Navsari, even in the 20th century, did not always accord respect to its ordinary priests. An overripe melon was said to taste like a dasturji. He was often denigrated and looked down upon. Quite contrary to the Brahminical supremacy among the Hindus, Parsi priestly families were poor and only the brightest received formal education. Young boys were ordained as priests even before puberty and soon started working full time in fire temples. The girls were not too welcome in better off behdin families [andhyaru ni chhokri andharoo laavé (daughter of a priest is the harbinger of bad luck)], thereby adding......