Sunday, December 30, 2007

Salgrehs of Agiaries and Gahambars in Amardad mah, YZ 1377 (Dec 07 - Jan 08)

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 30, 2007 9:57 AM
Subject: Salgrehs of Agiaries and Gahambars in Amardad mah, YZ 1377
(Dec 07 - Jan 08)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Baname Khuda!

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

these are the Salgrehs of Agiaries in the month of Amardad YZ 1377
(Dec 07 - Jan 08)

Some of these salgrehs have already passed this time, nevertheless
hope the list will help devotees next year.

Bahman roj on 19 Dec 2007, Wed:
1. Shapoorji F Jokhi Dare-meher at Godrej Baug, Mumbai
2. Avan Bag Dadgah, Malesar, Navsari

Ardibehest roj on 20 Dec 2007, Thurs:
1. Sir J J Godavra Adarian at Fort, Mumbai
2. Hamawalla Daremeher, Bharuch.
3. Katrak Daremeher, New Delhi

Asfandard roj on 22 Dec 2007, Saturday:
1. Vadi Daremeher, Navsari
2. Mewawalla Dadgah, Neemuch

Amardad roj on 24 Dec 2007, Monday:
1. Umrigar Dadgah, Vadodara (Baroda)

Adar roj on 26 Dec 2007, Wednesday
1. Vicajee Meherjee Daremeher, Sholapur

Tir roj on 30 Dec 2007, Sunday
1. Khan Daremeher at Nanpura, Surat

Sarosh roj on 3 Jan 2008, Thurs:
1. Boyce Dhanapatel Agiary, Tardeo, Mumbai
2. Vatcha Gandhi Agiary at Chowpatty, Mumbai
3. A K Pankhaky Agiary at Bandra, Mumbai
4. Belgamwalla Daremeher at Hoobly

Behram roj on 6 Jan 2008, Sunday:
1. Dasturji Kookadaroo Daremeher, Sanjan.

Ashtad roj on 12 Jan 2008, Saturday
*** Paeteshhem Gahambar ***


Humdins may write about these salgrehs if they happen to visit the
Agiary on the day.

Even advance notification of jashans and lectures to take place on
these days will be appreciated by one and all.

Sincerely,
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

[Traditional Zs] Re: Salgreh of some Atashbehram/Agiaries/Dadgahs in the coming days (of Tir mah)

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 17, 2007 2:51 PM
Subject: Re: [Traditional Zs] Re: Salgreh of some
Atashbehram/Agiaries/Dadgahs in the coming days (of Tir mah)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>


Baname Khuda!

Dear brother Khushroo,

Very good report.

It seems the buildings themselves are being deserted, but the Atash
Padshah Sahebs are given a new house.

Nothing wrong in itself, we are still doing good as long as we take
care of consecrated Atashes.
The kathi supply problem you mentioned is to be handled on a
war-footing basis, it seems.

Perhaps our Mr Rustom Chothia, who manages a kathi fund can comment on
how to assure kathi supply to these far-flung Agiaries and Dadgahs.

Your writing about Ellav was very apt. This is where the Elavias come from.
From Kudiana hail the Kudianiwallas and from Olpad hail the Olpadiwallas.

In your future trips, could you arrange to have a small (digital)
camera so that you can take some photos of these places and share them
with us on TZML.

You will be surprised as to how many Zarathushtis indirectly get TZML
emails by them being forwarded by their friends.

Good information and deals on digital cameras and other
electronic/electrical appliances can be found on this very useful site
http://www.compareindia.com/

Do keep up the good work, this is our collective faraz (duty) and lets
see how we can best mitigate these problems.

Perhaps some common-sense solutions and direction action bypassing
bureaucracy could be the solution.

Lets take name of Behram Yazad and pray for Victory in these matters.

