In and around Udvada

Thanks to the interest shown by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers Arun Jaitley, Smriti Irani and the initiative taken by our Vada Dastur Khurshed Dastoor in the development of Udvada, our sacred heritage precinct is making good progress. The greatest attraction for us Parsis is of course the Pak Iranshah Atash Behram. After visits to the fire temples, what comes next is paying homage to Avan Ardevisur Banu, the sacred sea, particularly in the evening to witness the magnificent scenario of the setting sun and the sky lit up in shades of orange, red and pink.
Udvada holds several well treasured secrets. Located in the heart of the town, barely 200 m away from the Pak Iranshah building is an ancient well with steps called medhi, the only ruin that remains of the once sprawling palace of the Raja of Mandvi. The present day locality called Meriwadi in Udvada, supposedly receives its name from this medhi. On the outer wall of this ancient well was an inscription in old Portugese language pointing out that in 1714 AD the place was a custom-house of the Portugese under the leadership of Rev Van Antonio. I had seen this inscription in a broken but readable stage in the 1990s.
The building that provided shelter to the sacred fire and the mobed sahibs bringing it to Udvada in 1742 AD was in existence till 1990. Unfortunately due to lack of awareness of its heritage value it was demolished and reconstructed as a modern structure.
A trip to Udvada would be incomplete without paying a visit to the Zoroastrian museum.
For those seeking adventure, the environs of Udvada offer enough scope. A rare geological phenomenon, an underground stream is in Palsana village a few kilometers away from Udvada. Legend has it that the source of this underground stream is the river Ganga. The place comes to life on Mahashivratri day in February when a fair is organized and the devotees bathe in the holy stream.
About three kilometers south of Udvada is the Kolak village facing the river going by the same name. A joyous boat ride in a country-craft through the river lined with mangrove vegetation brings you to Bhimpore village in the Daman Union Territory. It is a popular picnic spot where stands a monument in stone called Mairie (which in French means town hall); in fact it is a fort that witnessed many a battle the Portugese waged with their adversaries. However, this historical site needs beautification. Further south lies the beach resort of Devka.
The Damanganga river separates Nani Daman from its counterpart Moti Daman. Anchored at the Daman port are the fishing vessels called dhows. The present day dhows run on diesel engines but the earlier ones with sails, powered by wind and ferrying passengers were in use even 2,000 years ago plying from Iran and Arabia to India according to experts. It is believed that the Parsis migrated from Persia to Diu and later on to Sanjan in such dhows. Daman also boasts of historic Portugese churches.
Northwards to Udvada: Pardi is named after the river Par which was a popular site for cinema-makers in late 1930s and early ’40s. Still further north lies the Parnera hillock with its famous fort — a site worth visiting. Incidentally the name Parnera is a corrupt form of Marathi "Panhera” meaning hill covered with greenery. It was a stronghold of the Maratha warrior Shivaji to keep the enemies at bay. The Tithal beach of Valsad is yet another well-known attraction. The swinging bridge in Valsad was one more favorite location of the film industry to shoot song sequences decades ago.
So Udvada and its surroundings have ample attractions to keep you busy after your prayers and delicious cuisine at your Udvada hotel or dharamshala.
V. M. MEHER-HOMJI