From: TZML Admins
Date: Nov 23, 2007 1:57 PM
Subject: Guidelines on How to approach and pray before Iranshah (Udvada)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>
Tir roz, Khordad mah, YZ 1377
(23 November 2007)
Dear Zarathushti friends,
we have received a very informative listing on the true procedure to
be followed when going and praying before Iranshah.
This is in form of a booklet put forth by Tehmurasp Shawaksha
Pardiwala, which we share with you. All the credits are due to the
author himself.
As Ervad K N Dastor explains in the foreword of the booklet: "Pak
Iranshah is a live, living, glowing flame for the Parsi community.
Iranshah is a manifestation of the love and devotion moving in our
heart for our dear Paigambar Zarthrushtra. The divine light, which is
glowing for past 1200 years without even a second's break, is a link
between the Parsi community and Pak Dadar Ahura Mazda."
It is also further mentioned that: "Mr. Tehmurasp Pardiwala has
explained these rules beautifully in a simple language, as to how one
should present himself before Iranshah so that one can help Iranshah
in His mission and do not become a cause, an instrument of disturbance
in His work. To follow these rules and regulations is not at all
difficult."
So here below is the booklet reproduced both in text form and in an
enclosed PDF.
This is also available at the educational and informative Traditional
Zoroastrian website
http://tenets.zoroastrianism.com/HowgoIranShah.pdf
We thank the authors of this website and to individuals like Mr
Tehmurasp Pardiwalla, the Parsee Voice, Mrs. Pervin J Mistry and many
others who do work silently for the good of the community.
Please share this email with all good and deserving Zarathushtis so
that they realise that Iranshah is a real treasure which we as a
community possess and how important it is for us to keep both Iranshah
and Udvada pure and pristine.
With best wishes
TZML Admins
HOW WILL YOU GO TO IRANSHAH
Tehmurasp Shawaksha Pardiwala
Index
Subject
Pg. No.
Foreword
02
1. Introduction to Shreeji Iranshah
04
2. The need to have a bath
07
3. Dress
08
4. Kushti Padiyav
10
5. Reverence, Kisses and Salutation
12
6. Wood (Kathi) vs. Sandalwood (Sukhad)
13
7. Discipline, Restriction, Manners and Patience
15
8. Respect to Mobed Sahebs
16
9. Iranshah's Threshold (Umbar)
17
10. Iranshah's Rakhya
17
11. Things which should never be taken to Iranshah
18
________________________________
Page 02
FOREWORD
Pak Iranshah is a live, living, glowing flame for the Parsi community.
Iranshah is a manifestation of the love and devotion moving in our
heart for our dear Paigambar Zarthrushtra. The divine light, which is
glowing for past 1200 years without even a second's break, is a link
between the Parsi community and Pak Dadar Ahura Mazda. The
consecration of this divine light 12 centuries ago is a big spiritual
event for the Parsi community.
Iranshah is a SHAH, and this title itself indicates that the divine
power and authority of Dadar Ahura Mazda is present in Iranshah. We
have no idea as to how this divine flame is working to fight and
eradicate the bad influence of physical, mental, and spiritual
pollutions around us and what trouble He is taking to do so.
The holy building in Udvada is Iranshah's Darbar. Not only the Mobed
Sahebs who are at Iranshah's service are present there round the
clock, but the divine fields and vibrations of Yazatic power are also
constantly moving in the premises.
To enter such magnanimous darbar, there are some rules and procedures.
These rules are not just rules pertaining to social discipline and
etiquette, but they are based on spiritual science, the intention of
which is to support the divine mission of Iranshah and not to create
any disturbance in His work. The intention to be present in Iranshah's
Darbar is to leave aside the material surrounding temporarily and get
attuned to the Yazatic divine field of Iranshah. It is not a place to
exhibit artificial glamour and beauty supported by tight clothes,
rouge and lipsticks.
Mr. Tehmurasp Pardiwala has explained these rules beautifully in a
simple language, as to how one should present himself before Iranshah
so that one can help Iranshah in His mission and do not become a
cause, an instrument of disturbance in His work. To follow these rules
and regulations is not at all difficult.
When we recite Atash Neyayesh before Padshah Saheb we enter into
conversation with Him, a spiritual dialogue. This conversation is just
not an ordinary conversation. It has to be well structured and also in
the form of Avesta Manthravani. One has to show his divine love,
respect faith and trust in the form of good thought good word and good
deed. It is not a place to exhibit false ego and vanity at that time.
