While searching through my library, I came across a small yet meaningful book by the late Khodadad Khanjari titled “Zarathustra’s Insight.” It reminded me that the 10th of Tir marks the anniversary of his passing—an appropriate moment to pay tribute to his legacy.
Master Khodadad Khanjari was a respected yet relatively unsung figure within Iran’s Zoroastrian community. From his youth, he dedicated his life to educating young minds, conducting religious studies, and promoting the true spirit of Zoroastrian philosophy and culture.
Born in 1324 (1945) in the Kharmsheh district of Yazd, he completed his primary education at Khodadadi School and earned his high school diploma in Yazd. He then pursued teacher training in Yazd and Isfahan, earning an associate degree in mathematics, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Tehran’s Polytechnic University (now Amirkabir University).
In addition to his main profession as a mathematics teacher, he played a pioneering role in organizing religious education classes for Zoroastrian youth in Kharmsheh and Yazd. He was deeply committed to teaching the spiritual and philosophical foundations of the Zoroastrian faith, especially through the interpretation of the Gathas and the Avesta.
With a calm, insightful presence and a thoughtful approach, Master Khanjari explored the teachings of Ashu Zarathustra with both depth and clarity. His classes and lectures helped introduce many to the core values and profound wisdom found in Zoroastrian texts.
Over the course of his too-short life, the late Khodadad Khanjari left behind a meaningful legacy of scholarship and service. His research culminated in the publication of two insightful books—“Fire and Fire Temples” and “Zarathustra’s Insight”—as well as dozens of articles published in journals such as Chista, Farvahar, Hukt, and various academic conferences on Iranian history and Zoroastrian studies.
In 1980, he married and became a father to three children. Tragically, in his later years, he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on the 10th of Tir, 1375 (1996). But memories continue to live on in the hearts of Zoroastrians, especially the people in Khorramshahr, Yazd.
Khodadad Khanjari was known for his wisdom, kindness, patience, and humility. He was deeply committed to helping and guiding young people and fellow Zoroastrians. His social and community efforts included founding the Zoroastrian Religious Association of Yazd in the 1980s, organizing religious classes and educational student camps, improving the facilities at the Atash Bahram in Kharmsheh, and delivering many powerful and meaningful speeches at Zoroastrian events.
In his book Zarathustra’s Insight, he reflects on the teachings of the Gathas, writing:
“Ashu Zarathustra saw the purpose of human life as an unending, determined struggle against falsehood and weakness.”
The memory of this Arash-like figure—Master Khanjari—who strove to uphold the banner of truth and wisdom, will forever remain alive and cherished.
