PT: Did Zoroastrians in Iran celebrate New Year on March 21st, before the exodus to India and other countries? Er. Karanjia: Never ever in history did Zoroastrians in Iran celebrate their religious New Year (Navroz) on 21st March. They celebrated it around the time of the Vernal Equinox. The day continued to fluctuate backwards by […]
Khosrow I, (Chosroes I or Kaswra), better known as Anushirvan, “the Immortal Soul” or Anushirvan-e-dadgar, Anushirvan the Just, or Naushirvan the just, the twenty-second Shahenshah of the Sasanian empire was born in AD 501 (Some historians say he was born in AD 498). He was known as one of the greatest emperors of Persia for […]
Our community has different religious titles which are applied before the names of individuals, like ‘Behdin’ for the non-priestly sect and ‘Osta’, ‘Osti’, ‘Ervad’, etc. for priests. These religious titles are based on the religious status of people and are prefixed before their names, when mentioned in prayers and rituals, like the Jashan, Afringan and […]
‘Ahunavaiti’: This is probably the oldest poetic literature in the world today, with the words of the poet himself intact. From Ahunavaiti Gatha we learn that Asho Zarathushtra was chosen as the Lord and Leader to bring relief to the tumultuous world which had fallen prey to chaos. It was a time of strife, violence […]
I need Thee, only Thee, I cannot do without Thee, Ahura Mazda. Be Thou ever near me and with me. Grant that I may live in Thee and Thou in me. I have everything when I have Thee. Everything is mine when Thou are mine, With Thee by my side. I am rich in the […]
Sunday, 7th August, 2016 marks the first day of the holy Muktad or Fravardegan days. The last 10 days of the Shehanshai Zoroastrian calendar (i.e., Roj Astad to Aneran and the five days of the Gatha) are very significant to all practicing Zoroastrians as these are considered to be very holy. Doctrinally it is believed […]
Work Thy sovreign will and rule over all as Thou willest, Ahura Mazda, Rule at Thy will in sublime felicity over the waters and over the planes and over the entire creation of righteousness. I will make Thy will the pole star of my life and will think and speak and do as is Thy […]
PT: What does ‘Behram’ mean? Er. P. Karanjia: ‘Behram’ means permanent illumination, which He creates in this universe by dispelling all our difficulties, whether they are related to health, disputes, financial problems, litigation, domestic unrest, employment, debt and any spiritual adversities faced by a Zoroastrian devotee. For this reason we refer to Him as ‘Mushkel […]
The current month, Aspandarmad/Spendarmad is the twelfth and last month of the Zoroastrian calendar. This holy month is dedicated to Spenta Armaity – the Divinity that presides over Mother Earth. The term Spenta has been variously translated as increasing, growing, good, holy and benevolent; while the term Armaity has been variously translated to mean devotion, […]
PT: Why is Sarosh Yazad entrusted with the responsibility of protecting us, especially at night? Er. Karanjia: Sarosh Yazad is the most powerful Yazad against evil, especially at night (Paschahu frashmodaitim from Sarosh Yasht – Vadi). His protection can be asked for and wished for at night by either praying the short Nirang of the […]
Thou art the beginning and Thou art the end of all, Ahura Mazda. Thouhadst no beginning and Thou shalt know no end. Long, long ages ago, ere creation came into being through Thy creative will, Thou didst live in sublime solitude. When Yazatas were not and Amesha Spentas were not, and the Fravashis existed as […]