With my sincere desire that you would follow the rules and regulations
very strictly when you visit Iranshah.
21.6.2000 Your humble Sevak,
Kaikhushro Navroz Dastoor
________________________________
________________________________
Page 04
1. INTRODUCTION TO SHREEJI IRANSHAH
In today's time the divine, living, exquisite light of Shreeji
Iranshah protects the mankind, takes care, looks after them and guides
them. For Zoroastrians it is like a sword and a shield, which drives
away the evil around us and protects us from the bad influence of
Ahreman. He gives us light in the world of spiritual darkness. This
lustrous radiant Fire is a priceless light house for the Zarthostis.
Iranshah is the main force and direct result of the existence of
Zarthostis in India. Iranshah has kept our tiny community in a
magnetic bonded chain of faith and devotion. The distinct identity of
Parsis in India is maintained and preserved by the Padshah Saheb.
This divine lustrous Fire satisfies the sacred hunger of our souls. It
is due to His presence that a Zarthosti gets the help and benefit for
salvation of his soul to some extent. Even in today's materialistic
world a Zarthosti who recites his prayers before Him with faith and
devotion, gets the benefit of the Divine Light (Ashar - e - Roshni) He
is able to reduce his time cycle of birth and death to some extent as
per one's past good work and deed. According to our Pak Avesta the
prayer recited before Atash Padshah is equivalent to the prayer
recited before Dadar Ahura Mazda. It is our divine mechanism to reach
Dadar Ahura Mazda through Atash Padshah, who is the son of Dadar Ahura
Mazda (Atare Puthra Ahurahe Mazdao).
Atash Padshah is directly linked with a person's good and bad deeds
(Karma). A devoted obedient Zarthosti must therefore desire and pray
for a wish while offering reverence to Him that ---- O! most powerful,
creator of the universe, kindest of the kind, Dadar Ahura Mazda, what
is good for me is already known to you. Give me exactly the same. Give
me the stream of divine light, let my competency increase, my
intellectual power be on the bright side of nature and the final aim
and objective of my soul is fulfilled. Let my soul get a divine
permanent place in the Heaven.
Mobed Neriyosang Dhaval Saheb was a highly advanced soul. Out of the
total 72 steps of Ashoi, he was already on the 54th step. He
consecrated our Iranshah and put up a divine power station on its
centre, which is known as Pav Mahal. The Pav Mahal of Iranshah is in
direct communion with the Pav Mahal placed by our Paigambar Saheb at
Har Barez. Iranshah's contact is also with the seven heavens of Nisti
as well as the eighth and the ninth heaven of Hasti. It is for this
reason that Iranshah is offered with a Maachi of nine pieces. The
other Padshah Sahebs of the remaining seven Atash Behrams are offered
a Machi of 7 pieces only. The blessings of all nine heavens are
showered down on Iranshah, the benefit of which is available to His
devotees.
In consecrating other Atash Behrams there were 1128 flames (Jyot)
where as in case of Iranshah there were more than, 16000 flames.
The writing in support of this is available in the ancient hand
written scripts. While consecrating Iranshah, Mobed Neriyosang Dhaval
Saheb and his co-workers were able to bring down the lightening fire
on this earth through a miracle, an astonishing event by applying
their spiritual
power and practices
When Parsees had to leave Iran, our motherland, due to some
unfortunate circumstances to safeguard our religion, we had also to
leave all our Atash Padshah in Iran. Under such circumstances with the
grace of God and the ability and power of prayers (Manthrawani) of our
Rainidar Neriyosang Dhaval Saheb, our first Atash Padshah in India,
was consecrated and enthroned which later on came to be known as
Shreeji Iranshah. Nearly 1200 years have passed since the happening of
this beautiful event.
In establishing our fire temple the local king Jadirana of that time
had helped us immensely. No Parsee should forget his obligation on our
community. After settling down in his kingdom the Zarthostis expressed
their desire to have their own Atash Behram. Appreciating the ability,
skills and immense religious faith of this group of people Jadirana
readily gave them a piece of land to establish the fire temple.
According to the tenet of our religion no juddin (non parsi) should
stay in the vicinity of the place where the fire temple was to be
established. Jadirana merily agreed to this proposal also and provided
this facility by asking all Hindus to evacuate the land given to
Parsis. All this thing could not have happened in the absence of a
noble, god loving king like Jadirana. Therefore the fire worshipper
Zarthostis should also remember king Jadirana with honour and respect.
