The Times of India insults the Zoroastrian religion by comparing Dokhmas with LGBT movement

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Roj Bahman Mah Amardad, 1383 Yz.

The last few days have witnessed a flurry of media coverage over the Supreme Court’s decision to re-instate Section 377 of the Constitution, which effectively criminalizes any deviant sexual behaviour, including homosexuality. While the entire media coverage has been biased and lopsided in favour of the LGBT movement, the Times of India has, for some unknown reason, gone totally overboard in its coverage. A visitor from another galaxy, far, far away, would perhaps wonder at ...

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The migration of Parsis to India – 3: Dastur Dinyar

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Roj Behram Mah Tir, 1383 Yz.

As the sagacious Dastur began his prayers, once again his mind relaxed and his inner senses opened up. Dastur Dinyar began to converse with Nature, relaying the question of the King and working the intricate tables to summon up the right answer. As he was lost in his meditation, a voice suddenly broke the silence. ‘Some alms for the holy one please!’ It was another Dervish, this time! Dastur Dinyar was slightly irritated. How did ...

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The migration of Parsis to India – part 2 – Prelude

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Roj Rashne Mah Tir, 1383 Yz.

‘I wish to meditate for some time, mother, could you please ensure that no one crosses our threshold and comes inside to disturb me?’ The old lady looked upon her son with some concern. His handsome face, fair and shining, seemed different. The high forehead, always clear, seemed filled with furrows today. Those eyes – luminescent orbs of great learning and understanding, bore a trace of sadness, portending some impending tragedy. The imperial nose seemed ...

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The migration of Parsis to India – part 1

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Roj Adar Mah Tir, 1383 Yz. , Fasli Adar Parab.

Today, November 24th 2013, is an auspicious day as it is Fasli Adar Mah and Adar Roj. On this day, nearly 1300 years ago, Dastur Nairyosangh Dhaval and his group of advanced Ashavan souls established the sacred Iranshah Atash Behram and the Pav Mahel of Hindustan in Sanjan. A few days ago, on Roj Bahman Mah Tir, we also observed the date of the landing of the Parsis in Sanjan.

When did ...

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The Wondrous Circle of Life 13: Role of the priests

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Roj Dae-pa-Meher Mah Khordad, 1383 Yz.

As the time comes for the Fareshta to depart from this earth and go off to Chinvat with the Fravashi, it addresses the priest: ‘O Righteous priest! You have created me through your prayers and these specific implements! I am what you have made me! My job is to take the benefits of this ceremony and offer them to the Ruvan of Behdin Jamshed Behdin Rustam, who toils, far far away! How will I reach ...

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Relevance of Zoroastrian religion in day to day life

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Roj Spendarmad Mah Khordad 1383 Yz.

The Borivali and Suburban Zoroastrian Association organized a lecture cum dinner program on Saturday, 19th October at the Rustomji International School at Borivali. The topic of the talk was ‘The Relevance of the Zoroastrian religion in day to day life.’ About 70 residents of the area attended.

A brief synopsis of the talk is given below. Readers of Frashogard who wish to listen to the entire 96 minute talk can download the MP3 file at the ...

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The Wondrous Circle of Life 12: Zoroastrian rituals explained

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Roj Mahrespand Mah Ardibehesht, 1383 Yz.

There are several key requirements for a successful ceremony. One of those is creating the Taigi – or correct spiritual atmosphere which is conducive for the ceremony to be effective. The Taigi or special atmosphere is created by the presence of the following items:

  1. A properly qualified priest or an educated laity (depends on the ceremony)
  2. The recitation of correct, specific Avesta Manthras
  3. The presence of a Dadgah Fire fed with specific wood, along with Divo of a ...
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The Wondrous Circle of Life 11: Zoroastrian rituals explained

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Roj Din Mah Ardibehesht, 1383 Yz.

Note: Readers are advised to go through part 10 of this series once again and then continue with this post.

But soon my friend’s mind had become active again. ‘Just one more thing, Marzban’ he asked: ‘how does the Ruvan, which is at some place in the Chinvat region, get the benefit of the ceremony, which is being performed here on earth? Also, what if there are mistakes? For ...

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The Wondrous Circle of Life 10: Zoroastrian rituals explained

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Roj Rashne Mah Fravardin, 1383 Yz.

NOTE: This is a long, difficult but very important post. Readers are advised to go through carefully and repeatedly to understand its import. 

‘You see, Dinshaw, to properly recognize the rationale of Zoroastrian rituals, we have to understand why we are here, on earth.’

‘Arre, why are we here? Khaavo , piyo, mazaa karo! What else, we are Parsis after all!’ replied my friend. ‘Hmm, that’s one way of looking at it Dinshaw,’ I interjected, but above that ...

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The Wondrous Circle of Life 9: The meaning of Zoroastrian rituals

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Roj Meher Mah Fravardin, 1383 Yz.

We continue our series on the Wondrous Circle of Life. Readers are advised to read the last part 8 to refresh their memories before reading this post.

Readers of Frashogard, who can help the Ruvan in the state of Seshab? Who can lessen its pain and suffering? Who can lead the Ruvan out of its personal hell and deliver it into the state of Anushehi? It is the ...

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