If you’ve ever heard of the Tower of Silence, you might have wondered what it is and why it’s so special. The Tower of Silence is an ancient Zoroastrian funerary structure located in India. It’s a unique and fascinating structure that has been used for centuries by the Zoroastrian community. In this article, we’ll take a look at 6 things you should know about the Tower of Silence.
First, what is a Tower of Silence? A Tower of Silence is a structure that was used in the past by the Zoroastrian community to dispose of their dead. It is believed that the dead should not be buried or cremated, as this is seen as an insult to the body, and so the Tower of Silence was created. The Tower of Silence is made up of a circular structure with three concentric rings inside. The outer ring is for males, the middle ring is for females, and the inner ring is for children. The dead are placed in the tower and their bodies are exposed to the sun and birds of prey, which consume the flesh, leaving only the bones behind.
Second, why is the Tower of Silence so important to the Zoroastrian community? The Tower of Silence is a symbol of respect for the dead, as it ensures that the body is not subjected to any kind of physical or spiritual harm. It also serves as a reminder of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. By disposing of the bodies in this manner, the Zoroastrian community is able to ensure that their dead are treated with the utmost respect.
Third, where are Towers of Silence located? Towers of Silence are found mainly in India, where the majority of the Zoroastrian community resides. There are also some Towers of Silence located in Iran, as well as other parts of the world.
Fourth, when were Towers of Silence first built? Towers of Silence have been in use since ancient times. The first known Tower of Silence was built in the 5th century BC in what is now Iran.
Fifth, what is the purpose of the structure? The Tower of Silence is used to dispose of the bodies of the dead in a respectful manner. The bodies are exposed to the elements and animals, allowing for their flesh to be consumed, leaving only the bones behind. The bones are then collected and buried in a communal area.
Finally, what is the current status of Towers of Silence? In recent years, the use of Towers of Silence has declined. Many Zoroastrians have adopted the practice of cremation, as this is seen as a more modern way of disposing of the dead. Although the use of Towers of Silence is not as widespread as it once was, it is still practiced in some areas of India.
The Tower of Silence is a fascinating and unique structure that has been used by the Zoroastrian community for centuries. It is a symbol of respect for the dead and serves as a reminder of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Although the use of Towers of Silence is not as widespread as it once was, it is still used in some areas of India. Knowing these 6 things about the Tower of Silence can help you to understand more about this fascinating structure and why it is so important to the Zoroastrian community.