Tears will roll down the eyes of a true Zarthosti if he comes to know
the plight and hardship that had been undergone by the then Zarthostis
and Mobed Sahebs. Many sacrifices were given to protect
our Iranshah. Our forefathers had to move from place to place like
Sanjan, Bahrot, Vansda, Navsari, Surat and Valsad to protect and
preserve Padsah Saheb's sanctity. Finally they arrived and settled
down in Udvada. All this travelling was not easy at all. It was only
with the grace of God that our Padshah Saheb was safe and sound
wherever He moved. In this long span of over 1200 years, history has
changed in India many times. Many kings, many emperors came and went
but the flame of our lranshah has remained undisturbed. We bow down to
the efforts and sacrifices our Mobed Sahebs have given and are still
putting in their efforts in keeping the flame burning.
When a Zarthosti bows down to Iranshah he should remember that it is
the same Fire where their ancestors had put their heads down in
veneration 1200 years ago. Our Iranshah had blessed them and gave them
bountiful of riches and true happiness. Today we bow down to Him and
desire similar riches and true happiness. No one has returned
disappointed from Iranshah. The reward of one's prayers and devotion
is always given by Iranshah.
It should be remembered that in places like lranshah and also in other
fire temples (Atash Behrams) where the Fire is enthroned, the
vibrations of Sarosh Yazad are circulating continuously. Sarosh
Yazad's throne is on the top of Nisti where there is one Atash Behram
of Atashe Mino Karko. Our Padshah Saheb of Iranshah and other Atash
Behram have direct contact with the Atashe Mino Karko. This contact is
based on the levels of Atash Padshah, which are there on this Geity
(Earth). Fire of Iranshah being of the highest level the contact is
closer than any other Fire temple and therefore the divine music of
Sarosh Yazad (Sarosh no naad) and the spiritual atmosphere in Iranshah
is very much exalted. A Zarthosti who recites his prayers in such holy
atmosphere gets abundant happiness and peace of mind. 6
So when one goes to meet such divine authority and God's wonderful
creation for mankind one must remember to observe certain disciplines
and respect in His presence with love prayers and good behaviour. The
purpose of this book is to guide people who have faith; feelings and
respect for Iranshah, but unfortunately are ignorant of certain dos
and don'ts.
So dear readers it is my humble request to you, to go through the
pages of this book, think very calmly and sincerely and then put into
practice so that your next visit to Iranshah will be a meaningful and
memorable one. Iranshah will then call you again and again with cheers
on your face and happiness in your heart.
Amen.
________________________________
Page 07
2. THE NEED TO HAVE A BATH (ABLUTION)
A morning bath has been given a great importance in the Mazdayasni
Din. For us it is a religious command to get up early in the morning,
take a bath and start our prayers. A true Zarthosti never starts any
work before taking a bath. It also reflects on the family culture to
which he belongs. So when we do not start even our daily routine work
without a bath then why does a Zarthosti avoid taking a bath before
going to Iranshah? This is very difficult to understand.
Some people argue that while coming from Mumbai or from elsewhere they
have already taken a bath in the morning. They claim that they are
travelling in first class or in their own private car then where is
the need to go for a second bath after coming to Udvada? This group
conveniently put their argument to suit their comfort and convenience.
They do not know that in the atmosphere there is any amount of
impurities. It could be physical impurities as well as spiritual too.
Evil currents are always moving in the atmosphere apart from dust and
smoke which can be physically seen. The traveller comes into contact
with all such matters and unknowingly, absorbs it in his physical and
ultra physical body. The longer the journey the harder is the impact
on the person. It is therefore most essential to take a bath before
going to Iranshah so that the person is totally free from all evil
matters that he/she has contacted during the journey.
So in future do not make the mistake of going to Iranshah without
taking a bath in Udvada. The male gender is advised that if they wish
to have a shave then please ensure that they put aside the shaving kit
before going for the bath. Never touch such items after you have taken
the bath. The best way is to put off shaving for the number of days
you are in Udvada. This will help you to maintain maximum purity in
this respect. Of course this is not valid if your stay is for a longer
period. In olden days, it is said that facility was available to take
bath in the compound of Atash Behram. However due to changed
circumstances, this practice is discontinued. But that does not mean
that we Parsees totally discontinue the practice of taking a bath
before entering our Fire Temples. It is also heard that there was a
custom to take a holy bath (Nahan) given by Mobed Saheb before
entering Iranshah. But if this is not possible, it would be a real
good gesture to make use of Taro (Bull's/Cow's urine) in your house
before taking the bath.