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla


On 12/17/07, KHUSHROO PASTAKIA wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> KSHNO THARO AHURE MAZDAO (Victory of Pak Dadar Ahuramazda),
>
> Thanks a lot for informing the Salgreh information one day earlier, so I could visit the Elav Adarian, which is now converted into Dadgah.
>
> Elav is around 40 Kms. from Surat and surprisingly there was no visitor on the Salgreh day, as per the feedback from its caretaker Mr. Jemi Patel. He told that there are only 2 families remaining and there was no Kathi left. Well I will ensure for the supply of immediate Kathi, but the future of this Adaryan is once again doubtful.
>
> Once upon a time Elav was well known for big PROSPEROUS Parsee community and where every house was blessed with extremely good wealth, when one enters Elav, there is a big school in the name of Ratanshaw Koyaji, which itself shows the past glory, but thereafter everyone went off for Foreign destinations and now there is nobody left to take care of the Dadgah Saheb.
>
> While returning back to Surat, we also visited to Olpad Dadgah Saheb and that was my most miserable visit to any Adaryan / Dadgah Sahebs. Huge property, but like a KHANDAR, walls with big holes and swinging bricks, just waiting to fall upon. Only three families left in Olpad and nobody to take care of the Dadgah Saheb, except of one family and one never knows when the building will fall down, its in EXTREMELY poor condition. As per the feedback from that family, next month they are shifting the Dadgah Saheb in Surat's Shahenshahi Atashbehram. One more Dadgah Saheb getting closed and the same is the position of Kudiana Dadgah Saheb, nearby Olpad at the verge of closure.
>
> With best regards,
> Khushroo A. Pastakia
>
>

Salgreh of Illav Dadgah on Marespand roj, Tir mah, YZ 1377 (which is Sun, 16th Dec 2007)

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 16, 2007 4:25 PM
Subject: Salgreh of Illav Dadgah on Marespand roj, Tir mah, YZ 1377
(which is Sun, 16th Dec 2007)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Baname Khuda!

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

today on Marespand roj of Tir mah is the Salgreh of the Dadgah at
Illav in the Bharuch district of Surat.

The Seth Jamshedji Burjorji Mistry Daremeher (Dadgah) was consecrated
in the year YZ 1239 (AD 1869) and is hence 138 years old.

What a feat!

Mr. Giara's book, 1st edition, page 90 mentions about this Dadgah and
says that its Salgreh is on roj Amardad, mah Tir; whereas a Parsi
calendar says it is on Marespand roj, Tir mah.

Could someone please clarify the exact Salgreh roj and mah.

The same page also shows the photo of the dadgah, it is not very
healthy looking building.

Perhaps some charitable institution or individual would look into it,
esp since there are only 4 Parsis living there.

Or an individual with generous disposition could help. Instead of
celebrating a lagan or naojote in a family with lot of dhoom-dham and
huge expenses on flowers and decorations, it could be done in a more
simple manner, and the proceeds could go towards the uplift of such
far-flung agiaries and dadgahs. It will certainly be a naojote or
lagan to remember, plus an additional bonus of satisfaction of
committing a good deed. Anyway Parsis need no lesson in charity, hence
this is only a suggestion.

I was inspired to write the above when a non-Parsi friend recently
celebrated his only daughter' first birthday with extreme simplicity.
Even though they could afford a lavish spread, he humbly told me that
they donated the money for a charitable cause.

Long like sakhavat in Parsi and non-Parsi hearts!

Sincerely,
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

Saturday, December 15, 2007

[TMYZ] Re: [Traditional Zs] Green agiaries - Having water purification, use of sun rays, compost treatment mini-unit, etc

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 14, 2007 1:27 PM
Subject: Re: [TMYZ] Re: [Traditional Zs] Green agiaries - Having water
purification, use of sun rays, compost treatment mini-unit, etc
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>


Baname Khuda!

Dear brother Kaizad,

thank you for enlightening both TZML and TMYZ members on the
availability of such fine and knowledge-laden books we as the
Zarathushti community possess.

There is so much wisdom in these books you have mentioned.

To be able to have ready-made 17 tariquats for us to put in practise
in this day and age is indeed very good.

I hope all devout Zarathushtis get a copy of these writings and try
and implement them in their daily lives.

On a related subject of "translating it in English", I am bit sad that
even Parsis who have done their education in India want English
translations. Why this step-motherly treatment of our mother-tongue,
which for most Parsis from India is Gujarati.

