Gâhs - Classic Text | Alexandria
The ancient priestly class of Zoroastrian tradition, known as Gâhs (also spelled Gāhs or Gahs), served as both spiritual guides and temporal authorities within the Persian religious hierarchy. These ecclesiastical figures played a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting the sacred teachings of Zarathustra (Zoroaster) through millennia of cultural and political transformations.
First mentioned in the Avesta, particularly within the Vendidad and Vispered texts dating to approximately 600-300 BCE, the Gâhs were distinguished by their mastery of ritual precision and deep knowledge of the divine hours of prayer. The term "Gâh" itself refers to the five divisions of the day during which specific prayers and ceremonies were performed, reflecting the priests' fundamental role in maintaining cosmic order through ritualistic timing.
Archaeological and textual evidence from the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE) reveals that these priests held considerable influence in both religious and state affairs, serving as advisors to Persian kings and maintaining the sacred fires in temples. Their expertise extended beyond purely religious matters to include astronomy, medicine, and judicial interpretation, making them indispensable figures in ancient Persian society. The discovery of the Persepolis Administrative Archives has shed new light on their administrative roles and social status.
The Gâhs' influence persisted through various political upheavals, including the Islamic conquest of Persia, though their numbers gradually diminished. Modern Zoroastrian communities, particularly in India (where they are known as Parsis) and Iran, continue to recognize the authority of these priests, albeit in a modified capacity. Contemporary scholars debate the extent of their historical political power and the evolution of their ritualistic practices, particularly during the Sassanid period (224-651 CE).
The legacy of the Gâhs represents a fascinating intersection of religious authority, political influence, and cultural preservation. Their story raises intriguing questions about the role of specialized priestly classes in maintaining religious traditions through periods of profound social change, and their example continues to inform discussions about the relationship between spiritual and temporal authority in religious communities worldwide.