________________________________
Page 08
3. DRESS
After taking the bath the question that comes is of the dress. So many
articles are written on this subject as to what should be our dress
while visiting Iranshah. Ladies have been repeatedly told, requested
and explained as to what type of dress they should wear while going to
Iranshah. However, all such talks, it seems have fallen on deaf ears.
So many instances have been pointed out by Mobed Saheb where young
girls have entered Iranshah in the most atrocious dresses. There are
instances where our Mobed Sahebs were even insulted and humiliated for
pointing out such shameless dresses put on by some ladies. Such act on
the part of the ladies reflects their family culture and their faith,
feelings and love for Iranshah.
With such indecent dresses the wearer puts burden on Iranshah.
Negative currents pass through such dresses, which are harmful to
human beings also. This has been proved by today's science. A decent
dress for a man is white Dagli, white shirt and pant. For ladies a
white or light coloured sari with a long sleeve blouse is an ideal
dress. Young girls may put on a frock, which should be long enough to
cover their knees. Along with the above dress the head must be
covered. For this the gents must wear a regular Parsi Topi either of
black, red or blue colour. The mazdayasni din prescribes white cap
along with white dress mentioned above. Under no circumstances one
should wear the fancy knitted cap, it is absolutely out of place for
going to Iranshah. For ladies the prescribed head cover is popularly
known as Mathubanu. It must be of pure cotton and not of silk. The
silk scarf
neither gives the required protection nor the nourishment to the head.
Further, the ladies are requested to put on the Mathubanu in such a
way that all the hair gets covered inside. Today's fashion is to wear
Salvar Kamiz, which is really an ideal dress for ladies as it covers
the body very well. However, along with the Salvar Kamiz, the head
must be covered with the regular Mathubanu. Mere putting on the Odhani
or Dupatta is not at all acceptable.
Please remember not to put your clothes meant for Iranshah on the bed.
Put it on a table chair or such other place. Moreover keep this dress
away from your shoes, chappals, shaving kit etc. during travelling. In
other words do not keep all the materials in one bag. Havetwo bags.
In the matter of dress one more thing is to be remembered and that is
the inside dress. As one takes care of the outside dress one must also
take care of the inside dress that is Sudreh and Kushti. Please do not
go to Iranshah with torn and dirty Sudreh Kushti. The Sudreh should be
of nine seams only. Similarly the Kushti should be also made up of 72
threads and not less. The ladies have a fancy of putting on Sudreh
made up of Net material, which is not correct. The Sudreh must be of
cotton only. The garment made up of Net is like a mosquito net, which
cannot preserve, store powers of Ashoi.
Nowadays boys and girls put on Jeans. They are requested to ensure
that the Jeans are absolutely clean and are not put on during
travelling. Jeans is a garment where one cannot distinguish whether it
is old or new, washed or dirty. The younger generation is also
requested not to put on the same clothes after the bath, which they
had put on during travelling. Finally in the matter of shoes and
chappals please note that the plastic or rubber shoes, sandals and
chappals nullifies the good effects of a Kushti and therefore care
should be taken to ensure that one puts on such items made up of
leather only.
________________________________
Page 10
4. KUSHTI PADIYAV
If sufficient attention is given to the above two points then we can
say that we are ready and fit to go to Iranshah. Please bow down and
give your first salute to Iranshah at the main entrance where you will
find two steps. The boundary of Iranshah's darbar starts from here.
Put on your right foot first and go straight to your right where there
is provision to wash your face, hands and feet. There is no need to
move here and there once you enter His darbar. After entering the
Pavilion please wash your face and any open parts of your body like
hands and feet. After making it dry with your handkerchief start your
Kushti ritual. Before doing so please untie your shoelaces.
The correct Kushti is to start with Kemna Mazda prayer. After reciting
this prayer completely untie your Kushti and start the complete prayer
of Ahura Mazda Khodaye and tie up your Kushti again: After this please
recite the prayer of Jasame Avangahe Mazda which completes the Kushti
prayer. While doing your Kushti please see that the Kushti lars (ends)
do not touch the ground. If this happens the good power preserved in
your Kushti through the prayer will drain down in the earth and the
powers of evil force will start getting in through the Kushti. It is
also important to note here that one must not strike Kushti very hard
like a whip It must be struck very gently and always in the North
direction. While going to Iranshah instead of doing your Kushti once
it is recommended to do the Kushti ritual twice.
