Preserving Sacred Traditions: The Parsi Trust’s Initiative to Bury Holy Fire Ashes

Religious traditions and practices have evolved over centuries, shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of communities worldwide. Among these, the Parsi-Zoroastrian community holds deep reverence for their sacred fire, which burns perpetually in their temples as an embodiment of divine energy. However, recent civic regulations have led to the prohibition of disposing of sacred ashes in the sea, prompting the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) to introduce an alternative method—creating special burial pits for these ashes. This initiative marks a significant step in preserving religious customs while adhering to modern environmental regulations.

The Sacred Fire in Zoroastrian Worship

Fire is central to Zoroastrian religious practice. Considered a purifying and divine force, the sacred fire is maintained within temples, where it is kept burning continuously through elaborate rituals. The primary fuel for these fires includes sandalwood and baval wood sticks, typically used in a ratio of 1:10. These materials help sustain the fire while maintaining its sanctity.

The fire temples, or Atash Behrams and Agiyaris, serve as places of worship where the consecrated flames symbolize divine presence. Worshippers offer prayers in front of the fire, reinforcing their spiritual connection to Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism.

The Ban on Sea Disposal and Its Impact

Traditionally, large fire temples with extensive compounds would bury the ashes, known as rakhia, within their gardens or scatter them under sacred trees. However, many smaller temples, particularly those without large land holdings, faced challenges in managing these ashes. For years, these temples collected the sacred ash and periodically transported it to the sea for disposal.

However, with growing environmental concerns and civic regulations, authorities have now banned the immersion of these ashes into the sea. This decision, while aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, created a dilemma for the Parsi community. Temples that relied on this method were left without a proper means to dispose of the ashes, raising concerns over maintaining religious customs without violating civic laws.

BPP’s Initiative: Special Pits for Ash Burial

In response to this challenge, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), a prominent community trust, has stepped forward with a solution. They have established special pits outside Doongerwadi, the Tower of Silence cemetery in Mumbai, to serve as a designated burial site for these ashes.

Viraf Mehta, chairman of BPP, highlighted that the initiative was developed to ensure that every fire temple has an appropriate place to dispose of the ashes in a respectful manner. The idea for these burial pits was originally suggested by trustee Mahrukh Noble, reflecting the collective effort of the community in preserving their traditions while adapting to modern restrictions.

Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia, principal of the Dadar Athornan Institute, an institution founded in 1919 to provide religious and secular education to the children of Parsi priests, emphasized the importance of this solution. He noted that while larger temples always had a way to manage the ashes within their own premises, smaller temples lacked such provisions. The newly created burial pits offer a viable and respectful alternative to sea disposal, ensuring that the sacred ashes are handled appropriately.

Balancing Tradition with Modern Regulations

The decision to introduce burial pits highlights the Parsi community’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances while safeguarding their religious customs. This initiative reflects a broader trend where religious institutions worldwide are increasingly modifying traditional practices to align with environmental sustainability and civic regulations.

By implementing a structured and ethical method for handling sacred ashes, the BPP has demonstrated a commitment to both faith and environmental responsibility. The burial pits not only respect the religious sanctity of the ashes but also prevent ecological harm that could arise from disposal in the sea.

Conclusion

The Parsi community has always been deeply rooted in its traditions, with sacred fire worship being one of the cornerstones of its faith. However, evolving civic regulations and environmental concerns necessitate adjustments in certain religious practices. The creation of special burial pits for holy fire ashes is a testament to the community’s resilience and adaptability.

By taking proactive steps to ensure compliance with modern regulations while maintaining their spiritual integrity, the Parsi-Zoroastrian community sets an example of how religious traditions can coexist with contemporary environmental concerns. This initiative not only preserves the sanctity of their sacred fire but also upholds their age-old reverence for nature—an intrinsic value in Zoroastrian teachings.

This development serves as an inspiring model for religious communities worldwide, demonstrating that with thoughtful planning and community effort, ancient traditions can be safeguarded in a sustainable and respectful manner.

Sodawaterwala Agiary Restored To Its Former Glory by Donor's Magnanimity

The J D Amaria (Sodawaterwala) Agiary, at Marine Lines in Mumbai, was in need of urgent repairs and restoration for a while. Plants were seen growing from the walls, causing big cracks. Heavy leakage had corroded the beams and windows were broken. The interiors were gloomy with peeling paint, plaster failings at places and columns with cracks. A few years ago, the Trustees put out an appeal for funds to renovate the Agiary, but the response was insufficient to undertake any major repair.

Sodawaterwalla Agiary

In 2020, through the good offices of Karyesh Patel, the Agiary received a substantial donation of Rs. 38 lakhs from munificent donor Mrs. Soonu Buhariwalla. She had lost her beloved husband, Hoshang, in July 2020, and had started donating to many institutions and causes, in his memory. After hearing from Karyesh Patel and Anahita Desai, a Trustee of the Agiary, about the condition of the Agiary and how the trustees were trying to raise funds for a long time, Mrs. Buhariwalla decided to donate towards the repair of the Agiary. Initially, she made a donation of Rs. 30,000/ - and soon upped it to a phenomenal Rs. 38 lakhs, that allowed for the Agiary to be fully repaired and restored! The Trustees received a further Rs. 15 lakhs from Mr. Jal Sethna, through WZO, and these donations collectively enabled the Trustees to restore the Agiary to its former glory!

On the salgreh of the Sodawaterwalla Agiary (Farvandin Roj , Farvandin Mah) the transformed Agiary was inaugurated by principal donor - Mrs. Soonu Buhariwall a, in the presence of the Trustees, the Panthaki and a few devotees, after a celebratory jashan performed by Er. Pervez Karanjia and his son, Arzan. Jal Sethna was unfortunately unable to attend due to ill health . On the auspicious occasion, Mrs. Buhariwalla donated a gold chain with a diamond and ruby pendant saheb's picture.

The entire restoration work was executed by contractor Khushru Sukhadia, who faced various unforeseen challenges during the repairs, but he handled it very efficiently with practical, affordable solutions.

The Trustees of the Agiary - Dinshaw Variava, Capt. Percy Master, Anahita Desai, Aspi Sarkari, Limji Nanabhoy and Burzis Taraporevala were actively involved through the entire renovation process.

Dinshaw Variava, Capt Master and Anahita Desai in particular, frequently met with Khushru Sukhadia at the Agiary, to ensure perfect execution, along with Karyesh Patel, who represented Mrs. Soonu Buhariwatla.