Have you ever wondered about how fire can travel? Imagine a journey, not just through space, but through time, a journey that started centuries ago. You’re standing right in front of the Shapoorji Fakirji Jokhi Agiary, a building built by the Jokhi family to serve the community in Godrej Baug, one of the newest Parsi colonies in Mumbai. This magnificent fire temple, however, has roots that stretch back even further, to a village called Tavri in Gujarat.
The sacred fire that burns within this temple, the Atash Behram, has a fascinating history. It was originally housed in a shrine in Tavri, where it was worshipped for over 100 years. In the 1960s the shrine was closed, and the fire was moved to Navsari, the hometown of the Tata family. There, in the Navsari fire temple, it lived alongside another fire, and in December 1999, the Jokhi family made the decision to bring one to their newly built temple in Mumbai.
This was no ordinary journey. Following Zoroastrian religious customs, the sacred fire can only be moved at night. A convoy of cars, carrying priests, and community members accompanied the fire, which travelled from Navsari to Mumbai after sunset. This was done to protect the flame from exposure to the sun. A metal chain, constantly touching the road, ensured that the fire’s connection to the earth remained unbroken during the entire journey. It felt as though the fire itself was carrying a piece of history and tradition, traversing the distance from Gujarat to be enshrined in this beautiful new temple.
The ceremony that accompanied this special journey was a sight to behold. Thousands of people gathered to witness this important moment. With the streetlights switched off in respect for the sacred fire, the procession illuminated the night, creating a surreal effect. The flame, carefully protected and lovingly escorted, made its way to its new home, the Shapoorji Fakirji Jokhi Agiary, a place of worship for residents of Godrej Baug.
Today, you stand before a symbol of faith, tradition, and a journey that spans generations. The fire within the Shapoorji Fakirji Jokhi Agiary, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Zoroastrian faith, keeps burning bright. It is a reminder of the enduring connection to one’s roots, a connection that crosses continents and time, making it a truly remarkable part of Mumbai’s cultural tapestry.