After completing the Kushti ladies should remember NOT to put the
Sudreh inside the blouse. Similarly the gents should also remember NOT
to put the Sudreh inside the trouser. It should be kept open outside.
This is an act of indecency, and an insult to Iranshah which one would
not like to do after knowing the truth. Sudreh Kushti is able to pull
good forces from nature. When sudreh is not kept out side it brings
deficiency in its power to pun good forces.
The big question that comes after the Kushti prayer particularly for
the ladies is walking bare footed in the first hall of Iranshah where
there is no carpet. After performing the Kushti prayer the moment one
puts his foot down where there is no carpet or the person has not put
on socks, the Kushti act becomes unworthy/invalid. A Zarthosti who
receives divine powers from performance of a Kushti now starts
receiving bad currents as his Kushti is broken and he is walking bare
footed. He does not get protection from his Sudreh Kushti. To enter
Iranshah with such invalid Kushti prayer is as if to enter Iranshah
without the Kushti prayer and that should be avoided at all costs.
This problem could be easily solved if one wears socks while going to
Iranshah. It is difficult for ladies to walk the distance from the
hotel, residence or traveller's lodge (Dharmashala) with the socks on.
However they can bring a pair to Iranshah, put it on in the Pavilion,
then wash their hands and perform the Kushti. Before going home the
socks could be removed in the Pavilion. If this little trouble is
taken it would bring abundant good results to the person, as he would
be entering Iranshah with his Kushti intact. It may be remembered here
that in our Patet Pashemani prayer, to walk bare footed even in the
house is considered as an offence which is punishable. We generally
take out our shoes and chappals right at the inside front door of
Iranshah. This leaves an ugly scene and an act of indiscipline. If we
leave our shoes and chappals systematically elsewhere and also not
below the Paigambar Saheb's portrait, it would show a good act and
discipline on our part. If one wears socks, the problem could be very
easily solved.
________________________________
Page 12
5. REVERANCE, KISSES AND SALUTATION
Now the time has come to enter the Iranshah's Darbar. Many a times we
see that a Zarthosti bows down to each and every steps, doors,
windows, statues and photo frames of all the departed souls, Paigambar
Saheb etc. In one minute's time he salutes so many of them that one
wonders whether he knows to whom he is giving respect or not. When he
touches each step if he is holding sukhad in his hand the chances are
the sukhad may also touch the ground, which is undesirable. One may
bow down but one must refrain from touching the staircase from where
so many people have passed by with their shoes on. It is advisable not
to show such overrated devotion. One must remember that we have come
to Iranshah and therefore the first respect should go to Iranshah and
later on to others. An overall respect to all the departed souls would
be much better. Of course you can always give your special respect to
Paigambar Saheb. .
It is not the Reverence and Salutation, which creates so many
problems, as is created by kisses. The epidemic of giving kisses here
and there to show one's love is growing day by day. There is no such
precedent or custom in Zarthosti Din to give kisses. This practice is
copied from the Britishers. And from the houses it has gone to the
streets and finally come up to Iranshah's Darbar. Our Mobed Saheb
while performing any religious ceremony put on a cloth over their
face, which is known as Padan. The purpose of putting this Padan is to
ensure that while reciting the prayers bad breath, saliva etc. should
not pollute the holy matters before him including the fire. We
Zarthostis do exactly the opposite to what Mobed Sahebs are doing. It
is therefore requested that at least in Iranshah at no place one
should give kisses and pollute the place. Off course this is also
valid for all other fire temples too.
When one Zarthosti gives a kiss on the Iranshah's threshold out of
ignorance he leaves germs there, which cannot be seen with naked eyes.
When the next person bows down at the same place there are very good
chances of his contacting the disease through the germs left by the
earlier person. Furthermore, one must remember that as soon as one's
lips touches the floor or a photo frame or such other matters the
effect of the Kushti becomes null and void. A Zarthosti very well
knows that Kushti is the foundation of all our prayers. One can very
well imagine the condition of a building without foundation.
________________________________
Page 13
6. WOOD (KATHI) VS. SANDALWOOD (SUKHAD)
The ordinary wood, which we will call here as Kathi is an essential
thing in preserving Atash Padshah in our fire temples. Kathi should
necessarily be of Babul tree only. One does not get any fragrance from
Kathi. According to my personal opinion the best present to Iranshah
is your true faithful prayers and a piece of sandalwood of the finest
quality.
