Life of the Master

Roj Rashne Mah Fravardin, 1379 Yz.

The effects of the pristine environment of Firdaus, and the cleansing effect of the Nahns soon began to influence Behramshah in a positive manner. His own personal habits were changed by monitoring the daily observances of the general population, in particular the great emphasis they laid on the ‘Tarikats’ or spiritual disciplines of the Zarathushtrian faith. After these preliminaries, the Sraoshavarez asked Behramshah what he would like to learn in particular, to which Behramshah disclosed a preference for studying Avesta. He was then placed under the tutelage of Banu Tanaz, a lady Abed, who started teaching Behramshah the script and primary grammar in a most loving and perfect manner. However, due to his inadequate schooling and slow grasping power, Behramshah’s progress was most mediocre.

The Sraoshavarez knew that Behramshah’s time in Firdaus was limited, yet he was to be entrusted with a lot of knowledge to help him in his later mission. A specific day was chosen by the Sraoshavarez to perform a special Afringan, in which Behramshah was also made to sit and recite some Manthras. After the ceremony was over, the consecrated Sherbet of the Afringan was given to Behramshah to drink. As soon as he drank the Sherbet, Behramshah realised that his stammer had been almost totally cured, and his ability to absorb and remember things increased manifold. His physical as well as mental faculties were energised and their limitations diminished. The great Iranian trait of always speaking the truth was now deeply ingrained in Behramshah’s consciousness.

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Roj Spendarmad Mah Spendarmad, 1378 Yz.

In his three and a half year stay at Demavand, the Abed Sahebs took Behramshah to various expeditions in the regions of Firdaus. Within the Kash, or spiritual boundary of Demavand there exist various regions protected by their own separate Kash, which remain out of bounds even for the residents of Firdaus. One such area situated in a remote and very high region of Firdaus is home to the Atash Behram of Demavand. The Padshah Saheb enthroned in this Atash Behram is of very old lineage, and has both a visible Fire as well as a hidden core. The Atash Behram, along with its accompanying Atash Adaran, Atash Dadgah, the Urvisgah (consecrated area for performance of Pav Mahel ceremonies) the Bareshnum Gah (where the nine-night long Bareshnum Nahn is administered) and other support areas are all part of a separate Kash within Demavand. The entrance to the Kebla of the Padshah Saheb is very low, making one bow before entering. There are strict rules for visiting and viewing the Padshah Saheb and only very advanced Yaozdathregars (qualified priests) are allowed to tend the Holy Fire. The entire complex is situated in a hilly region and the Atash Behram structure itself is hewn out of a single hill of black rock.

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Roj Aneran Mah Bahman, 1378 Yz.

So what is the general area of Firdaus like? How many people live there and what do they do? Ustad Saheb gave his disciples detailed knowledge of the surroundings where he was destined to stay for about three and a half years. The secluded enclosure of Demavand is situated in the region of Mount Demavand, about 45 miles northeast of Tehran. Mount Demavand is actually an extinct volcano and, at 18602 ft, the highest peak of the Elburz mountain range, which runs along the southern shore of the Caspian Sea and which marks the northern end of the Iranian plateau. Although the mountain has been climbed by a few explorers, it is supposed to be a difficult peak to surmount, with very high passes and terrifying crevices. The peak is perennially snow capped. The area of Demavand is however, not visible to the outside world as it is protected not only by the high cliffs and very deep valleys, but also because there is a spiritual kash – or boundary drawn around it by the sages residing there, using specific Avesta Manthras which makes the whole area invisible to the naked eye.

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Roj Asman Mah Bahman, 1378 Yz.

While we have now partly understood the reason for the young Behramshah to be taken to meet Sraoshavarez Marzbanji Saheb, just who are all these strange persons, roaming around in Pathan clothes in the lawless North West Frontier Province? What is Demavand and where is Firdaus? It all seems a bit unclear and almost fairy-tale like.

In the Avesta and Pahlavi Pazend scriptures, as well as in the history of Iran, the name of Demavand has a special significance. As youngsters, I am sure many of my readers’ grandparents must have told them the story of King Jamshid, the evil Zohak and Faridun. For those who missed out, the Shah Nameh tells the story of King Jamshid, who introduced the golden age in Iran, many thousands of years ago. It is said that his kingship was so perfect and in synch with the laws of nature that there were no deaths in his kingdom, no disease, poverty or unhappiness. However, it seems later on King Jamshid developed an ego and his pride caused his fall. His place was taken by the evil Zohak, a most ignominious character, whose rule was as disgraceful as Jamshid’s was perfect.

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Roj Ashishvangh Mah Bahman, 1378 Yz.

In this manner, young Behramshah began his eventful journey to Iran under the protection and guidance of Rashidji Saheb. From Peshawar, the caravan moved towards Kafiristan (now Nurestan). From Kafiristan, the caravan reached the boundaries of Afghanistan and moved north on the road to Khorasan. From Khorasan, the caravan moved south towards Azerbaijan before finally reaching the plains of the Elburz mountain range near Mount Demavand in Iran. There was a hidden reason behind taking this circuitous route rather than going straight to Demavand. At this point the caravan divided into two, one part moved on towards the mountain ranges, while the other part comprising Behramshah and Rashidji Saheb, along with a few other members of the caravan began a slow climb on to the high pathways towards Mount Demavand.

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Roj Govad Mah Bahman, 1378 Yz.

July 7th, 2009 marks the 82nd death anniversary of our beloved Master, Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff. Ceremonies to mark this day will be held in Agiaries and Atash Behrams all over India. Machi will be offered to various Padshahs and Patet prayers will said for the Ustad. In our own Daremeher – the Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff Daremeher at Behram Baug, Jogeshwari, ceremonies will start from 6 am and go on throughout the day and night. A Jashan and a small talk detailing his life will also be held.

Ustad Saheb was the single most highly advanced soul on this Earth in the last 200 years. Yet it is a pity that most Parsis know very little about him and his life. Nevertheless such is the spiritual power of his soul that even today, 82 years after he passed away on 7th July, 1927, his name and his miracle have a magical effect on those who know about him. I personally can state without any doubt that the name of Ustad Saheb and the details of his miraculous years, which I first came to know when I was 17 years old, had a profound effect on my life and I can easily say that it was the single most important event in my existence. After the first hearing, I delved deep into all the literature that was available and soon thereafter began to speak in public on his life and teachings.

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