenten Feuertempel der Zarathustrier (II)", Archaeologische Mitteilungen aus Iran N.F.4, 1971 pp. 263-288 (German)
  6. Strausberg, Michael. (2004). Zoroastrian rituals in context. New York: Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-13131-6 pg. 575
  7. http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Pir-e-Sabz/Pir-e-Sabz-3.htm
  8. http://www.vohuman.org/SlideShow/Pir-e-Sabz/Pir-e-Sabz-7.htm
  9. Strausberg, Michael. (2004). Zoroastrian rituals in context. New York: Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-13131-6 pg. 591
  10. http://www.zoroastriannews.com/2009/06/23/american-zoroastrians-paid-respect-to-pire-sabz/
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