The roots of Zoroastrianism are found in the Middle East region. Persecution of the people of this faith brought them to the Western coast of India, near present-day Gujarat, into which they culturally assimilated.
Zoroastrianism is the only outside religious community that still practices endogamy; it did not permit proselytization i.e., conversions into their faith. Fire temples are their place of worship and entry into their Fire temples is restricted to members of the community.
It is one of the world’s oldest and continuously practiced religions. It is centered on a dualistic cosmology of good and evil (Heaven and Hell).
Their sacred scripture is Avesta in which it is stated that the supreme creator is Ahura Mazda, from whom Asha (cosmic order) originates. Fire and clean water are agents of ritual purity. The Holy Flame was brought by priests from Persia to Navsari in Gujarat (c. 9th century CE).
While maintaining their strong sense of identity and culture, despite their diminishing numerical strength, Parsis has contributed in all walks of life.