My hearty and sincere recommendation to fellow-Parsis is that if you
have studied even elementary Gujarati or Hindi in school, then
orienting to the Gujarati religious books is not difficult. The
language is same K, Kh, G, Gg, etc.

There is a certain pleasure in reading our religious books in original
language which the authors like Dr F S Chiniwalla who is mentioned
here. With translation, some much of the essence and spirit is lost.
It is as if the eastern Zarathushti religion is brought down a level
or two to cater for the western and limited understanding of the
Zarathushti religion. So many words and emotions cannot be effectively
translated without losing accuracy.

And most important the pronunciation of the Avesta manthras is not the
same in English as in Gujarati, which has a superior way of
representing important sounds than the current version of English can.

If fellow Zarathushtis wish to brush up their Gujarati, then we have
these very good sites:

http://tenets.zoroastrianism.com/readguj33b.html

http://www.ukindia.com/zguj1.htm

Gujarati Lessons Zip file by Ukindia


My apologies to Ervad Meher for not yet replying to your fine email a
few days ago.

I will do so shortly.

With best wishes
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

The Parsee Voice issue - cautioning on sinister developments in Udvada

From: TZML Admins
Date: Dec 12, 2007 3:29 PM
Subject: The Parsee Voice issue - cautioning on sinister developments in Udvada
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: The Parsee Voice


12 December 2007

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

cc: Vada Dasturjis,
Ervad Sahebs,
The Parsee Voice,
Zoroastrian Studies,
Parsi Pukar,
Dini-Awaz,
Prominent Zoroastrians,
TZML
TMYZ officials

we have received a latest copy of the Parsee Voice, which is a journal
that protects the interests of the community.

The latest issue deals with Udvada and the efforts by some
Zarathushtis to convert Udvada into a "tourist town", and bring in
non-Zoroastrian tourists in this peaceful village-town. This is
clearly not how Udvada, which houses the greatest of our Holy Atashes
- the Iranshah - should be categorised.

Udvada is, firstly and lastly, a religious place, not a tourist destination.

Zoroastrians primarily go to Udvada for worshipping Iranshah, and it
is important that the atmosphere around Iranshah in Udvada must be
kept sanctified and pure. While Zoroastrians themselves commit big
errors in the rules of bodily and spiritual purity before going to
Iranshah (like not taking a shower/bath or even performing the
necessary kusti), one can just imagine what would happen when
non-Zoroastrians would descend in droves at Udvada gaam.

There is a need for increasing the Zarathushti presence in Udvada,
there is a need for young and middle-aged Parsi families to settle in
Udvada and bring some life to the place, there is a need for small
scale "cottage industries" to be promoted in Udvada to give both
Zarathushtis and non-Zarathushtis a livelihood, but apart from that
any large scale activities will ruin the place.

The Foundation for Development of Udvada (FDU) should bear all this in
mind before it encourages any activity which could be detrimental to
the sanctified atmosphere of Udvada.

The Parsee Voice, with its knowledgeable team and well-researched
outlook, have come out with an issue which makes us sit back and think
whether we as a community are headed in the right direction.

There are some sinister motives behind organising and celebrating the
recent 265th Anniversary of Iranshah's coming to Udvada. This event
was organised with much fanfare, but one does wonder, as the Parsee
Voice does, is who would celebrate the an odd anniversary as 265th.
Normally one celebrates a 250th or a 275th or 300th Anniversary, but
265th? And another aspect which rings an alarm is the FDU was not
mentioned during the celebrations, why such secrecy and silence.

Hence dear Zarathushtis, please be alert and vigilant.

We enclose the Parsee Voice, Vol IV (11 and 12) and Vol V (1 & 2) as a
PDF attachment for you to read and pass along to other good
Zarathushti families.

The address for correspondence for The Parsee Voice is
theparseevoice@yahoo.com.

Our sincere thanks to the team at Parsee Voice and we hope they
continue their good work in 2008 and beyond.

