“The Tower and the temple”

With reference to "The tower and the temple,” (Parsiana, April 7, 2007) we congratulate Zarir Bhathena, his brother Jamshed, his team of workers and the trustees of M. J. Wadia Fire Temple, Lalbaug for the wonderful manner in which they have used a large part of the agiary’s vacant land. Bhathena has made a jungal ma mangal (beauty amid primitive surroundings).

In place of the old agiary chawls today we find the beautiful Hilla Towers housing complex accommodating all the original tenants of the chawl as well as 125 flats in the 25 storey tower with modern facilities.

Bhathena has now renovated the M. J. Wadia Fire Temple, a matter of pride for all Zoroastrians. Along with the trustees of M. J. Wadia Fire Temple, Bhathena had to overcome many obstacles such as litigations in the Small Causes Court, High Court and Supreme Court. What a shame! A group of religious fanatics, supported by The World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis (WAPIZ), wasted lakhs of rupees of precious community funds, not to mention manhours, in this futile battle. Bhathena stood like a rock against all odds.

The trustees also had to cope with complaints from behdins patronizing the agiary. There was lack of cleanliness. Maintenance was poor. Religious ceremonies performed there were not up to expectation. The trustees gave a fair chance to the former panthaky to improve the services, but the latter’s adamant attitude, supported by WAPIZ, brought about his downfall.

The trustees have now appointed a learned mobed as manager of the agiary in place of the panthaky. The agiary’s administration, religious ceremonies and cleanliness have improved considerably. The behdins who visit the beautifully renovated agiary are all praise for Kersi Limathwalla and his co-trustees for their courageous move.

NARIMAN E. MEHTA