What is Time? Is it real? Did it begin with the universe? If Time itself had a beginning, can we meaningfully ask what came before it? Who created Ahura Mazda? Is Ahura Mazda Khu-da or self-created? Who created evil? Why does an all-powerful Ahura Mazda allow the persistence of evil? These are questions that have […]
Zoroastrianism is fundamentally reflective and contemplative. It encourages conscious reflection that leads to ethical actions. The Gatha of Asho Zarathushtra lays great emphasis on thinking, questioning, discerning and choosing. While having faith is important, Zarathushtra encourages us to use our mind intelligently rather than surrendering judgment to blind faith. Our approach to every situation in […]
In Zoroastrianism, wrath is viewed as a destructive, chaotic reaction that stems from Angra Mainyu, which is our own dark or negative mentality. In later Pahlavi texts, wrath is viewed as a demonic force that stems from Ahriman the evil and destructive spirit. In fact, the presiding spirit or demon of wrath is called Aeshmain […]
Today, 15th August 2026 is a double celebration. It happens to be Parsi New Year as also India’s Independence Day. While India will celebrate completing seventy-nine years of independence from foreign rule, we will celebrate our New Year with a renewed commitment to enrich the nation. The story of India’s freedom is often narrated through […]
New Year is more than just the beginning of another calendar cycle. It’s an opportunity for inner renewal and a fresh commitment to the values that strengthen our families, friendships, communities, and the world at large. As we welcome the New Year, let us renew our resolve to promote harmony over needless divisions, care over […]
According to the Zoroastrian (Shehenshahi) calendar, our holy Fravardegan or Muktad days will begin next week from Thursday, 6th July, 2026. It is believed that during this period, the fravashi of the righteous dead, come to visit us from the spiritual world and bless all those who remember and pray for them. Theologically Fravahar or Fravashi is the Divine essence, […]
At a recent meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI), there was a proposal to include ‘Irani’ in the name of this body which is registered as a Society. Apart from the fact that any change in the name of this body would be a long procedure with the office of […]
A Parsi Times reader wrote in asking what is Ilm-e-Khshnoom and its place in the Zoroastrian religion and Parsi tradition? The term Ilm means knowledge and Khshnoom means ‘Divine Bliss’ or ‘spiritual ecstasy.’ It is an esoteric movement initiated in India by Behramshah Naoroji Shroff, around the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Behramshah claimed […]
Today, 11th July, 2026, is Roj Hormazd of Mah Aspandarmad or Spendarmad, according to the Zoroastrian Shehenshahi calendar. Aspandarmad is the twelfth and last month of the Zoroastrian calendar, dedicated to Spenta Armaiti – the feminine Divinity that presides over Mother Earth. ‘Spenta’ has been variously translated as increasing, growing, good, holy and benevolent; while […]
Since centuries, Zoroastrians have worn the sacred cord (kusti) as an article of faith. However, handwoven, ritually blessed threads or cords have been worn across various cultures and religious traditions to ward off negative energy, promote well-being and make the wearer feel spiritually connected or protected. Sacred threads have been part of not just the […]
The idiom ‘the devil is in the details’ means that while a certain idea or theory may seem simple and attractive at first glance, the hidden snags, drawbacks, and complications usually lie within the smaller, intricate particulars. It’s the same when it comes to understanding the idea of the Devil or the Evil Spirit or […]