Adarbad, the son of Mahrespand, was the Mobedan Mobed (Supreme Pontiff) and Prime Minister during the 70-year-long reign (309-379 A.D.) of Shapur Hormazd or Shapur II. According to the Pahlavi Dinkard, from his father’s side Adarbad Mahrespand belonged to the family of Zarathushtra and from his mother’s side, to the family of Shah Vishtasp of the pre-historic Kayan dynasty.

Geopolitics During The Reign Of Shahpur II

The geopolitics during the reign of King Shapur II were dominated by a resurgent Sasanian Empire that successfully expanded its territory on all fronts, primarily through prolonged conflicts with the Roman Empire to the west, campaigns against Arab tribes in the south, and consolidation of influence in the east against nomadic incursions. King Shahpur II established Persian colonies along the Persian Gulf coast and ordered the construction of a defensive line known as the ‘Wall of the Arabs’ to protect Sasanian lands from further incursions.

Shapur was also called Zul Aqtaf or one who ‘broke shoulders.’ According to Arab folk lore, Shapur II earned this title after his military campaigns against Arab tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. He allegedly punished his Arab captives by having their shoulders broken after a dream in which he saw that the Arabs would one day put an end to the Sasanian dynasty. However, among Iranians, this epitaph meant ‘man with the broad shoulders,’ symbolizing strength, power, and the capability of bearing the weight of kingship.

Alleged Persecution Of Christians

Some Western historians have claimed that during the reign of Shahpur II, Christians in Sassanian Iran were persecuted, and that Adarbad Mahrespand failed to intervene. A closer and more balanced reading of history, however, presents a different picture. In fact, it was the largely tolerant Zoroastrian monarchy that initially offered refuge to early Christian missionaries within Iranian territories. Tensions arose only when Christianity began spreading aggressively among Zoroastrians, particularly in Armenia, altering the religious and political balance of the region.

The situation escalated in 337 CE, when the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great declared himself protector of all Christians, including those living under Sassanian rule. Shahpur II viewed this declaration as direct foreign interference, transforming a religious issue into a geopolitical one.

As Professor Pour-e-Davoud notes in the ‘Journal of the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute’ (No. 28, p.129), while the persecution of Christians occupies considerable space in historical narratives, it was driven primarily by political considerations rather than religious fanaticism. He explains that in 294 CE, Gregory the Illuminator travelled to Armenia and promoted Christianity, leading to the conversion of King Tiridates and, gradually, much of the region. This Christianisation of Armenia intensified rivalry between Iran and the Byzantines, who encouraged Armenian Christians to provoke unrest within Iran, including attacks on Zoroastrian clergy and fire temples.

The German Iranist Justi remarked that the Iranians must have been “angels” not to seek revenge for such destruction and disrespect. Notably, Nestorian Christians, who had no Byzantine affiliations, were treated with respect and enjoyed cordial relations with Iranian authorities.

An impartial assessment of historical evidence clearly indicates that actions taken against certain Christian groups were politically motivated, not rooted in religious intolerance or Zoroastrian fanaticism.

Adarbad Mahrespand Performs A Rare Miracle

During the reign of Shapur II, Christianity spread across the known world with intense missionary zeal. Its influence reached beyond the common people to court circles, raising concerns that even nobles and royal family members might abandon the ancient Zoroastrian faith. Central to Christianity’s rapid expansion was the proclamation of miracles. Healings, exorcisms and resurrections, associated with Jesus Christ and the Apostles, were seen as divine proof, making the new faith compelling to many.

It was at this critical stage in Iranian history that Adarbad Bin Mahrespand, the Magupataan Magupat (the highest among the Magav or Magi) performed a miracle to prove the spiritual power of the Zoroastrian religion and his own spiritual prowess as Raenidar of the then new age. Raenidar is a Pahlavi term which is variously interpreted as ‘divine leader,’ ‘promoter of the religion,’ or ‘saviour.’ In Zoroastrian mystical circles it is believed that the Raenidari of Adarbad Mahrespand will soon end and the Raenidar for the new age of Aquarius – Shah Bahram Varzavand will lead Zoroastrians to a glorious future.

Miracle To Prove Supremacy Of The Faith

According to the Pahlavi Dinkard, Adarbad Mahrespand went through an ordeal where several men poured molten metal over his chest. As a result of his piety and spiritual prowess, he was able to pass this ordeal without any harm. It is believed the molten metal felt like warm milk being pour over the body of this pious priest. The Dinkard states that the miracle occurred because Adarbad Mahrespand was Asho, a person of truth, righteousness and purity, living in harmony with the Divine Order. He later engaged in court and public debates with leaders of other faiths, intellectually affirming the strength of Zoroastrian belief.

At the heart of Zoroastrian theology lie wisdom, free will, ethics and personal responsibility. Goodness flows from Vohu Manah, the Good Mind, guiding individuals toward Asha over Druj. Yet in times of uncertainty, miracles offer psychological comfort and hope. Through his actions, Adarbad Mahrespand restored confidence and meaning, reinforcing faith in the ancient Zoroastrian tradition.

By dint of his piety, rectitude, wisdom and learning, Adarbad Mahrespand rejuvenated the religion and established faith among the believers of Ahura Mazda. Often some people require extraordinary proof (miracles) in order to believe, and since that was the condition for their belief, Adarbad Mahrespan gave them the extraordinary proof they wanted.

Consolidating Fragments Of The Avesta

Having restored the faith among his people in the religion of Asho Zarathushta, his next task was to consolidate the scattered fragments of the Avesta. In many ways, Adarbad Mahrespand may be regarded as the final editor of the Khordeh Avesta. Greek writer Hermippus recorded that Zarathushtra composed two million hymns, many lost after Alexander invaded Iran. Later, Valakhsh and Ardashir Babagan initiated efforts to restore the Avesta, with Herbad Tansar compiling its fragments. Adarbad Mahrespand composed several prayers still recited today, including the Patet, Afrin and Pazand Setayesh.

Worldly Wisdom

Adarbad Mahrespand was also a store-house of worldly wisdom and some of his sayings are of timeless relevance. Here is a small sample of learning from the text known as the Pand Naameh: “Never speak without due reflection; Be polite in speech; Do not tell a lie; True and eternal wealth is wisdom – money or health can be lost but not wisdom; Faith is an adornment in prosperity, a protector in distress, a helper in calamity and garment in adversity; A person who knows a lot but believes not in its practice is a wasted human being; Do not be overjoyed in good times nor too distressed in bad times; Arise from sleep before dawn; Exercise moderation in eating, drinking and speech; and Spend only according to your means.”

May the pious spirit of Raenidar Adarbad Mahrespand guide us and assist us all to become better Zoroastrians – in our thoughts, words and deeds!