Siroza and Chamsi day of late Vada Dasturji Meherjirana

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Roj Khordad Mah Spendarmad, 1379 Yz.

Tomorrow, Roj Amardad Mah Spendarmad (21st July) will mark the Siroza Chamsi (180th day after death) day of late Vada Dasturji Meherji Dastur Kekobad Meherjirana of Navsari. The day after, Roj Dae-pa-Adar Mah Spendarmad (22nd July) will mark his Chamsi (181st day after death). Prayers to mark both these solemn occasions will be recited at the Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff Daremeher at Jogeshwari. On the 21st, the prayers will start with the special Siroza Stum, followed by Jore Siroza Afringan, Siroza Farokshi and Siroza, Ardafravash and Sarosh Bajs. At the same time, two other priests will begin the two Khub Yazashne ceremonies in preparation for the Siroza Vandidad which will take place in the Ushahin Gah that night. In the Aiwisruthrem Gah, a special Machi, followed by Sarosh-Patet prayers will be offered to the Padshah Saheb.

The Siroza day is one of extreme importance in our prayers. This sacred day occurs only three times in the entire prayer cycle for a Ruvan – on the 30th day (known as Disi Siroza), on the 180th day (known as Chamsi Siroza) and the 365th day (known as Varsi Siroza) after death. The word Siroza literally means ’30 days’. It refers to the entire Anjuman of spiritual workers in the Divine Cabinet of Ahura Mazda who work for the onward progress of all souls. The Siroza comprise of the 30 Divine Beings contained in the 30 days of the Zoroastrian calendar (Hormuz to Aneran) and three other Divine Beings – Berezo, Hom and Daham. On the Siroza day, this entire Divine Cabinet take time out from the normal duties and work specially for the onward progress of the Ruvan whose Siroza day is being observed. To mark this very important occasion, special Afringans, Stums and Farokshi prayers containing the invocation formula (Khshnuman) of each of these 33 Divine Beings is to be recited one after the other. A Siroza Vandidad is an extremely rare occurrence in these days and we are proud to be able to perform this ceremony at our Daremeher.

I have already revealed the many facets of the life of Dastur Meherji in my earlier post . On my subsequent visits to his house in Navsari and in my interactions with his gracious wife, Meherbanu, I was able to source numerous photographs (including some very old and rare photos) of Dasturji and other members of his family. Through the noble cooperation of Meherbanu Meherjirana, these photographs were handed over to me and I have been able to digitize them through the help of our colony resident and expert photographer Mr. Aspi Patel. On the occasion of Dasturji’s Chamsi I put up a few of these photos showing the early life of late Vada Dasturji Meherji.

The first photograph shows a large gathering in the courtyard on the occasion of Dastur Meherji’s Navjote. He is seen sitting on the lap of a lady next to his adoptive father, late Dasturji Kekobad (the 15th Meherjirana). Of interest is the very old motor car seen in the deep background.

VDM Navjote

 

The next photograph shows Dasturji seated in a classic pose on his Navjote day.

VDM Navjote sitting

 

This is perhaps the only photograph of Dasturji bare headed, in a scout uniform.

VDM-scout

 

This photograph shows Dasturji on the day of his Navar ceremony, standing under the photograph of his illustrious ancestor, the First Dasturji Meherjirana.

VDM-Navar

 

May the Ruvan of Dastur Meherji Dastur Kekobad receive the benefit of the Siroza and Chamsi day prayers and progress from its station in nature towards Dadare Gehan!

 

Ervad Marzban J. Hathiram

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Comments

  1. HM  July 22, 2010

    Ervad Marazban,

    May the Ruvan of Dasturji Meherji achieve a place in Garothman Behst! Could you kindly explain what is Dadaare Gehan? Is there an explanation for turning or facing south as instructed in the Avesta?

  2. Hanoz  November 14, 2015

    I have heard that siroza satum in afternoon and evening CANT be performed after Mumbai Time 12 ? is this true its written in Parsi pusokh as well, not sure though just heard from few priest in bombay? In udvada its not recited after 10.am the siroza satums. But in its place the ardafarvash khsnuman should be recited thats what all priest say? Now what is correct ?