---
title: Anahita
description: On the ancient Persian goddess Anahita
author:
  name: Graciela Paula Caldeiro
  url: http://graciela-caldeiro.idoneos.com
canonical: https://mitologiairani.idoneos.com/en/anahita/
source: en/anahita/index.md
---

<h2 id="anahita">Anahita</h2>

<a class="wiki" href="/en/anahita/">Anahita</a> is one of the most important goddesses venerated in Iran from the 4th century BCE to the 4th century of the Common Era.

Anahita appears in the canonical Avesta under the compound name **Aredvi Sura Anahita** (moist, mighty, and immaculate), and the hymn of the waters is dedicated to her; her name is invoked alongside those of [Ahura Mazda](/en/296322/) and [Mithra](/en/296320/).

Anahita was associated with the practice of Sacred Prostitution, and her cult spread widely throughout Persia, as well as in Armenia and Asia Minor. She was venerated under the early Sasanians and survived even into the era of [Zoroastrianism](https://religionesarcaicas.idoneos.com/368343). Following the Arab conquest of Persia, Anahita acquired the status of "genius of the waters."