With best wishes
TZML Admins

(encl The Parsee Voice issue)

Friday, December 7, 2007

[Traditional Zs] Re: Salgreh of some Atashbehram/Agiaries/Dadgahs in the coming days (of Tir mah)

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 7, 2007 6:10 AM
Subject: Re: [Traditional Zs] Re: Salgreh of some
Atashbehram/Agiaries/Dadgahs in the coming days (of Tir mah)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>


Baname Khuda!

PETIT DADGAH, RUSTOMPURA, SURAT (SALGREH ON ROJ ARDIBEHEST, MAH MEHER)

Dear Mr. Pastakia,

thank you for the clarification.

I believe the date you have given Roj Ardibehest, Mah Meher ( which
will be 18th Feb in 2007) has been issued by the authorities of the
Agiary. I checked with a Gujarati calendar issues by the Union Press
and it had the same roj-mah too.

The earlier date was obtained by me from Mr. Giara's first edition
book. Perhaps it has been corrected in a subsequent edition.

Thank you for your alertness and painstaking effort to clarify the
matter for all of us.

Good wishes to yourself and the family.

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla


On 12/7/07, KHUSHROO PASTAKIA wrote:

Please note 1 correction in the below mentioned message, its Mah-Maher
& Roj Ardibehst.

KSHNO THARO AHURA MAZDAO (Victory of Pak Dadar Ahura Mazda)
The Salgiri of Petit Dadgah, located in Mota Street, Rustompura is on
18th February'07, Mah-Asfandard and Roj-Ardibehst.

Salgrehs on Behram roj, Tir mah, YZ 1377 ( Fri, 7 Dec 2007)

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 7, 2007 5:47 AM
Subject: Salgrehs on Behram roj, Tir mah, YZ 1377 ( Fri, 7 Dec 2007)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>


Baname Khuda!

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

today is the Behram roj of Tir Mah. The year is YZ 1377, and the
secular date is 7 Dec 2007.

Behram Yazad, the Lord of Victory!

What a wonderful Protector we have in Behram Yazad, who is indeed
Mushkil-e-Aasan.

Some Zarathushtis would have headed towards Udvada today to pay homage
to Iranshah, and some of them do it devotedly and religiously every
month. What dedication, what affection for the religion, and what a
commitment to Ahura Mazda and His putra (son) Adar Yazad!
Commendable indeed!

Today on Behram roj is also the Salgreh of these Agiaries:

1. The Seth Behramji Cowasji Batliwalla Agiary, Tardeo, Mumbai

This Adaran was consecrated in the year YZ 1234 (AD 10 Jan 1865) and
is 142 years old.


2. The Bodhan Anjuman Daremeher, Bodhan, Gujarat

Our member Mr. Khushroo A. Pastakia mentions that the Atash Padshah
Saheb there was shifted from Bodhan to the Bagee Padshah Adarian at
Sayadpura in Surat.

Is it right to conclude then that the Padshah Saheb is still with us,
although in different location and building and that the consecrated
Fire did not die out.

Hence is it correct to say that the Atash's Salgreh is still today on
Behram roj, because in my humble understanding the consecrated date
does not change when the Atash is re-housed somewhere, or does it? I
would believe that the consecrated date (and hence the Salgreh day)
remains the same always, unless a Fire is re-consecrated when it is
located elsewhere.

Isnt it like the birthday of a human being. He/she is born on a
particular roj and mah, and that is his/her birthday (salgreh),
irrespective of where the person moves to.

We had this discussion before too for other Atashes which have been
relocated, examples of the Billimoria and the Tavdi agiaries come to
mind.

We would really appreciate if someone knowledgable offer their opinion
on this topic.

Thank you Mr. Pastakia for sharing the information with us, but you
appreciate why we are still including this Atash Padshah in the
Salgreh list for today Behram roj.

On another note, devotees who attend the Salgreh ceremonies like
jashans or lectures etc held today, or of their visit to Iranshah, may
send us a report if they wish to.

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

Please feed poor school children in India

Friends,

A few moments of your time please.

Please feed poor school children in India at a nominal cost.

You can donate online in Indian rupees. It costs
Rs. 1200 per annum to feed ONE child one noonday
meal each day for a full YEAR.

