Vedic influence in Persia

The ancient Persians believed in the purity of the elements especially of fire, water and earth. This under the influence of Zoroastrianism or the Magi priests prevented them from cremating or burying their dead. They believed that they were polluting the elements by cremating or burying their dead. Fire worship was prevalent. Due to the sacredness of fire people who cremated the dead were punished severely. The ancient Persians like the Vedic people also believed that Agni (fire) was the messenger between men and gods. In the Vedic religion Agni is called as Nara-Sansa whereas in the Avestic tradition Agni is called as Nairyo-Sangha. We also see a division of society similar to the Vedic society; the Athravans were the priests, the Rathesta were the warriors and the Vasteyo were the merchants and farmers. The fire-priests were known as “Atharvans” in Vedic India. The Atharva Veda was also practiced by two groups of sages known as the Atharvanas and the Angirasa during ancient times. The origin of the Persian civilization could probably be traced to the lineage of the Atharvan sages.