Iranshah Re-housed In A Makaan Befitting His Exalted Status

According to oral tradition, the Holiest of Holy Iranshah was consecrated on Indian soil, at Sanjan, more than twelve hundred years ago. Iranshah is not just the first and therefore the oldest consecrated Atashbehram in India but, also a spiritual link with Iran – the spiritual motherland of all Zoroastrians. According to tradition, the Alaat for consecrating this Holy Fire was brought all the way from Khorasan in Iran.

The building where Iranshah is presently enthroned in Udwada was built in 1894 by the pious and philanthropic Bai Motlibai Maneckji Wadia. Over the years the Wadia Trust has regularly carried out repairs and renovations to the building. The recent renovations have been extensive and one could say that the external décor, the tiling and other paraphernalia have added to charm and grandeur of the Padshah Saheb’s Palace!

The Majestic Gate, the Zoroastrian motifs and grand Achaeminian style figures all gladden the eye and instill a sense of awe before paying obeisance to the King of Kings – the Holy and Powerful Iranshah! One could even say that Iranshah is now finally housed in a Makaan befitting His Exalted Status. The contractor, Cyrus Unvala has indeed done a magnificent job.

While the Khushali nu Jashan was performed in the Havan Geh on Roj Hormuzd of Mah Meher, Iranshah was shifted from His temporary abode at the adjoining building built by the Petit family to the Wadia building the previous night around midnight. A large number of devotees had gathered outside the building around midnight. However, as per long-standing custom and tradition only the Bareshnumwala Mobedsahebs of the 9 families were present during the shifting ceremony. The ceremony of shifting the Holy Fire was carried out by the nine Athornan families along with Dasturji Khurshed Kekobad Dastur. After re-enthroning Iranshah, Dasturji Khurshed performed the first boi ceremony in the Ushanin as also the Havan Geh.

Explaining the reason why only Bareshnumwala Mobeds are allowed to witness the actual shifting ceremony he said, “No Behdin is allowed to see the King without His crown. Hence, only after He is re-enthroned under His Gumbaj can Behdins prostrate before him in supplication”.

Dasturji explained that before the Holy Fire was re-enthroned the whole building was consecrated by performing Vendidad and Ijashne ceremonies. “We have taken care of ever single detail and no custom or tradition has been compromised”. Although the entire building has been retiled, the original tiles directly under the Gumbaj have been left intact, he added.

After the Jashan the trustees of the Wadia trust felicitated all the mobedsahebs who have rendered long years of service to Iranshah. The various donors, well-wishers and the team that gifted the community such a beautifully renovated structure were also thanked.

May Iranshah continue to blaze resplendent and Bless the community with peace, progress and prosperity.

Courtesy : Noshir Dadrawala