The poor hungry kid will bless you all through the year for every
morsel that he/she eats for
the full year.

Indian scriptures say giving food in charity
is one of the best forms of charity.

http://www.akshayapatra.org/

The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently provides
8,25,247 hygienic and nutritious meals to
underprivileged school children everyday across
fourteen locations in India.


Regards,

Zoroastrian Admins,
Zoroastrian Matrimonial Page.

Pls spread the message. Anybody willing to help poor school children.

Message to a friend

My friend,

Dont say that. Everyone has a right to life, including the poorest
Indian boy or girl.

Life is from God as per our religion Zoroastrianism. When Ahura Mazda
first created the
earth, there was no death, no hunger, no suffering. All these things
are due to the fact
that evil attacked the earth. This is in the Bundahishn, the
Zoroastrian Pahlavi creation
scripture. Today, the world is suffering since good is mixed with evil.

But Prophets of Ahura Mazda are promised in our religion, Hoshedar,
Hoshedar-Mah,
and finally the Saoshyant, who will slowly remove this evil and make
the world a perfect
good place once again, free from hunger, suffering, illness, old age
and even death will
be removed. This is the positive promise of our religion. Our religion
is very optimistic
for living on earth.

God put us here on this earth as soldiers to do good and fight evil,
as per our sciptures.
The Fravashis chose to be born on earth as per this choice. Every time we do
the Kasti ritual, we fight evil. Every time we do charity and help the
poor, we fight evil.

Charity is also taught by our scriptures and Parsis are well known for
charity. It was
said in the past "Parsi, thy name is charity". We have a great heart.
Even today the
Indians consider Parsis as the best bosses and the least corrupt, people who
take care of their servants.

A man is known by not what he had, but by what he gave away to the needy.
Their sincere blessings are your true source of wealth, which will last one
even through death and beyond. We leave wealth and all possessions
behind, but blessings (Dua) of the poor stay with us and uplift our souls.

God Bless, feel free to ask me if any other questions.

Regards,

Your friend.


_______________________________
From: .....................
Sent: 04 December 2007 23:17
To: ...............................

let them go its worthless living on earth anyway

just joking

but I dont believe in charity

> Zoroastrian Friends,
>
> A few moments of your time please.
>
> Please feed poor school children in India at a nominal cost.
>
> You can donate online in Indian rupees. It costs
> Rs. 1200 per annum to feed ONE child one noonday
> meal each day for a full YEAR.
>
> The poor hungry kid will bless you all through the year for every morsel that he/she eats for
> the full year.
>
> Indian scriptures say giving food in charity
> is one of the best forms of charity.
>
> http://www.akshayapatra.org/
>
> The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently provides
> 8,25,247 hygienic and nutritious meals to
> underprivileged school children everyday across
> fourteen locations in India.
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Zoroastrian Admins,
> Zoroastrian Matrimonial Page.
>
> Pls spread the message. Anybody willing to help poor school children.

Why SHOULD WE PRAY even if we can't understand a single word of our prayers

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 5, 2007 5:26 AM
Subject: Why SHOULD WE PRAY even if we can't understand a single word
of our prayers
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Baname Khuda!

This is very inspiring and true.

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

--Forwarded Message Attachment--

PRAYERS

Why SHOULD WE PRAY even if we can't understand a single word of our prayers ?


I RECEIVED THIS AS AN E-MAIL FROM SOMEONE and am presenting this to
you , in my way, - feel free to throw it , you know where , if it does
not appeal to you ; if it does , send it to others and a copy to me.
Please.


An old Farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson.
Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading
from his KHORDEH-AVESTA . His grandson wanted to be just like him and
tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the KHORDEH-AVESTA
. just like you , but I don't understand it . What good does reading
the KHORDEH-AVESTA do ? "


The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and
replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a
basket of water."


The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got
back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to
move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with
the basket to try again. Every time the boy ran faster, but again the
basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he went to
get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of
water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough;
try again " .


The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he
reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he
said, "See Grandpa, it's useless ! " "So you think it is useless ? "
The old man said, "Look at the basket."


The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the
basket was different. It had been transformed f rom a dirty old coal
basket and was now clean, inside and out.


