To Bahrot and back

I left Bombay Central at 6 p.m. by the Valsad Express for Golvad, reaching there at 9 p.m. I drove straight in a jeep to the Tapovan Resort. The next morning I drove to the foothills of the Bahrot Caves and started the tough eight kilometer, climb. I had my local guide, Mo­han, to assist me. It was cold but pleasant. I stop­ped during the climb to catch my breath. I reached a spot from where I could see Gujarat on one side and the Aswali Dam and Maharashtra on the other.

It took me exactly two hours to reach the top. I entered Bahrot Caves and took some rest and cleaned the place with a broom which was lying there. I visualized what the Parsis had to go through staying there for 12 years. The Bahrot Caves are somewhat oval shaped. When you enter you get a peculiar smell. The legend of Bahrot says that for 12 years the holy fire was kept in the Caves, piously guarded by the devout band of Zarathushtis, who resided in tents around the Caves. When there was peace in Gujarat, the fire was transfered from Bahrot to Vansda. In 1419 it was relocated and installed at Navsari where it remained for 300 years. In 1742 CE, it was installed at Udvada, where it burns to this day.

I started the climb down and I reached the base camp in one hour. I caught the evening train to Bombay elated with my achievement. All Parsis and Iranis should make a trip to Bahrot Caves at least once in their lives.

TIRANDAZ PARVEZ IRANI