Funerary Towers or Dakhmas.

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  • Author(s): Choksy, Jamsheed K.
  • Source:
    Calliope. Jan2005, Vol. 15 Issue 5, p26-26. 1p. 2 Color Photographs.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      DEAD bodies (Greek law); DOKHMAS; DEAD; POLLUTION; ZOROASTRIANS; RELIGIOUS groups
    • Abstract:
      The article comments on the practice of placing dead bodies in dakhmas, which appears to have been introduced in order to prevent corpses from polluting the holy earth, fire, and water. Zoroastrian doctrine holds that pollution occurs if a corpse is buried, cremated, or submerged. Consequently, the corpse would be washed, then placed on a platform exposed to the air or into a dakhma. While this practice was popular with many early followers, rulers such as the Achaemenian kings appear not to have observed the custom.