The history of Armenia is richly adorned with stories of gods and goddesses, revered and venerated by the people. Strabo, the celebrated Greek traveller of the first century A.D., noted the profound respect both the Medes and Armenians had for everything sacred to the Persians. However, the Armenians also had their unique reverence for Anahit.
The Reorganization of the National Pantheon
The official reorganization of the national pantheon likely took place around the beginning of the Christian era. Historical records, such as those from Agaphangelus, recount how King Khosrov, following his successful raids, ordered the seven great altars of Armenia to be honored with offerings and ritual pomp. These shrines were dedicated to the main temples of seven gods: Aramazd, Anahit, Tir, Mihr, Baal-Shamin (Barshamin), Nane, and Astghik.
These deities were possibly patrons of the seven planets. Aramazd, the chief deity, ruled Jupiter; Tir was associated with Mercury; Baal-Shamin (Mihr) with the Sun; Astghik with Venus, now known as Arusyak; and the Moon was linked to Anahit or Nane. An eighth deity, Vahagn, also emerged, originally a rival of Baal-Shamin and Mihr.
The Cult of Nature
The cult of Vahagn was widely known, and alongside the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, Armenia embraced the cult of nature. This was expressed in the worship of mountains, rivers, springs, trees, and other natural elements. Aramazd was the most powerful of the deities, while Anahit was the most popular. Together with Vahagn, they formed a triad, relegating the other gods to secondary status.
Temples and Offerings
Armenian temples, referred to as Mehyan (possibly derived from Mithra – Mihr) and Tajar (also meaning “dining room”), held countless treasures and welcomed all who entered. The plural of the word Bagin, meaning “altar,” also signified “temple.”
Agathangelus describes the lavish donations King Khosrov made after his victorious campaigns: white bulls, rams, horses, gold and silver ornaments, gold-embroidered silk covers, crowns, sacrificial bowls, and various luxurious items. In Bayazid (ancient Bagravand), an ancient Armenian altar was found, adorned with reliefs depicting strange animals and men in long tunics, their hands raised in prayer.
Sacrifice and Priesthood
The word for sacrifice, likely “spand,” meant sacred, and the place of sacrifice was called Spandaran. The priestly family responsible for the rites, known as Spandunis, held a high position among the nobility. Even today, “Spandanotz” means slaughterhouse, and “Spananel” means to kill.
Besides the Spandunitsi family, there was also the Vahunits family, who served as priests in the temples of Vahagn. The priesthood was highly esteemed, with Armenian kings often dedicating their sons to serve as priests in famous temples. The burial place of significant priests was known as Bagavan (city of gods), a testament to the pride the country took in its priestly families.
In conclusion, the ancient Armenian pantheon and temples reflect a complex and richly woven tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and reverence for both gods and nature. The historical records, though sparse, provide a glimpse into the profound spiritual life of ancient Armenia and its enduring cultural heritage.
Artatsolum
Based on Excerpt from Martiros A. Ananikyan’s book: Myths of Armenia
