In Iranian Myth, the Lotus is a Symbol of Feminine Existence
February 8, 1998 - 0:0
In Iranian culture, flowers hold a special place. Their language is that of nature. They are the key to revelation. Some have a mysterious origin as to be considered mythical. One popular flower is the lotus, otherwise known in Iran as the flower of Naheed because of its magical power in Iranian myths. Naheed was a symbol of femininity in ancient Iran and it was also in ancient India. The influence of this flower may be seen in the architectural and historical vestiges of Iranian and Indian art as manifested in the 8, 12 and even 1,000 petalled otuses.
The lotusm, niloofar in Farsi, is the flower of life and creation and has around 100 variations. In old Persian literature, the lotus was cosidered to be an incubator for the seed or far of Zoroaster which was kept in water. Therfore, the lotus is closely related to Mithraism with followers who are scholars believing in Mithras' birth scene resembling mistletoes where Mitras is said to have emerged.
The Ruins of Takht-e-Jamshid In the wide expanse of a plain, 75 kilometers from Shiraz, rests the Takht-e-Jamshid complex which has been there for centuries. Takht-e-Jamshid is one of the excellent symbols of Oriental civilization that has remained from ancient times. It is reminiscent of the glorious time of the Acheamenian kings. The huge compound, representing the greatness, beauty and power of an old civilization was built by master craftsmen of Iran. In every place where this monument is found one can see different inscriptions which praise Ahuramazda giving descriptions as to the genesis of the universe, earth, heaven, men, and famous specifications and pedigres of Achaemenian kings as well as buildings.
Inscriptions are in three languages of old Persian, Babylonian Ilami displaying the fusion of cultures and civilization which spiritualy dominated a corner of this land at that time. When Nowruz (new year) arrives, Takht-e-Jamshid becomes the place for holding new year ceremonies and offical functions. The splendor and glory of Takht-e-Jamshid, in the eyes of visitors, exhibit the grandeur of the once-celebrated Acheamenian summer capital.
Takht-e-Jamshid complex occupies an area 450 meters long by 300 meters wide and 18 meters high, and is surrounded by a fortified wall. At its northwestern corner can be seen a 110-step stairway on each sidethe entrance to the main monument. Looking at the ruins, one can imagine the events as they occurred in ancient times and hear the hooves of trotting horses which carried guests and representatives of diffrent nations to the palace.
Xerxes' gate, or nations gate, leading to the stairways, has three doorways each measuring 11 meters high and opening to the east, west and the south. Entering through the southern doorway, the visitor will find a large hall which is the main structure of the Apadana Palace. This was the Achaeminian kings' public reception hall. It is a large rectangular building with 36 columns.
Passing the two northern and eastern stairways of Apadana, the visitor will then witness pictures showing taxpayers coming from different regions under the dominion of the Achaeminians. Talar Shorathe Assembely Hallis situated in the southeastern corner of Apadana Palace with its stairways decorated embossed with beautiful and innovative carvings. Another beautiful part of Takht-e-Jamshid is the Palace of Darius which is known as the Tachar. This palace has beautiful halls with decorated doorways; the remains of the hall reflect the glory of the Ayeeneh (mirror) Palace. The Palace of Xerxes is located south of Takht-e-Jamshid and is similar to the Tachar with its balcony overlooking the plain and with a stairway that leads to the Haram, which has similar buildings beautifully decorated.
The group of palaces in Takht-e-Jamshid complex, along with the king's treasury which include several uniform halls, occupy the southern part of the area. The Palace of Xerxes or the Sad Sotoon (100-columns) Palace is in the northeast corner of the complex. This palace used to have a wide-faced decorations but today only the pillars of its columns remain. Next to Takht-e-Jamshid, at the southern side, is the grave of Darius the Third, another Achaeminian king.
The lotusm, niloofar in Farsi, is the flower of life and creation and has around 100 variations. In old Persian literature, the lotus was cosidered to be an incubator for the seed or far of Zoroaster which was kept in water. Therfore, the lotus is closely related to Mithraism with followers who are scholars believing in Mithras' birth scene resembling mistletoes where Mitras is said to have emerged.
The Ruins of Takht-e-Jamshid In the wide expanse of a plain, 75 kilometers from Shiraz, rests the Takht-e-Jamshid complex which has been there for centuries. Takht-e-Jamshid is one of the excellent symbols of Oriental civilization that has remained from ancient times. It is reminiscent of the glorious time of the Acheamenian kings. The huge compound, representing the greatness, beauty and power of an old civilization was built by master craftsmen of Iran. In every place where this monument is found one can see different inscriptions which praise Ahuramazda giving descriptions as to the genesis of the universe, earth, heaven, men, and famous specifications and pedigres of Achaemenian kings as well as buildings.
Inscriptions are in three languages of old Persian, Babylonian Ilami displaying the fusion of cultures and civilization which spiritualy dominated a corner of this land at that time. When Nowruz (new year) arrives, Takht-e-Jamshid becomes the place for holding new year ceremonies and offical functions. The splendor and glory of Takht-e-Jamshid, in the eyes of visitors, exhibit the grandeur of the once-celebrated Acheamenian summer capital.
Takht-e-Jamshid complex occupies an area 450 meters long by 300 meters wide and 18 meters high, and is surrounded by a fortified wall. At its northwestern corner can be seen a 110-step stairway on each sidethe entrance to the main monument. Looking at the ruins, one can imagine the events as they occurred in ancient times and hear the hooves of trotting horses which carried guests and representatives of diffrent nations to the palace.
Xerxes' gate, or nations gate, leading to the stairways, has three doorways each measuring 11 meters high and opening to the east, west and the south. Entering through the southern doorway, the visitor will find a large hall which is the main structure of the Apadana Palace. This was the Achaeminian kings' public reception hall. It is a large rectangular building with 36 columns.
Passing the two northern and eastern stairways of Apadana, the visitor will then witness pictures showing taxpayers coming from different regions under the dominion of the Achaeminians. Talar Shorathe Assembely Hallis situated in the southeastern corner of Apadana Palace with its stairways decorated embossed with beautiful and innovative carvings. Another beautiful part of Takht-e-Jamshid is the Palace of Darius which is known as the Tachar. This palace has beautiful halls with decorated doorways; the remains of the hall reflect the glory of the Ayeeneh (mirror) Palace. The Palace of Xerxes is located south of Takht-e-Jamshid and is similar to the Tachar with its balcony overlooking the plain and with a stairway that leads to the Haram, which has similar buildings beautifully decorated.
The group of palaces in Takht-e-Jamshid complex, along with the king's treasury which include several uniform halls, occupy the southern part of the area. The Palace of Xerxes or the Sad Sotoon (100-columns) Palace is in the northeast corner of the complex. This palace used to have a wide-faced decorations but today only the pillars of its columns remain. Next to Takht-e-Jamshid, at the southern side, is the grave of Darius the Third, another Achaeminian king.