Harā

Iranian mythology

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June 29, 2026

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The term "Harā" in Iranian mythology refers to a cosmic mountain located at the center of the earth. This mountain is a key element in the Iranian conception of the cosmos, which is structured in three tiers: earth, atmosphere, and the vault of heaven. Beyond the heavens lies the realm of Endless Lights, while below the earth is a domain of darkness and chaos. The earth itself is depicted as resting on a cosmic sea, Varu-Karta. From the central mountain, Harā, flows the river Ardvī. The earth is divided into continents, with Khvaniratha being the central one, identified as the land of Aryāna Vaijah, or the Aryan land.1

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ancient Iranian religion
Cosmography
…earth was the cosmic mountain Harā, down which flowed the river Ardvī. The earth was divided into six continents surrounding the central continent, Khvaniratha, the locus of Aryāna Vaijah, the Aryan land (i.e., Iran).
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…earth was the cosmic mountain Harā, down which flowed the river Ardvī. The earth was divided into six continents surrounding the central continent, Khvaniratha, the locus of Aryāna Vaijah, the Aryan land (i.e., Iran).
Read More