Daštān (Bīnamāzi), the Related Rules in Sasanian and Post-Sasanian Texts

Abstract

Daštān is a Persian word meaning the menstrual cycle that happens to every girl after puberty. In Zoroastrianism, the menstrual cycle is tied to mythology so that they believed it occurred after the Ahriman’s kiss on the forehead of Jahī (Demoness of lasciviousness). The consequence of this belief about menstruation (Daštān) resulted in strict rules to prevent pollution and impurities of sacred elements. Most rules were written in post-Sasanian texts. The obligations of a woman in time of Daštān were stated in those texts. This research describes and analyzes the issue of Daštān in texts based on literary evidence. It examines whether the strict laws surrounding Daštān originated from religious laws or were rooted in myth, and what attitude towards women they created. Studies show that Daštān was considered filthy. Since the menstrual cycle is a periodical condition, a set of rules were conducted for women to obey in order to prevent the spread of pollution. In spite of negative ideas in some texts including Bundahišn and Zādspram about this issue, there were no negative approaches towards women. © 2026 The Author(s).