When such sandalwood is offered to Iranshah, the atmosphere gets
filled with divine fragrance and pious feelings. Contrary to this from
where the system of offering Kathi to Iranshah has cropped up is
difficult to understand. One must have observed that when Kathi is
offered to Padshah Saheb it is used as and when it is required.
However, present in the form of sandalwood is straightway offered to
Padshah Saheb in your presence. Is it not a matter of happiness?
Please remember that sandalwood is the food of our Padshah Saheb. Each
time during Boi ceremony, Padshah Saheb is offered a Maachi, which is
of sandalwood and not of Kathi. Just think it over. Moreover one must
remember that while offering Maachi to Padshah Saheb, the minimum
quantity of sandalwood should be of one kilo. The reason is one kilo
of sandalwood would last at least till the first Atash Niayesh is
recited by the Mobed Saheb and the fire will continue to spread the
divine light.
There is no need to be a miser in this matter. If it is not possible
to do so then one should offer sandalwood of the equivalent amount
which one can afford, instead of a Maachi. The meaning of the para
coming in Atash Niayesh ---
"Veespanam para - charentam, Atarsh zasta adidhaya -----" is as under.
Atash Padshah wishes to make friendship with the person reciting the
prayer and wants to help him. He is eager and anxious to take the
mankind to salvation. The status of Iranshah among all fire temples is
the highest and therefore this thought process is highly activated.
Zarthostis should take advantage of his presence and reach salvation
faster. And therefore the friend on the throne (Padshah Saheb) looks
at the walking friend coming near to HIM. HE looks at his hands and
asks, what have you brought for me?
Late Dr. Faramroze Chiniwala saheb has written that in offering
sandalwood to Atash Padshah to keep the Atash burning there is an
unlimited act of benevolence and righteousness. So once again I urge
you to offer only sandalwood to Padshah Saheb according to your
condition. Off course you may put any amount of money in the Kathi
fund as you wish. However, when you personally visit Iranshah, you
should carry a piece of sandalwood only in your hand.
These days at many places cheap low quality wooden pieces are sold in
the name of pure sandalwood at the prevailing price of sandalwood. The
common man cannot make out the difference as certain ordinary wooden
pieces look exactly like sandalwood because they are coated with
sandalwood oil. Our Mobed Sahebs have the knack of finding out such
cheap quality of sandalwood or rightly to say the ordinary wooden
pieces. They take care that such pieces are not offered to Padshah
Saheb. The Zarthosti should be thankful to the Mobed who has prevented
him from offering such cheap wooden pieces to Iranshah. Of course the
Zarthosti is not to be blamed because he has paid full price for the
so-called sandalwood. When you go in the market and if your friend or
relative stops you from buying spurious goods to save your health you
will whole-heartedly thank him for the same. Then why such impolite
attitude towards Mobed Saheb who takes care of your offering to
Iranshah?
A point of reference to the expenses incurred on flowers is worth
mentioning here. It is better if some control is exercised on the
amount spent so lavishly on flowers. Such self-discipline will lead to
reduce wastage of flowers, which is one of the most beautiful
creations of nature. The extra money can always be given in charity
for some good cause. You have to just see, the condition of flowers
offered on Behram roj, the next day to appreciate my point.
________________________________
Page 15
7. DISCIPLINE, RESTRICTION, MANNERS AND PATIENCE
To go to Iranshah for reverence is to go to the highest divine
authority on this earth. And therefore the highest sense of
discipline, self control and manners are very essential.
Unfortunately, this is not happening many a times. Iranshah's Darbar
is not our Albless Baug where one can move here and there, chitchat
and make a public nuisance of oneself
If we have to learn the art of discipline, control and manners we
should look at other religions and their religious places. The
discipline observed in a Mosque, a Church or a Gurudwara is a shining
example even in today's time. If you will carefully think over this
matter you will realize that how backward we are in observing
discipline in Iranshah.
To site a few examples, I would say that there are some Zarthostis who
recite the prayers so loudly that it disturbs other fellow Zarthostis
present nearby. Some people keep talking to their friends and
relatives with their back to Iranshah. This is a gross insult to
Padshah Saheb, which cannot be pardoned. A few more, Zarthostis
stretch their legs towards Padshah Saheb not realizing that this act
on their part is mannerless and yet another insult to Iranshah. On
many occasions one finds that suddenly a Zarthosti leaves his prayers
aside and starts talking to his long lost friend or relative. This
disturbs the continuous harmonious effect of staot.
