Can science, which seeks evidence, and religion, which needs faith, find compatibility? Should we treat science and religion as mutually exclusive or complimentary to each other, more so because science deals with the head (mind) while religion deals with the heart (emotion?) In life, as we all know, striking the balance of head and heart […]
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 […]
From a spiritual perspective, the 24-hour day is tied to the cyclical nature of energy and consciousness. In Zoroastrianism, each day is divided into five Gah or Geh, each spanning over a period of four to five hours. The first two – Ushahin Geh and Havan Geh are longer since most rituals and religious ceremonies are […]
Dear Readers, ‘Cyrus the Great Day’ will be celebrated on 29th October, 2025. Let us pause to honour this visionary leader, who built one of the world’s most remarkable empires and whose leadership reflected the noblest ideals of our faith. Cyrus the Great was guided by the essence of Asha – truth, righteousness and justice […]
A Parsi Times reader recently shared a picture of some currency notes with Zarathushtra’s image, purported to be the currency of Kurdistan. He inquired whether this was real and if all Kurds were officially Zoroastrian. Our response was Kurdistan isn’t a country or a sovereign state, but a geographic region in Iraq and the currency of Iraq is the […]
In this third instalment of our four-part series on Asho Sarosh Yazad, the ever-vigilant Guardian of Ahura Mazda’s cosmic order, we delve into his profound resonance within Zarathustra’s Gathas. We reflect on his exalted role as the receiver and propagator of divine vibrations, as well as his ever-present guidance that nurtures every soul – from […]
Internationally acclaimed Zoroastrian icon and President of the World Zoroastrian Organisation, Zerbanoo Gifford, was recently honoured with a special audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. She was accompanied by her husband, Richard Gifford, who has devoted over three decades to championing the legal rights of the displaced Chagossian community. The Chagossians, a people […]
– By Meher J. Dastoor Parsi Times brings you a special 4-part series on Asho Sarosh Yazad, the Majestic Protector and Guide of All Creation. Counted among the foremost and mightiest of the Yazatas, Asho Sarosh Yazad stands as the eternal guardian of human souls, the upholder of divine law and the custodian of Dadar […]
A Parsi Times reader asked why we have swords, spears and maces adorning the walls of the sanctum sanctorum of an Atash Bahram. He wondered whether this tradition of keeping weapons evolved after the Arab invasion of Iran when fire temples were desecrated by the invading marauders? Were these weapons kept at places of worship […]
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 […]
A Parsi Times reader recently requested me to write about Dastur Azar Kaiwan, the enigmatic sixteenth century mystic saint who made Patna in India his spiritual base during the sixteenth century when the Mughals were in power. The reader asked me three pointed and fundamental questions: Was Azar Kaiwan a Zoroastrian? Was he a Dastur? […]