"Son, that's what happens when you read the KHORDEH-AVESTA. You might
not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will
be
changed, inside and out. That is the work of Daadaar Ahuramazda in our lives."


"Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with
those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole
world belongs to you."


FAITH CAN TAKE US PLACES.
(end)

Sarosh Yazad, Sarosh Yasht Hadokht, Sarosh Yasht Vadi

From: TZML Eductn & Information Committee
Date: Dec 4, 2007 6:28 AM
Subject: Sarosh Yazad, Sarosh Yasht Hadokht, Sarosh Yasht Vadi
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>


Sarosh roj

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

today is Sarosh roj.

Sarosh is a Yazad Who has a lot of significance in the Zarathoshti religion.

Sarosh is the only Yazad Who has 2 Yashts dedicated to Him:
* Sarosh Yasht Hadokht - which is on page 162 of the Englsih Khordeh Avesta
* Sarosh Yasht Vadi - which is on page 181 of the Englsih Khordeh Avesta

Sarosh Yasht Hadokht is to be prayed in the daylight gehs only, viz
Haavan, Rapithvan, Uziren.

Sarosh Yasht Vadi is to be prayed only in the Aiwishuthrem geh (after
sunset to midnight). Just like the Khorshed and Meher Nyaishes are
farazyat/obligatory prayers for the daytime, the Sarosh Yasht Vadi is
a farazyat bandagi to be prayed every night (circumstances
permitting).

The Sarosh-nu-Patru is also a very important prayer/ceremony which
takes place during the 4 day funeral ceremonies of a Zarathushti. This
prayer is done by the priests on behalf of the deceased's soul in the
Aiwishuthrem geh. When you next attend a funeral prayers, please take
special interest and ask the priests about it.

Sarosh Yazad guards not only the living man but also helps his soul
progress after death. It is Sarosh Yazad who comforts the soul at the
time of death and guides it to pray some Avesta Mathravani or other so
that its progress is unhindered.

Sarosh Yazad is Who controls the evil forces at night and makes the
legendary cock crow in the morning and thereby thickens the chain with
which evil Zohak is bound in a well by King Faredoon. This happens
every morning at dawn time. Zohak sucks the chain every night and
makes it thin, and just when he is about to break lose the cock crows
during dawn time, and the chain thickens and mankind is saved everyday
from disaster of epic proportions.

There is so much written and spoken about Sarosh Yazad, and we will
bring more of it at a later day.

Today we share some audio snippets on Sarosh Yazad for your listening pleasure.

It is a very beautiful, inspiring and educational snippet, keep it in
your collection and do not forget to listen to it on every Sarosh roj.

And remember Zarathushtis - Pray your Sarosh Yasht Vadi at night.

And please provide feedback regarding the audio clip - on clarity and
loudness factors.

It does help.

With best wishes,

TZML Education and Information Committee

Salgrehs of Agiaries-Dadgahs on Sarosh roj, Tir mah, YZ 1377 ( Tues, 4 Dec 2007)

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Dec 4, 2007 5:33 AM
Subject: Salgrehs of Agiaries-Dadgahs on Sarosh roj, Tir mah, YZ 1377
( Tues, 4 Dec 2007)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>


Baname Khuda!

Dear Zarathushtis,

today on Sarosh roj, Tir mah, YZ 1377 ( Tues, 4 Dec 2007) are the
Salgrehs of these Agiaries-Dadgahs.

1. The Goti Adaran, Surat.


The Goti Adaran is very special to many Zarathushtis. It is said that
when floods had come to Surat, the area all around the Goti Adarian
was effected, but the Adarian was left intact. Divine Protection
indeed!

Will other readers please let us know more about this fact.
2. The Bisney Adarian at Surat

3. The Modi Daremaher (which is inside Navsari's Anjuman Atashbehram)

4. The Petit Dadgah at Surat


If readers will be attending any jashans or commemorative services, do
send us a report.

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Tirangan today - Tir mah, Tir roj (30 Nov 2007)

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
Date: Nov 30, 2007 5:43 AM
Subject: Tirangan today - Tir mah, Tir roj (30 Nov 2007)
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: Hoshang Bhadha


Baname Khuda!

