A Parsi Times reader recently asked whether the Vendidad is a philosophical poem like the Gatha or prose enshrining an ancient ‘Zoroastrian Penal Code?’ He also wanted to know if it was simply a textual commentary or a sacred religious ritual? Finally, he was curious about why it is performed after midnight and considered as […]
Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings and relevance in today’s world. Whether drawn from the Gathas, sacred traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life, continuing to inspire […]
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8th March, offers an annual opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, the […]
Er. Adil J. Govadia Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta (HHH), the three Avestan words, encapsulate the ethical code of Zoroastrianism – these are considered a moral extension of a Mobed’s (priest) threefold professional deportment, required to perform his hallowed duty of worship efficiently with right intentions (thoughts), right pronunciations (words) and precise conduct of rituals (deeds) (Ref. ‘Zoroastrians, Their Religious […]
For Parsi Zoroastrians across India and even globally, the quiet and quaint village of Udwada is what Mecca is to the Muslims or the Vatican to the Christians. But, was Udwada always this quiet? Was the Holy Atash Bahram Fire, that was first consecrated at Sanjan and today housed in a grand heritage building at […]
Recently a Parsi Times reader, whose mother has been ailing, called to inquire about ‘Afshun-e-Shah Faridoon’. He also wanted to know the prayers which he and his mother could recite, to bring about healing. The Persian term, ‘Afshun’ or ‘Afsoon’, means a charm or a spell, which we more commonly refer to as Nirang, and […]
The community ushered the holy month of Bahman on 12th June, 2023 with much enthusiasm. It’s the time of the year to enjoy Khichdi (rice cooked with ghee and lentils) along with Bafenu (ripe mango pickle), Khichdi paired with gor amli nu doru (sweet and tangy sauce made with tamarind and jaggery), makeover from butter […]
We often talk about our Holy Avesta Scriptures. However, what exactly are these scriptures? How many are extant and how many have been lost over the vicissitudes of time? Twenty-one volumes of Avesta: It is believed that there were originally twenty-one Nasks or volumes of the Avesta from the time of Asho Zarathushtra, which […]
Prayers and rituals are born of man’s adoration for that unseen power underlying the mystery of life. Each religion prescribes its own set of practices as a means of adoration or worship or to encourage humility and surrender, resulting in spiritual purification necessary for inner growth. Prayers and rituals distinguish a religion from a mere […]
The popular and much needed prayer book, ‘MAZDA – YASNA’, the little prayer book which comprises some of the fundamental, daily prayers in Roman script with English translation, has been re-published by Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, in loving memory of his dear wife, Late Villoo Cyrus Poonawalla, for FREE distribution within the Zoroastrian community. This will be of tremendous importance to those in our Community who […]
Many people regard ‘Ritual’ and ‘Reason’ as being anti-thetical. In reality, both are complementary factors in the process of spiritual growth. Prayers and rituals are born of man’s adoration for that unseen power underlying the mystery of life. Each religion prescribes its own set of practices as a means of adoration or worship or to […]