HISTORY OF BOYCE AGIARY, TARDEO, BOMBAY
The Dhana Patel Boyce Agiary is unique in every sense. There is no electricity inside the fire temple and the evenings bring the ethereal glow of flickering divas. The natural structure is constructed to ensure adequate ventilation. The immaculately maintained garden surrounds the makaan, courtesy the Boyce Trust.
On February 12, 1834, an Atash-e-Adaran was established at “Do Tanki” in Bombay by Seth Hormuzji Dhana Patel for his son, Ratanji Patel, who had expired. Subsequently, the makaan was sold and the Atash was temporarily shifted to Ranji Agiary.
Boyce Agiary was built in 1940 by Nusserwanji and Rustomji Nanabhai Boyce for the purpose of Pav Mahal Kriyas like Vendidad, Ijasni and Nirangdin. A bond was signed between the Boyce brothers and Dhanapatel Agiary Trust to shift this Atash to Boyce Agiary.
The Boyce Agiary Atash was established on Dae Mahino and Govad Roj, i.e. Friday, June 23, 1940. The holy flame of this amazing Atash Padshah Saheb has been aglow for more than 190 years!
Courtesy : Jehangir Bisney
Recently I was in Bombay on holiday and went there in the afternoon and the gates were locked. On inquiring was told they are locked because the dastoors are sleeping! Is that correct to stop worshipers from entering during daylight hours?
The Dastoor’s and other support staff gets up at 3.30:4.00 in the morning and are busy up to 11 am.
So they rest in the afternoons.
Also practically all the Agriaries and Atashbehrams are closed in the afternoon as their are cases of thieves entering and stealing articles
I totally agree with the reply given by Farrokh Magra