[otw_shortcode_info_box border_style=”bordered” css_class=”boxed”] In keeping with readers writing in questions seeking answers to their various religious and cultural queries, scholar in Zoroastrian religion and culture – Noshir Dadrawala, responds… [/otw_shortcode_info_box] Query from Parsi Times reader, Jal K. Patel: Having lost a dear one overseas, I was very disturbed. I therefore contacted a friend who…
In keeping with readers writing in questions seeking answers to their various religious and cultural queries, scholar in Zoroastrian religion and culture – Noshir Dadrawala, responds… Queries from Parsi Times reader Adil Kasad: Is it true that only the Atash Nyaish can be prayed in front of the kebla, and that other Nyaish cannot be prayed…
Recently I had an opportunity to interact with a few young Zoroastrians who had a number of questions regarding our mode of offering worship, especially at an Agyari or Atash Bahram. This led me to believe that many others may also have similar questions in their mind, which I would like to share with you…
A few days ago, I met a friend who argued that prayers and rituals are not in accord with the spirit of the Gatha or the message of Zarathushtra. His emphasis was only on wisdom, rational thinking and the simplistic notion of good thoughts, good words and good deeds. I concurred with him that the…
According to vastu, the Northern direction is considered good for it is the domain of Kuber – the Divinity of Wealth. North-east is considered even better. On the other hand, the Southern direction is considered the domain of Yama, the Divinity of Death and therefore not so good. However, in Zoroastrian tradition, it’s the opposite…
We are now in the holy month of Shehrevar (Avestan Khshathra vairya), which represents Ahura Mazda’s ‘desirable dominion’ and is the Amesha Spenta or Archangel presiding over metals and minerals. The Zoroastrian religion has influenced the three Semitic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) in many ways and in particular, the concept of the ‘Kingdom of…
As per the Shahanshahi calendar, we are now in the holy month of Amardad (Avesta Ameretat), variously translated as immortality, eternity and wholesomeness. Amardad is the Seventh Amesha Spenta – Divine Energy/Force of Ahura Mazda, which Zoroastrians refer to collectively as the ‘Bounteous Immortals’. In Zoroastrian tradition, each Amesha Spenta has guardianship over a Good…
The first seven days, according to our calendar, are named after the Seven Ameshaspands. Each of these also has some helpers or assistants who assist them in performing their righteous duty. The significance of the Ameshaspands is as given under: Dadar Hormuzd – the Wisdom and the Spirit of God (Spenta Mainyu): Every man requires the…
Jashan-e Abanegan or simply Abanegan is an ancient Iranian festival held to commemorate water as nature’s most precious treasure, and pay tribute to Anahita, the deity assigned to water, fertility and prosperity. In ancient Iran, water – the element of life, was considered very sacred and the people believed they should never pollute water –…
Zoroastrians seem to have adopted the Fravahar or Farohar (often pre-fixed with the term Asho which means pure) as a symbol of the Zoroastrian religion. However, is it really a Zoroastrian religious symbol? What does it represent? What is the origin of this symbol? These and several other questions require deeper introspection. Is it…
On 26th November, 2022, Roj Tir coincides with Mah Tir as per the Shahenshahi calendar, marking the Parab or festival of Tiragan, one of the three most widely celebrated seasonal festivals of ancient Iran, mentioned even in the Jewish Talmud. While Navruz (Mah Fravardin, Roj Hormuzd) celebrates renewed life and the warmth of spring after…