Parsi Religion (Zoroastrianism): Quest for the Deeper Meaning of Life
Throughout human history, there have been religions that have continued to radiate their light from the depths of time to the present. Parsi Religion, also known as Zoroastrianism, is one such ancient faith. Not only is it one of the oldest religions in the world, but it also laid the foundation for monotheism. This religion continues to guide humanity on the path of truth, righteousness, and light.
The Origin of Parsi Religion
Parsi Religion is believed to have originated around 1500 to 1200 BCE, in Ancient Persia (modern-day Iran).
The founder of this faith, the great prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), emerged at a time when society was mired in ignorance, superstition, and violence. He taught humanity about the ongoing battle between truth (Asha) and falsehood (Druj), and emphasized that people should always choose the path of good.
The Core Message of the Religion
Zarathustra delivered a simple yet profound message:
“Think good thoughts (Good Thoughts),
Speak good words (Good Words),
Do good deeds (Good Deeds).”
This triad forms the foundation of the Parsi way of life even today. He also taught that there are two primary forces in the universe –
Ahura Mazda – The deity of light, truth, and wisdom
Angra Mainyu – The embodiment of darkness, falsehood, and ignorance
It is the duty of every human to walk the path of Ahura Mazda and to fight against Angra Mainyu.
Sacred Texts and Rituals
The sacred scripture of Parsi religion is the “Avesta”. It contains hymns, prayers, rituals, and the teachings of Zarathustra.
Parsis hold fire as sacred, seeing it as a symbol of purity and knowledge. Hence, they worship in fire temples, where a sacred fire is kept burning continuously.
The Arrival of Parsis in India
In the 7th century, when Persia faced Islamic invasions, the Parsi community began to face persecution. As a result, they fled to India, settling in the coastal region of Sanjan, Gujarat. Here, they lived peacefully alongside Hindu society. Over time, they became known as “Parsis”.
Major Festivals and Way of Life
Parsi religion has several important festivals, including:
Navroz (Nowruz): The Parsi New Year, marking the arrival of spring.
Khordad Sal: The birthday of Zarathustra.
Farvardigan: A time to honor and remember ancestors.
Parsis are known for their cleanliness, honesty, and dedication to social service. Their lifestyle, food habits, and marriage customs are highly disciplined and cultured.
Global Significance of Parsi Religion
While the Parsi community may be small in number today, their contributions are immense — in fields such as science, industry, social service, and education. Names like Tata, Godrej, and Petit are shining examples of the greatness of the Parsi community.
Spiritually, Parsi religion continues to teach us that:
“Fight against falsehood and darkness,
And walk the path of truth and knowledge.”
Parsi religion is an ancient yet highly relevant faith that teaches us to walk the path of truth, good thoughts, and good deeds. Its teachings are as fresh and applicable today as they were thousands of years ago.
The core principle of this religion is that true righteousness lies in the purity of thoughts, words, and actions — and this is the true strength of humanity
- Religion World Bureau
