20220731 Parsi fire temple in Hyderabad turns 175, revelry in the air
India Jul 31 2022 “Building” “Other bldg.”
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Parsi fire temple in Hyderabad turns 175, revelry in the air
Updated: 2022-07-31
HYDERABAD: There’s a buzz among Parsis of Hyderabad on the eve of the 175th anniversary of the Seth Viccaji-Seth Pestonji Meherji Parsi Fire Temple in Secunderabad on Sunday.
Though a miniscule community comprising around 430 families in the twin cities, their contribution to society has been monumental.
A substantial chunk of over 1,000 Parsis have made Parsigutta in Secunderabad their home and are known for trading in cotton, clothing and real estate investment.
The Secunderabad fire temple (agiary) is the oldest Parsi place of worship in South India and was built by two renowned merchants and philanthropists – Seth Viccaji Meherji and Seth Pestonji Meherji, both natives of Tarapore village.
“On September 12, 1847, the fire temple was built and consecrated. The brothers went through a rough phase and lost most of their wealth. The only properties they retained were the agiaries and the dakhmas,” said, Capt Kayarmin F Pestonji, president of Old Parsi Fire Temple Trust.
The community members are keen to tell the world about their legacy and lesser-known, but rich history. The two brothers had constructed cart roads and bridges for speedy and safe transport of merchandise and were pioneers in cotton trade during the Nizam rule.
“Celebrations are continuing throughout the day and several eminent dignitaries and community members will get together at the temple to offer prayers,” Arnaz Bisney, member of the temple Trust told TOI.
While head priest Vada Dasturji Saheb Keki C Ravji Meherjirana would be leading the ‘jashan’ (prayer) in the morning, the evening event will witness a conglomeration of dignitaries, including Justice Shahrukh J Kathawalla (retired Judge of Bombay High Court) as chief guest, Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major (Retd), Major General Cyrus K Pithawalla (Ashok Chakra) and chairman, World Zoroastrian Trust, Dinshaw K Tamboly.
Web Source: The Times of India