Isn’t it amazing that a religion from ancient Persia thrives here in Toronto? This is the Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple. It serves as a spiritual home for Zoroastrians in Ontario. The Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple is more than just a building. It represents a community’s enduring faith and heritage.
Let’s delve into the story behind this special place. The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario ZSO sought a central location. They needed a place for religious educational social and recreational activities. Arbab Rustom Guiv a generous Zoroastrian from Iran made that dream a reality. His philanthropy allowed the ZSO to acquire this location.
The Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple is named after Arbab Rustam Guiv’s nephew. Mehraban Guiv passed away at a young age. Arbab Guiv wished to honor his nephew’s memory. He was known for his boundless generosity. He helped anyone he thought needed it.
The official opening of the Darbe Mehr was September 21 1980. Arbab Rustam Guiv could not attend. His close friend Dr. Rustam Sarfeh attended in his place. The Attorney General of Ontario Mr. Roy McMurtry attended. The Mayor of North York Mr. Mel Lastman was also present.
Arbab Guiv placed four conditions on his donation. These conditions ensure the temple remains a center for Zoroastrian worship and community. The Rustom Guiv Foundation of Ontario owns the property. It leases the land to the ZSO for 999 years. The annual rent is a symbolic one cent.
The Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple is always busy. Fasli and Shahenshai Muktads are held here. Gahambars jashans navjote and sudreh pushin ceremonies take place too. The community also celebrates weddings and holds post-funeral prayers.
Youth sports find a home here. There is a library for learning. Religion classes are available for children and adults. The First Zoroastrian 100th Toronto Scout Group meets here. The Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple has become a vital hub.
Zarathushtis or Zoroastrians follow the Prophet Zarathushtra Spitaman. He preached the first monotheistic religion in Persia. This likely happened around 1500 to 1800 BCE or earlier.
From humble beginnings in the mid-1960s the Zarathushti community grew. The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario formed in 1971. Today it is the largest association of Zarathushtis on the continent. Many cultures live together in harmony in Ontario.
The Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple stands as a testament. It shows the strength and resilience of the Zoroastrian community. It keeps their traditions alive in Toronto. It is a welcoming space for all.