Valentine's Day: Guide to the Persian God of Love
In ancient Persian mythology, love was a sacred and powerful force intertwined with creation, passion, beauty, and fertility. While there was no single god or goddess solely dedicated to love, several deities in Zoroastrianism and Persian folklore were associated with love, devotion, and romance. The most significant among them include Anahita, the goddess of water, fertility, and love, and Mithra, the god of light and friendship, who was also connected to love and loyalty.
Anahita: The Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Water
Attributes & Role
Anahita (also known as Ardvi Sura Anahita) was the primary Persian deity associated with love, beauty, fertility, and motherhood. She was revered as a powerful goddess of life-giving water, purity, and abundance. Her influence extended to romantic love, marital harmony, and childbirth, making her a key figure for those seeking love and happiness.
Symbols & Appearance
Flowing Water & Rivers – Representing life, renewal, and emotional depth in love.
Golden Crown & Armor – Depicting her as a warrior-protector of lovers and women.
Doves & Lotuses – Symbols of purity, love, and beauty, often associated with her.
Worship & Temples
Anahita was honored in temples and shrines dedicated to water sources, such as rivers and springs.
She was worshipped by lovers and married couples seeking her blessings for fertility and devotion.
The Temple of Anahita at Kangavar in Iran is one of the most famous sites linked to her worship.
Mithra: The God of Light, Friendship, and Devotion
Attributes & Role
Mithra, a major deity in ancient Persia, was primarily the god of light, truth, and friendship, but he also played a role in loyalty, deep emotional bonds, and love—especially in the sense of strong, unwavering devotion. He was often invoked to bless relationships, including romantic and platonic love, ensuring trust and harmony.
Symbols & Appearance
Sun & Light Rays – Representing warmth, passion, and divine truth in love.
Handshake Symbol – Signifying commitment, loyalty, and trust in relationships.
Bull & Lion – Symbols of strength, vitality, and enduring love.
Worship & Influence
Mithra was widely venerated in Persia and later influenced Mithraism in Rome, where he became associated with sacred oaths and male companionship.
He was worshipped by warriors and kings who sought his blessing in maintaining strong bonds of love and loyalty.
Love and Relationships in Ancient Persian Culture
Love was a central theme in Persian poetry, mythology, and spirituality. Romantic love, deep friendship, and marital devotion were all considered sacred and were often linked to divine blessings.
Love Rituals & Symbols
Anahita’s Water Blessings – Lovers and married couples sought her divine favor by offering prayers near sacred rivers.
Fire Worship in Zoroastrian Temples – Fire, symbolizing passion and truth, played a role in wedding ceremonies and love rituals.
Poetry & Romance – Persian literature, especially the works of Rumi and Hafez, celebrated the mystical and passionate aspects of love.
Festivals of Love
Nowruz (Persian New Year) – Celebrated renewal, fertility, and new beginnings, often associated with love and relationships.
Mehregan (Festival of Mithra) – Honored Mithra and the bonds of friendship and love.
While Persian mythology did not have a single god of love like Aphrodite or Eros, Anahita was the closest equivalent, representing love, beauty, and fertility. Mithra, on the other hand, symbolized devotion, trust, and the strength of emotional bonds. Love in ancient Persia was deeply intertwined with nature, divine blessings, and poetic expression, making it a sacred and revered part of life.
