Varsi of Vada Dasturji Meherjirana observed

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Roj Dae-pa-Adar Mah Sherevar, 1380 Yz.

The Siroza and Varsi days for late Vada Dasturji Meherji Dastur Kekobad Meherjirana was observed on Roj Amardad and Dae-pa-Adar respectively (22nd and 23rd January). The detailed ceremonies appropriate to the occasion were carried out at the Ustad Saheb Behramshah N. Shroff Daremeher in Jogeshwari, Mumbai by a team of Mobed Sahebs led by myself.

In addition, prayers and ceremonies were also held at Vada Dasturji’s house and at the Bhagarsath Atash Behram in Navsari.

In the blink of an eye, a whole year has passed since Vada Dasturji passed away. How time flies! It seems just yesterday when we first heard of the terrible news of his demise, and just a short while ago when we sat down to conduct the prayers and ceremonies for him as per his desire at my Daremeher.

On the occasion of Dasturji’s Varsi, I present here a few photos from the many given to me by his wife Meherbanu for archiving.

It all began with the first Dasturji Meherjirana – Dastur Meherji Ervad Vatchha, who was appointed the first Vada Dastur of the community on 12th March 1579. He passed away on 1st November, 1591. Here is the portrait of this saintly personage from Dasturji’s house and also present at the Navsari Bhagarsath Atash Behram.

FirstMeherjirana

The Dasturi passed on to 14 descendants before it was handed to Dastur Kekobad Dastur Darab on 29th January 1907. Here is the photograph of Dastur Kekobad – the adoptive father of Dasturji Meherji.

DKekobad

Dasturji Meherji became the 16th Meherjirana following the death of his adoptive father Dastur Kekobad on 24th July 1960. Here are some photographs of Dastur Meherji through his life.

A young Dastur Meherji with the President of India Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan.

MeherjiRadhakrishna

Here is a photograph of the wedding procession of Dasturji Meherji, as it passed through the east side of the Navsari Bhagarsath Atash Behram. Notice the “teturi” band players in the front!

Meherji wedding

The second photograph shows a very young Dasturji Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa in the procession (in line with Dasturji Meherji on his right, with the shawl).

Meherjiwedding2

Here is a very rare and unique photograph. From left to right, a very young K. N. Dastoor (the current 17th Dastur Meherjirana), Dastur Hormuzdyar Mirza of Udvada, Dasturji Meherji standing and speaking, and late Jehangirji Chiniwalla sitting on the right. This is most probably taken on one of the Baj functions of Ustad Saheb Behramshah N. Shroff.

MeherjiJSC

A rare photograph of Dastur Meherji felicitating JRD Tata on his visit to Navsari.

MeherjiJRD

A loving photograph of Dasturji Meherji and his wife Meherbanu

MeherjiMehru

A late photograph showing Dasturji Meherji with the great Athravan Ervad Eruchshah Karkaria

MeherjiEruchsha

One of the last photos of Dasturji Meherji standing under the portrait of his illustrious ancestor the first Dasturji Meherjirana.

Meherjiand Rana

May Dasturji Meherji’s Ruvan progress speedily from the spiritual regions and come under the protection of Asho Sarosh Yazad and move forward to join the great Ardafravash Brotherhood!

Ervad Marzban J. Hathiram

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Comments

  1. Bahadur B. Sanjana  January 24, 2011

    Many Many Thanks.
    Wondeful Data base & photo

  2. Nazneen  January 24, 2011

    Indeed the year just passed by at the blink of an eye.

    May Dasturji Meherji’s Ruvan be blessed & progress with speed too.

    Thank you Ervad Saheb, for these glorious images from the past.

  3. roozbeh mamlatdar  January 27, 2011

    Nice data, indeed interesting.

  4. Behram Wadia  May 5, 2011

    I would like to ask if KND has come to any decision on who his heir is going to be. Though I maybe called the devils advocate it is quite obvious that KND is aging and it vital for him to have a Naib-Dustur. An excellent candidate is Ervad Asphandiyar Dadachanji, he is of the Bhagarsath Panth, very knowledgeable, and has performed numerous nirangdins. Or Dr. Rooyintan Peer who also is a Bhagarsath priest and has performed many nirangdins. Im sure if searched a Meherjirana blood line can be found for either of the two.

  5. Ervad Marzban J. Hathiram  May 9, 2011

    @Behram Wadia
    The question should be put to KND and not to me! An intelligent man is always aware of his mortality. Only a fool would believe he will be forever.
    Ervad Marzban J. Hathiram

  6. Adi  June 13, 2011

    Mr Marzban,

    I am not a priest or so knowledgable about our religion, but knowledge is best taught and preached with humility, humility is something I think you lack, by the way you have answered a few questions eg the answer given to Behram Wadia on some of the blogs on this site. I hope you are more respectful, just because you are knowledgable about the religion does not mean you will be treated differently in Ahura Mazdas court. Probably with the rudeness whith which you have answered some queries we may reach heaven faster than you do. Please sir, I hope you can keep arrogance at bay..

    Regards

    Adi

  7. Ervad Marzban J. Hathiram  June 14, 2011

    Dear Adi,

    I will be the happiest person if you reach heaven before me!

  8. Saroosh Yazdani  November 5, 2011

    Has any decision been made about who will be High priest after Dustoor Kaikhooshroo?

  9. Ervad Marzban J. Hathiram  November 5, 2011

    No.

  10. Saroosh Yazdani  November 6, 2011

    But Mubed! What if god forbid something happens to Dustoor KaiKhooshroo? Who will take over? Are their any candidates? Or will the priestly line die out?