Cyber scholar-teacher

A smiling Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, principal of the Dadar Athornan Institute, greets viewers on his website, www.ramiyarkaranjia.in with "Welcome! With the contents on the website growing, it is now turning into a labyrinth in which it may be difficult to find material…I offer a simplified yet detailed site map (list of contents of the website) which would help get the desired information without much trouble.” And he proceeds to explain that the main links are color coded in red, the sub links in green and further links in brown, with sub topics in blue.

Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia: info on the web

There is indeed much on offer. One section deals with Zoroastrianism, with an introduction to Ahura Mazda, Zarathushtra, the philosophy of the creed along with rituals and ceremonies, prayers. There is a mini encyclopedia with details of divine beings like the Yazads and Ameshaspentas as well as the role of fire in Zoroastrianism. Contentious issues like inter-marriage and conversion are also discussed here.
Another link provides a glimpse of Iranian history, detailing the five dynasties associated with the religion, the Shahnameh and the journey from Iran to India. In the archives one can find Karanjia’s published papers and articles.
Stages of spirituality are discussed, along with the seven spiritual principles, while audio prayers are available in another section. Details of Iranian languages and translations of the scriptures that have survived are to be found on the website. Frequently asked questions are also addressed.
Courses for children include teaching the prayers with their meaning, explanation of the various rituals including the navjote, navar-maratab and marriage ceremonies, death rituals and boi ceremony. There are notes on the higher ecclesiastical rituals as well. By way of entertainment-cum-instruction there is a Children’s Corner which includes paintings, quiz, stories and other activities.
With so much on offer, not to mention a detailed bio data about the scholar-teacher priest, readers would find visiting the website an enriching experience.