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Zoroastrian sky burial

Zoroastrian sky burial is a funerary practice where the deceased are placed atop a tower called a dakhma, exposed to the elements. This method is designed to respect natural elements—earth, fire, and water—by avoiding contamination of these elements with human remains. The bodies are left to be cleaned by scavenging birds, primarily vultures, which consume the flesh. This practice aligns with Zoroastrian beliefs emphasizing purity and the principle of returning the body to nature, facilitating the soul's journey and maintaining environmental harmony.