History and Mythology of Mithraism and its Evolution in the East and West

The Aryan God, great Mehr, symbolizing the light and sunshine, the real warriors helper, and god of covenant and promise was highly respected in Iran and India such that it was worshiped along other Indian gods.
After the advent of Zoroaster, Mithra, goddess of sun, had been assigned to the assistant of Ahura Mazda and survived along with Anahita, divinity of waters and god of fertility. In Islamic period, Mithraism has been transformed in to a new tradition and culture as it can be currently seen. Mithraism has penetrated into the West during Parthian and Sassanid eras so that it has been known as the official religion of Roman Empire for almost 5 centuries. Accordingly, it also greatly influenced the Christian culture and art.