Yesterday 14-04-10, on Zamyad roj of Avan mah was the birthday of Dasturji Jamshedji Sohrabji, who was reverently also called Dasturji Kookadaroo.

This article is being sent with a hope that we do not forget such good and saintly souls who have graced our community in the past, and that we keep their memories forever amidst us.

 Dasturji Kookadaroo was/is of one of the most revered saints of the Zarathushtrian community.

An article describing this pious Soul has been reproduced below.

From the book “Galaxy of Parsi Saints” by Ervad Erach D. Daboo

Dastoor Kookana of the Blessed Soul

Dastoorji Jamshedji Sohrabji Kookana was also known as Dastoorji Kookadaru, daroo being derived from the original word “Andhyaroo” meaning priest. Mobed sahibs performing “Paav Mahel” i.e. Yazashne, Vendidad, Nirangdin ceremonies have the honorific epithet “daroo” attached to their names e.g. Rustomdaroo, Darabdaroo, Nalladaroo prevalent even today.

Kookadaroo’s dasturship was not hereditary, however he was assigned the Gaadi of dasturship in view of his Ashoi (holiness) and pure, simple and abstentious life and perfect sound knowledge of and grasp of overall Hoshmordi (non paav-mahel or ordinary ceremonies). This title was thus given to him out of respect, adoration and veneration for him. His opinions were held authoritative and binding in all matters connected with religion, customs, tradition and ceremonies and the ancient Iranian history as they were based on testimonies from religious books. His advice and opinions were thus treated as final. His life was very simple and in conformity with his glorious title of a Dastoor (pehlavi Dast-hand-bar= leader). It is said that he cooked his own food and put on clothes after rewashing them after they were washed by the washerman. Whenever he had to go from one agiari to another to perform ceremonies he used to go by foot and never used any vehicle.

It is said about his holiness and “Amal” (power) acquired from Paav Mahel ceremonies that when the Anjuman Atashbehram in Bombay was going to be newly established the managers began to experience paucity of funds. They could not collect the necessary amount and were disheartened. On coming to know of this Dasturji Kookadaru prayed in the fire temple the whole night, performed various religious ceremonies and through his power and expertise in Alchemy, he produced the requisite quantity of gold which on being given the next day to the managers could fetch the exact amount of shortfall necessary in the funds.

Thus like former Dastoors such as Ardaviraf, Tansar, Adarbad Marespand, Nairyosang Dhaval and Meherji Rana, Dastoorji Kookadaru was an equally holy Dastoor possessing Amal. (power of achievement) .

He was born on Roj Jamyad Mah Avan Shahenshahi and paased away at a ripe age on Roj Behram Mah Fravadin. He had the power to foretell anyone’s future events, behaviour, nature etc. only by looking at his/her face.

His name with those of other dastoors is recited with respect as “Ayderyadbad Anoshe raven ravani” i.e. the immortal soul of Dastur Jamshed Ervad Sohrab is remembered here with due respect.

– from the book “Galaxy of Parsi Saints” by Ervad Erach D. Daboo

Courtesy : Tehemton B. Adenwalla