The blessed well

The Sorabji Thoothi Agiary Trust has recently issued an appeal for donations for repairs and renovation of the 142-year-old Agiary, situated at Walkeshwar Road.

In the said appeal, there appears an "Untold story of spiritual beneficence,” which I want to share with all members of our Zoroastrian faith.

According to the story, when consecrating the sacred well of the Agiary, it spewed salt water which many considered to be an inauspicious omen. Nevertheless, Cooverbai Thoothi, the founder of the Agiary, was undaunted. Despite her old age, she called upon the workers to lower her on a wooden platform into the well, which is nearly 85 feet deep. There she remained and offered prayers and invocations for more than three hours until the sun had set. Then she asked to be brought back up and forbade anyone to go near the well until she returned the next morning.

She once again asked to be lowered into the well next morning and offered prayers for three more hours. Thereafter, the well was covered up and everybody went home. The following day she ordered the well to be uncovered and with her own hands she drew out the water. By a divine miracle, the well delivered water of greatest purity and sweetness which continues till today.

Many faithful worshipers at the holy well are believed to have had their problems and burdens lifted and have obtained great blessings from its immense spiritual power. Miracles can be wrought by the power of prayers!

BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA