DifferencesZoroastrianism

DifferencesZoroastrianism refers to the variation in beliefs, practices, and social organization that exist within the religion across regions and historical periods. The core of Zoroastrianism—devotion to Ahura Mazda, a moral dualism between asha (truth) and druj (falsehood), and an emphasis on ethical living—remains shared, but many aspects differ in expression.

Texts and doctrine differ in emphasis and language. The ancient core comes from the Avesta, including the Gathas attributed to Zoroaster, with later Pahlavi writings shaping doctrine for many communities. Indian Zoroastrians (the Parsis) preserve liturgical and ritual forms in a Gujarati-speaking milieu, while Iranian Zoroastrians use Persian and local languages and have distinct regional liturgical practices. Doctrinal emphasis can also vary, particularly in eschatology, cosmology, and interpretations of free will and judgment as developed in different centuries and communities.

Ritual practice and everyday worship show regional variation. Parsis have historically practiced exposure of the dead in Towers of Silence and maintain strict rules about priesthood, marriage, and community endogamy. Iranian Zoroastrians have practiced different burial or ritual arrangements shaped by local customs and legal contexts. Fire, purity laws, and calendar observances exist in both, but the methods and priorities can differ by community.

Community and social structure differ as well. Parsis tend to maintain strong endogamous norms and separate priestly hierarchies with limited or rare conversion, while Iranian Zoroastrians and diaspora groups occasionally interact more with surrounding societies and may display broader approaches to conversion and inclusion. Despite these differences, the shared heritage of Ahura Mazda, moral responsibility, and Zoroastrian ethics links the diverse expressions of the tradition.