What are the Sacred Ritual Threads (Aivyāonghana), and how are they used in religious traditions? What do Zoroastrians, especially Parsis, believe about the “Nirangdin No Doro” or “Thread of Nirangdin”?
🌿🌼In this post, we’ll briefly explore an ancient and beautiful tradition among the Zoroastrians of India (Parsis), which shares roots with the customs of Iranian Zoroastrians. It seems that this tradition was common between the two communities, and Zoroastrians in Iran also believed in this practice in their own way. Although, like many other Zoroastrian religious customs, this tradition has faded away in Iran, it is hoped that by sharing it in this post, we can rekindle some light for priests, believers of the faith, and all those interested in ancient religious rituals.
As we know, the Parsi religion is filled with customs and rituals that are rooted in the spiritual realm, beyond the material world. Here, we will talk about one of these customs, which the Parsis call “Nirangdin No Doro” or “Thread of Nirangdin.” This woven cotton thread, similar to the *Kushti* (the sacred woolen thread Zoroastrians wear over the *Sudreh*), is prepared in a specific manner and is worn around the neck. It’s worth noting that other threads are also used in ceremonies like *Yazashne* and *Vendidād* recitations, and these traditions are an integral part of the ancient Zoroastrian rituals, especially among the priests.
It is said that the great Dastur Mulla-Firoz was a master in weaving these ritual threads. The holy Avesta refers to these threads as *Aivyāonghana*, meaning “sacred thread” or “woven cord.” These threads are known for carrying spiritual power and protection and the *Kushti* is also part of this category.
It's also interesting to learn about two other sacred threads: the first is used in the consecration of the *Dakhma* (Tower of Silence), a practice still observed in India and Pakistan. A similar thread is used for the protection and sanctification of the building, and Dr. Framroze Chinivala beautifully explains this tradition in his valuable book, "Dakhmā Ni Buland Zarthoshti Telesm." This ritual is performed by a pious Zoroastrian woman who is well-versed in religious customs, and after undergoing the *Nàhn* (purification ritual), she completes the process over three days.
The second thread is used to seal bottles or containers holding *nirang* or other consecrated liquids, which is known as Doro*. This thread is tied around the
Kuplā* (a muslin cloth covering the bottle) to ensure the purity and sanctity of the contents inside. (Note that the term "Doro" is a general term and is applied to other *Aivyāonghana* as well.)
Now, about the "Nirangdin Thread": this thread is woven during the *Nirangdin* ceremony (we've written about this ceremony in previous posts, and as we know, it lasts for 18 days and nights). After the recitation of *Yazashne* on the ninth day, this thread is prepared and kept until the final day when the priests perform the
*Vendidad* recitation, and the knots are tied by the *Raspi* priest after reciting the
*Haftan Yasht*'. There is also another
tradition where the priests tie the knots midway through the *Nirangdin* ceremony after the thread has been woven.
The ‘Nirangdin Ni Doro’ thread has great talismanic powers to also ward off evil and nullify negative energy. The protocol of tying it, is alike to the kushti by putting it around the neck, and tying a knot by putting the right side of the thread upon the left while reciting Yatha Ahu on the word "Ahu" and then the left side on the right, by reciting another Yatha Ahu, on the word Ahu again (total of 2 Ahunavars).
🙏🏼✨🤲🏼🔥Based on an article by Yezdi M. Hodiwalla and an interview with one of the great priests, with some edits and additions.
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