Mehr: The Sun of Benevolence in the Realm of Mithraism

Moein Azimi, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

Email: mohammadrezaazimi@rcsi.com

Abstract

Mehr is associated with Mithra, a deity in ancient Indo-Iranian religion and later in

Zoroastrianism. Mithra, sometimes spelled as Mehr or Mithras in different contexts, was a

god of the sun, light, and contracts in ancient Persian and Vedic mythology. Mehr in Persian

has multiple meanings and associations. It primarily refers to the Sun in Persian and

symbolizes light, warmth, vitality, and divine illumination. Mehr also carries connotations of

kindness, compassion, and benevolence. This may be due to cultural or linguistic nuances,

where the concept of the Sun's warmth and radiance is metaphorically extended to represent

acts of kindness and generosity. Mehr is the name of the seventh month in the Persian

calendar. It falls roughly between mid-September and mid-October in the Gregorian calendar.

As we reflect on the multiple meanings of Mehr in Persian culture, the profound

interconnectedness between nature's splendor and the human capacity for kindness will be

reminded. May we, like the radiant Sun, strive to illuminate the world with the warmth of our

compassion and the brilliance of our deeds, embodying the timeless virtues that have defined

Persian civilization for millennia.

Keywords: Mithraism, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

Introduction

In the annals of ancient religions, few concepts resonate with as much profundity and

resonance as that of Mehr, the embodiment of kindness and benevolence within the esoteric

tradition of Mithraism. Rooted in the ancient teachings of Zoroastrianism, Mithraism

flourished as a mystery religion across the expanse of the Roman Empire, leaving an indelible

mark on the spiritual landscape of antiquity. At the heart of Mithraism lies the divine essence

of Mehr, a principle that transcends mere altruism to encompass a profound cosmic harmony

and compassion. The term Mehr, derived from Avestan and also known as Mithra in Persian,

embodies the essence of kindness and love, serving as a beacon of light amidst the shadows

of the mortal world. Central to the teachings of Mithraism is the notion of Mehr as a guiding

force, a celestial embodiment of benevolence that stands in stark contrast to the forces of

chaos and discord represented by Angra Mainyu.

In the eternal struggle between light and darkness, Mehr emerges as the eternal flame that

illuminates the path towards enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment. Mithraic iconography

often depicts Mehr as a radiant figure, adorned with symbols of celestial authority and cosmic

harmony. In these depictions, Mehr stands as a protector and benefactor, extending his divine

grace to all who seek solace and redemption. Through acts of kindness and compassion,

followers of Mithraism sought to emulate the divine qualities of Mehr, forging bonds of unity

and brotherhood amidst the tumult of mortal existence. The significance of Mehr within

Mithraism extends beyond mere theological abstraction, permeating every aspect of daily life

and ritual practice. Mithraic initiates, known as sympathizers, sought to cultivate the virtues

of kindness and benevolence in their interactions with others, recognizing in Mehr the

embodiment of divine love and compassion. Moreover, the rituals of Mithraism, often
conducted within subterranean temples known as Mithraea, were imbued with symbolic

significance that emphasized the transformative power of Mehr.

Through rites of initiation and communal feasts, followers of Mithraism sought to commune

with the divine essence of Mehr, experiencing firsthand the boundless compassion and love

that permeated the cosmos. In the modern world, the legacy of Mithraism and the concept

of Mehr continue to resonate with spiritual seekers and scholars alike. In an age marked by

turmoil and division, the teachings of Mithraism offer a timeless message of hope and

reconciliation, reminding humanity of the transformative power of kindness and compassion.

Sepanta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu

The term Sepanta Mainyu refers to the Holy Spirit or the Holy Principle in Zoroastrianism, also

known as Spenta Mainyu. In Zoroastrian theology, Spenta Mainyu is one of the Amesha

Spentas, or Holy Immortals, representing divine attributes or principles. While Angra Mainyu

(Ahriman) embodies destruction and chaos, Spenta Mainyu represents constructive principles

such as goodness, truth, and order. In the context of Zoroastrianism, Spenta Mainyu is indeed

considered a constructive force, representing positive and beneficial qualities that contribute

to the maintenance of cosmic harmony and the advancement of creation.

The term Angro or Angra in Angra Mainyu does not directly translate to angry in the English

sense. Instead, it comes from the Avestan language, the ancient language of the Zoroastrian

scriptures. In Avestan, Angra means destructive or evil, while Mainyu means spirit or mind.

So, Angra Mainyu is often interpreted as the destructive spirit or the evil spirit. While the term

Angro itself doesn't translate directly to angry, the concept of anger can be associated with

Angra Mainyu due to the destructive and negative nature attributed to this principle in
Zoroastrianism. Angra Mainyu is often depicted as embodying attributes such as hatred,

chaos, and discord, which can be related to feelings of anger. However, it's important to

understand that Angro Mainyuo isn't simply angry in the human sense; it represents a much

broader concept of destructive and chaotic forces within Zoroastrian theology.