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

today is on Tir roj, Tir mah YZ 1377 (30 Nov 2007) is Tirangan.

Willl there will be Tirangan jashans today.

If there are any jashans at your local giary and you wish other
Zarathushtis too may attend, then please inform them via TZML or other
avenues.

What an illuminating and precise role Testhar-Tir Yazad plays in
Ahura's Creation.

"Testar-Tir is sometimes described as a part of the world of Stars
whereas in some instances it is regarded as a Yazad. It's multiple
role in the spiritual world is called 'Maethan". For its elaborated
role, it is also considered as the super-STAR in the divine world. It
is widely known for inviting rain and increasing fertility of
Geush-Urva. Here it is very important to understand this concept of
fertility. It means it encourages immortality of soul by making our
Tanu work for its progress." --- r ead more about it on the write-up
on Teshtar-Tir Yazad below.


Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

Testar-Tir Yazad

By Ervad Hoshang J. Bhadha


The world of Stars and its function in nature is clearly sanctified by
our prayers (Fravardin Yast & Tir Yast) with illustrated definition &
processes hardly understood by our Harvard/ Stanford Avesta scholars.
Those visible form of energy, we call it "star' has quite a few
implications and applications with reference to our ultra-physical and
divine body. In Fravardin Yast Karda 22 (para-80), Testar Tir is
regarded same as Ahura-Mazda HIMSELF "Aurusho-Rakshno" The expression
'Aurusho' signifies a bright beam of light "Staot" arising from HIS
creation of seven "glorious beam of lights" whereas, 'Raokshno'
designates "Immortal Light" that is a part of Testar Tir. The "Testar
Tir" is also an integral part of HIS design where it remains within
the boundaries attuning itself with Four Anasars designed to promote
immortality of soul. Remaining attuned with Teshtar-Tir is an act of
helping Ahura-Mazda to speed-up Farshogard of this universe.

Let us understand the word "Tir' and its connection with "Teshtar".
Though the word 'Tir' in Gujarati means for "Arrow', its usage is
widely elaborated in Iranian languages. Teshtar is used for Star and
because of its unmatched speed in shooting its effect through Avesta
Manthra, it is known as Teshtar-Tir. There are many ways of shooting
Tir, however the one that our religion prescribes is through
practicing Manthric exercises. In ancient Iran, we had many Rathestars
from Peshdadian & Kyanian dynasties who have had used that method of
keeping Paiwand with Behram-Sherevar & Daami-Upaman to keep distance
from the most dangerous Demons and Arvahi's (Spirits) existing in
those times. We have many such Nirangs of King Fredoon for different
occasions however, majority of our community believes in those
barbarous events allegorically described in Shahnameh by Firdoshi.
Just a Note: My dear Zarathustri, those Kings of Peshdadian Dynesty
were Paoryotakesh Souls and they had that gift of remaining attuned
with Testar-tir and Ahura-Mazda and thus they could defeat any evil
with special Nirangs. Believing in those stories in its literal
meaning is not only ridiculous but also dangerous for practicing &
understanding our religious in its true version.

Testar-Tir is sometimes described as a part of the world of Stars
whereas in some instances it is regarded as a Yazad. It's multiple
role in the spiritual world is called 'Maethan". For its elaborated
role, it is also considered as the super-STAR in the divine world. It
is widely known for inviting rain and increasing fertility of
Geush-Urva. Here it is very important to understand this concept of
fertility. It means it encourages immortality of soul by making our
Tanu work for its progress. Through its "Raokhsna" (Divine
illumination) it sends special form of blessings for material life to
work in attunement with HIS Divine Plan. The reflection of Raokhsna
creates an illumination, which we can see as Star in the skies. The
Raokhsna is a VITAL ingredient of those Perfected Souls of the Yazads
that are constantly working for the Divine Plan of Ahura-Mazda.
Teshtar-Tir also helps in implementation of Ahura-Mazda's divine plan
via Humata Hukhta Havashta. Teshta is Ahu's energy "stur" that
remains with HIS first creation Immortal Fravashis of Yazads attuned
with Ahu's "Baod" (Divine wisdom) for HIS Humata (Creation of this
Universe for the spiritual cleansing process). The importance of
Testar-Tir is so widely acknowledged in our prayers that it is
considered a vital force in attaining salvation through Manthric
exercises. It is recommended to perform 144 Vendidad for those
Zarathustris who are intensely tangled with committing sins and facing
adversities in life. Of course such commitment and act would be almost
impossible looking at the present condition of Priests in our
community.

