Faravahar

Faravahar, also transliterated Farohar, is one of the best-known symbols associated with Zoroastrianism and Persian cultural heritage. It is commonly depicted as a winged human figure within a circular disc and is widely used as an emblem in Iran and among Zoroastrian communities around the world.

Design elements often show a bearded man in a long tunic, with one arm raised to hold a ring or circular object. Two expansive wings extend behind him, sometimes with multiple rows of feathers, and there is a pair of tails below. The figure is frequently set against a sun-like disk, and the ring is interpreted as khvarenah, or divine glory, believed to protect and empower the bearer.

Symbolic significance varies, but the Faravahar is commonly linked to the fravashi, the guardian spirit, and to Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism. In interpreting its meaning, the wings and feathers are often associated with moral and spiritual progress, while the central figure embodies the soul on its journey. The threefold emphasis on good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is a frequently cited interpretation related to the symbol’s moral message.

Historical context and use vary by source, but the Faravahar is associated with ancient Iranian art and has been adopted as a cultural emblem in modern times. It appears in architecture, jewelry, temple motifs, and public displays, serving as a recognizable representation of Iran’s ancient religious and cultural traditions.

The Faravahar remains an enduring symbol in both religious practice and the broader cultural imagination of Iran and the Zoroastrian world.