Mehr in Persian Literature and Culture

In the rich tapestry of Persian culture, the word Mehr holds a dual significance that reflects

the profound interplay between nature and human virtues. Rooted in ancient traditions and

linguistic nuances, Mehr embodies not only the brilliance of the celestial Sun but also the

warmth and compassion inherent in acts of kindness. At its core, Mehr signifies the Sun, the

celestial body that graces the Persian skies with its luminous presence. As the life-giving force

that illuminates the world and sustains all living beings, the Sun holds a revered place in

Persian mythology and folklore. Its radiance symbolizes vitality, enlightenment, and the

eternal cycle of life and renewal. Yet, beyond its celestial connotations, Mehr transcends the

realm of physical phenomena to encompass a deeper, more profound meaning: that of

kindness and benevolence. In Persian culture, Mehr is not merely a celestial body but also a

guiding principle that inspires acts of compassion and generosity. The association between

Mehr and kindness is deeply ingrained in Persian literature, art, and everyday expressions.

From the poetry of Rumi to the tales of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, Mehr is celebrated as a divine

virtue that uplifts the human spirit and fosters harmonious relationships within society. In

Persian poetry, the imagery of Mehr often evokes themes of love, empathy, and altruism.

Poets invoke the Sun's radiant warmth to symbolize the transformative power of kindness,

which has the capacity to brighten even the darkest of days and dispel the shadows of despair.
Furthermore, the Persian language itself reflects the inseparable bond between Mehr and

acts of kindness. The term Mehrban, derived from Mehr, denotes someone who is

compassionate and caring, embodying the spirit of benevolence that lies at the heart of

Persian culture. In Persian tradition, the celebration of Mehr extends beyond mere reverence

for the Sun to encompass a culture of giving, sharing, and empathy towards others. During

times of celebration and hardship alike, Persians draw upon the teachings of Mehr to cultivate

a sense of solidarity and mutual support within their communities.

Mehr: The Sun of Benevolence

Mehr is a Persian word that means Sun. It's derived from ancient Persian and has been a

significant concept in Persian culture and language for centuries. The Sun holds immense

symbolism and importance in Persian culture, representing warmth, light, vitality, and divine

illumination. It's celebrated in poetry, literature, art, and various cultural practices throughout

Persian history. While Mehr primarily means Sun in Persian, it also carries connotations of

kindness or benevolence. Languages often contain words with multiple meanings or shades

of interpretation, especially within cultural contexts where symbolism and metaphor play

significant roles.

Mehr is also the name of the seventh month in the Persian calendar, which corresponds

roughly to the second half of September and the first half of October in the Gregorian

calendar. The Persian calendar, known as the Solar calendar, is a solar calendar used in Iran

and Afghanistan, among other places, and it has its own unique names for the months. In this

context, Mehr maintains its association with the Sun, as the month falls during the autumn
equinox when daylight and darkness are nearly equal, further highlighting the connection

between the name and the celestial body.

In the mirror of Mithraism [1-5], the three meanings of Mehr- the Sun, kindness, and the deity

Mithra - can be interconnected in profound and symbolic ways. In Mithraism, the Sun holds

central importance as a symbol of divine illumination, representing the light of truth that

dispels spiritual darkness. The Sun's radiance is seen as a reflection of the divine presence of

Mithra, the god associated with the Sun and cosmic order. Just as the physical Sun illuminates

the world, Mithra's divine light enlightens the souls of believers, guiding them towards

spiritual enlightenment and ultimate salvation.

Within Mithraism, the teachings of kindness and compassion are deeply intertwined with the

worship of Mithra. Followers of Mithraism are encouraged to emulate the benevolent

qualities of Mithra by practicing acts of kindness, charity, and goodwill towards others. The

Sun's warmth and light serve as metaphors for the compassionate and generous nature of

Mithra, inspiring believers to spread love and positivity in the world.

As the central deity of Mithraism, Mithra embodies the principles of light, truth, and

righteousness. Mithra is often depicted as a solar deity, symbolizing the Sun's life-giving

energy and its role in sustaining all living beings. In the teachings of Mithraism, Mithra

represents the ultimate source of goodness and order in the universe, opposing the forces of

darkness and chaos personified by Angra Mainyu (Ahriman).

In Mithraism, the interconnectedness of these three meanings of "Mehr" reflects the holistic

worldview of the faith, where the physical, spiritual, and moral dimensions of existence are

intertwined. The Sun's radiant light symbolizes the divine presence of Mithra, whose
teachings of kindness and compassion inspire believers to walk the path of righteousness and

contribute to the harmony and balance of the cosmos.

Conclusions

The association of "Mehr" with Mithra adds another layer of significance to the term, linking

it not only to the Sun and kindness but also to ancient religious beliefs and practices in the

Iranian and Indo-European cultural spheres.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, may we heed the timeless wisdom of

Mehr and strive to cultivate kindness and benevolence in all our dealings. For in the realm of

Mithraism, Mehr reigns supreme as the eternal beacon of light, guiding humanity towards a

future illuminated by the radiant glow of divine love and compassion.

References

[1] Azimi, M. "Sunlight in the Mirror of Mithraism." European Journal of Theology and

Philosophy 3.6 (2023): 1-5.

[2] Azimi, M. "The Symbolic Meaning of Sunlight in Mithraism." Authorea Preprints (2023).

[3] Azimi, M. "Parallels Between Jesus and Mithra: A Comparative Study." Authorea

Preprints (2023).

[4] Azimi, M. "Mithra in Light of Buddhism and Manichaean: Savior Figure." Authorea

Preprints (2023).
[5] Asgari, Z. "Investigating the progress of the fish myth In Mehr worship, Avesta and

Pahlavi texts, epic and mystical texts." Classical Persian Literature (2024).