About Zoroastrian House:
Zoroastrian House is the spiritual and cultural home of the Zoroastrian Association of Victoria, providing a place where Melbourne’s Zoroastrian community gathers for worship, celebration, education and fellowship. It hosts religious ceremonies, community events and festivals throughout the year, including Navroze (Persian New Year), Muktad remembrance services, Navjote initiation ceremonies and weddings.
Guided by the Zoroastrian ideals of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds, the centre plays an important role in preserving one of the world’s oldest living religions while passing its traditions, values and heritage to future generations.
The inner sanctum (Atashgah), the rectangular inner boundary space (Pavi) and the ritual instrument table (Alat-khwan)
Prayer Hall
Faravahar Symbol: Represents the soul’s journey and the importance of living a righteous life through good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
Lamassu: The ancient winged guardian figure associated with the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Persia, symbolising strength and protection.
Khordeh Avesta: The Zoroastrian prayer book, which contains prayers used in daily worship.
Prophet Zarathustra: A portrait of the Prophet Zarathustra, founder of the Zoroastrian faith.
Silver ritual vessels and ceremonial objects used during prayers and religious ceremonies.
A Zoroastrian priest carefully feeds the sacred fire, which burns continuously within the temple.
Sacred Fire: The sacred fire symbolises the divine light, wisdom and purity of Ahura Mazda.
Temple Bell: A Zoroastrian priest rings the temple bell to mark the beginning of prayer and worship.
History:
The history of Zoroastrian House reflects the growth of Victoria’s Zoroastrian community. Early families met in private homes to celebrate festivals and practise their faith before establishing the Zoroastrian Association of Victoria to support the community’s religious, educational and social needs.
As the community expanded, the vision of creating a permanent home became a reality through the commitment and generosity of its members. Today, Zoroastrian House stands as a lasting symbol of the community’s dedication to preserving its faith, culture and traditions in Victoria.
Faith Leader: Dasturji Kaiwan Antia
Dasturji Kaiwan Antia is a Zoroastrian priest (Mobed) and a respected leader within Melbourne’s Zoroastrian community. Since arriving in Australia in 2004, he has played a significant role in strengthening religious life in Victoria by establishing regular prayer services, leading ceremonies and supporting the spiritual needs of the community.
As Chair of the Religious and Cultural Committee of the Zoroastrian Association of Victoria, Dasturji Kaiwan has been instrumental in promoting Zoroastrian traditions, developing the community’s Sunday School, and ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their faith and heritage. He also led the Zoroastrian delegation that inaugurated the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne by reciting the sacred healing prayers Ashem Vohu and Yatha Ahu Vairyo.