The Teshtar-Tir is remembered in our prayers in relation and Paiwand
with Ahura-Mazda, Yazads & Ameshahspands, Ashavans (Nars) of the
Highest Order. In Nyaish & Yast we recite " Fradathai Ahure Mazdao
Raevato Kharenanghato, Fradathai Ameshanam Spentanam, Fradathai
Treshtrahesh Staro Raevato Kharenanghato, Fradathai Nars Ashaono". In
ancient times, appearance of Testar Tir Star was regarded as a sign
for cropping season and rainfall. When these is famine, the Priests
used to perform Baj of Teshtar-Tir. Ava Yazad nad Teshtar-Tir Yazad
works hand-in-hand to perform functions of HIS divine plan towards
Farshogard. Karda 12 (Tir Yast) describes that if a Zarathustri
reciting Avesta Mantra of Tir Yazad is 'truthful' as per His
definition of Asha, that person can successfully attune oneself in
Paiwand with Ushtaan of Teshtar-Tir for spiritual inspiration. This
Karda also explains a condition of famine when there is no water and
all kinds of germs & disease gets multiplied, a prayer for Tir Yazad
helps in destroying those life-threatening diseases. Karda 13
acknowledges Teshtar-Tir as the spiritual leader (ratu) of divine
illuminations "Stars" & Paigambar Saheb as the spiritual leader of
Human life on geti. In Khordad Yast, the Kehrpa of Paigambar Saheb is
identified as one of the Ameshshaspands and in Gatha 51-12 He is known
as "Uru-Raoshta Asto" Undefeated. Thus, a devotee while reciting
Manthras for Teshtar-Tir, one is also getting help from our dear
Paigambar Saheb. Karda 15 describes how glorified and significant
effects of Teshtar-Tir portrays on human life through ITS connection
with Seven Keshvars of Nishti, Seven Dakhyus and all spiritual plains
of Spena-Mino that enhances spiritual progression. (We will discuss
these parts of spiritual world some other time). Karda 16 elaborately
justifies that Teshtar-Tir is "Thmunghuhanta" meaning cures all kinds
of diseases to human Mind-Body & Soul. The same status is also given
to our Manthra-Spenta or Avesta Manthravani. It is also said that
those who are working for Frashogard and find happiness unto it,
(Conscious of "Man Ano Avayad Shudan), the Manthravani of Tir Yast
will provide nourishment whether or not it is asked for by that
person. In fact, it is suggested that if the Iranians (Zaratustris)
wish to see the country prosper and follow HIS Commandments, they must
perform Yazashne of Tir Yazad.

In para 57 of the above Karda, there is a question: What prayer is
considered the best for Tir Yazad and its attunement? And the answer
is none other than PasuPach-ni- Kriya. (I have explained this in
religion class several times). This Kriya is performed on the flesh of
three kinds of Goshpands
1) Aurushem,
2) Vohugaonem,
3) Hamo-Gaonem.
The significance of this prayer is, it is performed by the Ashavans
for helping a person attaining the final stage of Ashavan. This Kriya
is not similar to Afringhan, Siroja etc for dead or alive. It is also
not possible in this age and time to perform such Kriya in the absence
of any Dastur to have attained such level of Ashoi or who can be
categorized as Ashavan in any form at anytime.

Please note that the above explanation is incomplete without
understanding its relationship with Dakhyus, Keshwars, Humata-Hukhta-
Havashta of Ahu, and several other Manthric exercises. If questions
are raised, I would be glad to explain them individually. Hope this
will help you understand the basics on Teshtar-Tir Yazad.

(end)