Parsi Times presents ‘Parsi Pulse’ – a vibrant, new column that brings you the thoughts and voices of community members across generations, sharing their individual perspectives on matters that affect, inspire and shape us. From the wisdom of our elders to the fresh outlook of our youth, Parsi Pulse offers an open platform that reflects the diverse experiences and opinions within our small yet spirited community. Each edition will feature a relevant question posed to community members across age groups, giving readers a chance to see how views differ or align. We invite you to be part of this dialogue! Write in to us at editor@parsi-times.com to be included as a voice in Parsi Pulse or you could share relevant topics you would like to explore in this engaging manner.

The holy flame has always been at the heart of our Zarthosti faith, serving as the sacred conduit between us and Ahura Mazda. For many, the comforting glow of a divo glowing continuously at home is an expression of devotion and spiritual presence. For others, offering sukhar to the consecrated fires of our Agiaries and Atash Behrams is a deeper pledge of faith and reverence. Both practices symbolize our eternal connection with Ahura Mazda, yet they are observed in different ways across the community. In this edition of Parsi Pulse, we invited community members across to share their reflections on a question close to our spiritual lives:

COMMUNITY QUESTION: Does lighting a divo and praying at home carry the same significance as praying before the consecrated fires of an Agiary or Atash Behram?

Community Members share their thoughts…

Er. Darayus Desai [Course Director, ZoroKids]: The divo at home is a beacon of faith in your own space – in fact, it’s mandatory to have a divo burning 24×7 at home. However, praying before it cannot be compared with praying at an Agiary / Atash Behram, whose fires are of an entirely different nature. When those fires are consecrated, they undergo rigorous religious ceremonies, which transforms their status from an ordinary fire to a divine one, with a direct link with Ahura Mazda. Each time we bow and pray before them, we receive khvarenah (divine blessings). So, we must visit our temples as often as possible.

Maheen Khambatta [Reproductive Geneticist]: A sacred symbol of Ahura Mazda, the fire represents purity, wisdom and Asha. A divo at home is unable to offer the same vibrations and positive energy felt in Agiarys and Atash Behrams – it’s not equivalent to that powerful energy, where priests recite prayers and ensure that the spiritual channel of connection between worshippers and the divine is sustained. Also, there’s a certain elevated sense of community and spiritual harmony felt when we pray in the Agiary.

Er. Farhad H. Vakil: In the realm of spiritual practice, the sacredness of a prayer often transcends the physical space in which it is performed. The practice of prayer at home allows for a personal and private connection with the Divine, complementing the communal worship at fire temples. Praying with devotion at home is no less that worshipping in a fire temple. Also, a divo maintains positive energy in the house and keeps away negative influences and powers. Fire temples are consecrated spaces charged with vibrations of countless prayers of priests and devotees, offering a focused, serene atmosphere beyond the reach of home distractions allowing deeper spiritual immersion. Ultimately, the flame of faith burns wherever devotion kindles it…

Monaz Marker [Homemaker]: Lighting a Divo and praying at home is very spiritually personal and invites positive energy into the house, helping us to connect with the Almighty, in our daily life. Many feel it may not be on par to praying in the Agiari or Atash Behram. But, whether one prays at home or at a fire temple, it’s their personal devotion and sincerity which holds utmost importance. Whether one lights a Divo at home or at the Agiary, we should refrain from negative thoughts and be totally sincere and devoted in doing so.

Yazad Dotivala [Crosswords & Puzzles Compiler]: As God is omnipresent, I don’t think there’s any difference between praying at home and praying at an Agiary/Atash Behram. However, modern life is noisy and full of distractions. The serene environment of an Agiary/Atash Behram can help one focus on one’s prayers and foster a more spiritual state of mind.

Simone Marker [10-year-old student, JB Petit High School]: I like lighting the divo at my home and my grandparents’ home. Lighting the divo and praying at home is a more intimate feeling and experience connecting with God for me. I also enjoy going to the fire temple with my family to pray and to light the divo with a piece of sukhar, as the serene atmosphere at the Atash Behram is so calming and peaceful. Prayer at home or at the Atash Behram keeps my connection to Zarathustra the same.

Khurshid J Suraliwalla [Social Worker]: I consider myself a deeply religious person. Prayers and lighting a divo in my home is part of my daily routine, connecting me with my Supreme maker. I also visit the Agiary or Atash behram regularly – the consecrated fires are very special. More than making a comparison, it’s important to focus and commune with Ahura Mazda with our hearts and souls daily. The Divo is our divine protection – we must inspire our next generation with conviction to continue this legacy of lighting a divo at home as also visiting the Agiary/Atash Behrams.

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