Allowing little kids to play with the holy religious books is a common
scene in Iranshah. The innocent child throws the book on the ground
where you know that we are walking all the time. There are enough
notices put on the bookcase but nobody cares about it. Just realize
how much respect is given by the Sikhs to their holy Granth. It is not
just the respect but they even worship the book, whereas what we do to
our holy Pak Avesta Book, you know better.
It is to be noted here that to turn the pages of Avesta book one must
never put his fingers in the mouth and turn it. This is yet another
offence which is unpardonable. Please note that one should also not
put his fingers in the nose or ears while praying. If you get an
itching sensation in the head use your handkerchief to scratch. Do not
do it with bare hands. If you are sitting on a bench or a chair see
that you do not cross your legs. Also ensure that you do not recite
your prayers by keeping your legs hanging in the air. At least one leg
must have a contact with the ground and that too, either you are
wearing socks or your leg is on a carpet.
In today's time a large number of ladies are not following the
complete tarikat (code of conduct) during their monthly periods. In an
event when their monthly period is coming nearer such person should
avoid visiting Udvada with their relatives and friends. It is because
in any case she would not be able to visit Iranshah and at the same
time she would create difficulties for others in maintaining purity.
She would indirectly put burden on Iranshah. Such instances are
recorded and hence this point is brought out here for caution.
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8. RESPECT TO MOBED SAHEBS
The Mobed Saheb who is in service to Iranshah giving Boi is
accountable to Iranshah and not to us. So please behave with full
respect towards them. Do not behave rudely. In appreciation of their
services every single Zarthosti is duty bound to pay them some Ashodad
as per his condition. Their sacrifice in maintaining and preserving
Iranshah is of the highest order. Perhaps Iranshah is rewarding the
present generation for the services rendered by their forefathers. And
therefore, please do not make an issue of any small mistake/lapse on
their part. A true spiritual mobed has passion for devotion and
worship. He is not after money.
Dharm Guru Bhookhe Bhaktike
Dhan Ke Bhookhe Nahin
Jo Dharma Guru Bhookhe Dhan Ke
O Dharm Guru Nahin
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9. IRANSHAH'S THRESHOLD (UMBAR)
Iranshah's threshold (Umbar) is not a property of a single Zarthosti.
Many a times it so happens that a Zarthosti does not move away from
the Umbar for minutes together. This is a great inconvenience to other
Zarthostis who are waiting behind to give their respect to Iranshah.
One has to think of the people who are old and weak waiting for their
turn to bow down to Iranshah. Especially on certain important days,
this should not happen. A true Zarthosti should move out from the
Umbar within 5 to 10 seconds, thereby giving a quick opportunity to
other fellow Zarthostis. They should inculcate this habit in their
children also. There is nothing wrong in standing away from the Umbar
and praying for hours. Even Iranshah also likes the same way, as HE
would not prefer that HIS disciples should wait for long after making
a very long and tiring journey.
It is a general practice these days to ask Mobed Saheb to recite
Tandarosti of the family members. However, even to write the names of
the family members, one does not leave the Umbar is a bit too much. It
is really bad manners and should be avoided. One can always write the
names standing little away from the Umbar so that during that time
several Zarthostis would get an opportunity to bow down to Iranshah.
Even when the Tandarosti is recited by the Mobed Saheb the behdins
just don't move away from the Umbar. One must remember that the Mobed
Saheb always recites the prayer loud and clear therefore there is
nothing wrong if the family stands a little away from the Umbar so
that many others can do their duties during that time.
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10. IRANSHAH'S RAKHYA
With love and respect, the Ash of any Atash Padshah is called Rakhya.
In return of our present in the form of prayers and sandalwood/kathi,
Iranshah gives us a divine gift in the form of Rakhya. This present
given by way of a blessing is not to be eaten, and therefore never put
it in your mouth. Iranshah's Rakhya is same for rich and poor. It
reminds us of Universal Brotherhood of Rich and Poor.
Please do not pick up Rakhya like snuff with the help of your thumb
and finger. The right way is to use your right hand finger (index
finger), touch it to Rakhya and whatever you get by way of your luck,
apply it on your forehead and at no other place of your body. Take
care that it does not fall on the ground as the Rakhya may come under
someone's feet. All these acts are direct insult to lranshah.
Atash Padshah's divine power is also there in the Rakhya. The Rakhya
has power to absorb good as well as bad currents. As long as we are in
the holy atmosphere of Iranshah the Rakhya on your forehead draws only
good divine currents. After your prayer is over and it is time to go
home one must remember to clean the forehead and remove the Rakhya.
