Dr Archana Verma
In previous posts, we discussed the Goddess Anahita in ancient Persia and the Goddess in ancient India. Both rode a lion and have been of immense importance to these ancient cultures.
Along with Ahura Mazda and Anahita, the solar deity Mithra was of immense importance in ancient Persia. Anahita was involved with fertility and creativity and hence, was associated with water. On the other hand, Mithra was associated with Sun and was regarded as the giver of energy. Thus, both Anahita and Mithra were essential for creation and sustainance of life forms. Mithra was also regarded as a giver of justice and of governance.
In Artaxerxes II’s (Reigned 404 – 358 BCE) trilingual (Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian) inscription at Susa and Hamadan, which have the same text, the emperor appeals to “Ahura Mazda, Anahita and Mithra protect me against all evil,” and beseeches them to protect what he has built.
Scholars are of the opinion that in time, Mithra was identified with the Babylonian solar deity and with the Greco-Roman Sun God Apollo.
There is a high relief carving from Taq-e Bostan showing the investiture of King Ardeshir II, flanked by Auhra Mazda and Mithra. Mithra here has the solar halo around his head and he is holding a staff lifted to bless Ardeshir II’s investiture.
Global Perspectives... 
