Banaji Limji Agiary, the oldest existing Agiary in Bombay, will be completing 300 years on Mah Adar, Roj Adar on 24th April 2009.
If we are not wrong, this sacred Agiary is the oldest Agiary in the whole of India, only Pak Iranshah at Udvada is older than it, and of course Iranshah is an Atashbehram. It was consecrated way back in 1709 AD (YZ 1078)
This Agiary has the unique distinction of conducting 16 days Muktad when majority of the Agiaries have reduced Muktad to 10 days.
The Trustees of the Agiary have appealed to the members of the community to donate generously for the repair / maintenance fund. Appeal from Trustees for contribution to repair fund is reproduced below in red print. Those desirous of contributing to the repair fund are requested to:
1. Drop their contributions in the collection box at the Agiary or
2. Personally hand over to the Panthaky Saheb or
3. Issue cheques in name of "Banaji Limji Agiary Trust Funds".
(please see appeal below)
Appeal for contribution to Repair Fund
The Banaji Limjee Agiary, which was constructed in the year 1709 and is the second Agiary to be so constructed in Bombay, is today the oldest existing Agiary in Bombay, the first having burnt down~ many many years ago.
The Banaji Limjee Agiary will be completing 300 years on Mah Adar Roj Adar, i.e. 24th April 2009, The present structure, which is about 163 years old now, having been rebuilt in 1845, and lastly repaired & renovated in 1999-2000 needs further repairs, maintenance & facelift both internally and externally.
The Trustees of Banaji. Limjee Agiary Trust Funds are anxious to carry out the repairs, renovation & further facelift of this heritage structure so that the patrons and worshippers who come to this Agiary may not be put to any great inconvenience in the performance of religious ceremonies and daily prayers.
As can be expected, the cost of repairs at prevailing prices works out to a fairly large sum and the Trust does not have the financial capability to bear this essential expenditure.
The Trustees would also like to take this opportunity to collect substantial funds not only for the current repairs/renovations but also for a reserve fund, which could be used to meet future periodical maintenance charges.
As our holy fire sees its first dawn of its 301st year, the trustees earnestly appeal to all members of the community to come forward and help this noble cause with generous donations, which will go a long way to preserve the community's oldest place of worship in Bombay today.
Amount of donation be given to the Panthaki of our Agiary at the Agiary. If the donor wishes to pay by cheques, the same may be drawn in the name of "Banajee Limjee Agiary Trust Funds" and made cross and order. Cash payment can also be deposited in the collection box kept for the purpose in the Agiary.
Yours gratefully,
Dadi K. Banaji
Adi B. Banaji
Jamshed Banaji
Dasturji Meherji Kaekobad Meherjiana
Hosang Wania
Trustees
Banaji Limjee Agiary Trust Funds
Address ,
Banaji Limjee Agiary
18, Banaji Street,
Fort, Mumbai-400 001.
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