Care should be taken that you do so at a place where no one is likely
to put his foot. The ideal place to remove Rakhya from your forehead
is on the flowerpot or a plant where there are no chances of any
person putting his foot on the Rakhya.
The purpose of removing Rakhya from the forehead is when one goes out
in the polluted atmosphere the Rakhya draws only bad currents, which
are harmful to the person. It is also not desirable that a juddin's
eye falls on the Rakhya. Many times we see Parsis moving in Udvada
town with a big spot of Rakhya on their forehead. This is only to
satisfy their ego, which should be avoided. In fact it is harmful to
the person doing so.
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11. THINGS WHICH SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN TO IRANSHAH
Iranshah is just not an ordinary place of worship. Care has to be
taken to maintain the purity and piety of Iranshah from all angles.
The first step towards this is never to carry any material made up of
leather inside the inner hall of Iranshah. You have noticed that
because of this reason we take out our shoes and chappals outside the
hall. So the principle should also apply to various other items made
up of leather. This includes ladies purse, gents' wallet, leather belt
of a wristwatch, and all such items made of leather. These items give
additional burden to Iranshah in performing His mission.
The variety of items lying in a ladies purse like nail cutter, nail
polish, nail file, lipstick, perfumes which are made up of
unacceptable chemicals, comb, brush, eyebrow pencil etc. etc. are all
un desirable and therefore should never be taken to Iranshah. It is
better to have a separate purse exclusively for Iranshah where one can
put some cash sukhad and perhaps a new handkerchief.
Another set of items, which should not be taken inside Iranshah are
the items working on dry cells and batteries. For example a battery
operated wristwatch, portable fan, torch and such other gadgets are
not permitted in Iranshah. The reason being all such items work on a
different type of electricity, which is not in harmony with the light
of Iranshah. For centuries our Mobed Sahebs have maintained this piety
and purity without falling in for the covenient electricity, which is
at our disposal. The Zarthostis who follow this discipline help the
Mobed Saheb and also help themselves in maintaining the sanctity of
Iranshah. A third type of absolutely non-essential, harmful items
which are seen these days are Pagers, Mobile telephones, Cameras and
Video cameras. A notice is put in Iranshah prohibiting these items
inside. However many Parsis for their selfish motive just over look
such notices.
Some Parsees bring their whole travelling bag inside Iranshah inspite
of the Mobed Saheb requesting them not to bring it in the inner hall
of Iranshah. One must realize that such travelling bags come in
contact with many people and therefore are subject to seen and unseen
impurities of nature. It is for this reason that the Mobed Sahebs
request, not to bring such bags inside the hall.
Please remember that your sundry purchases of items like pickles,
papads, dry bombay ducks, bhakhras etc. should be done only after your
main mission i.e. to pay your respect to Iranshah is over. Do not
carry all such items with you for two reasons. Firstly the items by
themselves are unwanted inside Iranshah and secondly you never know
the condition of the seller.
A little care is also required to be taken when we put currency notes
on the chamuch. Would it not be better to put crisp new notes and new
coins rather than putting old soiled and dirty notes and coins?
Finally, I have only to say that when you go to Iranshah for giving
Him respect it is not just sufficient that you come back with only
reverence. A minimum of one Atash Niyayesh must be recited in praise
of Iranshah. This Atash Niyayesh must be recited after performing your
compulsory prayers that is Sarosh Baj, Gah, Khorshed and Meher
Niyayesh (during day time) Vispa Humata and then Atash Niyayesh,
followed by Doa naam Setayshne, to complete your prayer. The Atash
Niyayesh should be recited before Atash Padshah in a standing
position. If one does not know how to pray than an alternative given
is to recite 65 Ahunavar (Yatha) in lieu of Atash Niyayesh.
Through this book I have attempted to draw the attention of my fellow
hamdins about the do s and don'ts while going to Iranshah so that they
will not make any mistake through ignorance and little carelessness. I
hope my fellow Zarthostis will think over it and follow it sincerely
to make their next visit to Iranshah a successful and memorable one.
O Pak Iranshah, worthy of being worshipped, an inspiring Light it is
our sincere prayer with many many salutations that let your divine
blessings continue to be showered on all the creation of the world and
particularly on the Zarthoshti community and you show us the right
path of love, service and selfless brotherhood. Amen.
Tehmurasp Shawaksha Pardiwala
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