It is extremely commendable that the Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry Group and the Mistry family have done such a magnificent
renovation of the Iranshah Atash Behram in Udvada ("The resplendent restoration,” Parsiana, December 21, 2021-January 6, 2022).
Pallonji Mistry, father of Shapoor who is a trustee of the Dadysett Atash Behram, used to visit that fire temple very regularly when he was able to, as he had great faith in it.
My concern, as a member of the Dadyseth family, is that while so many other places of worship are being restored, why is it that less attention is being paid to both the Dadysett Agiary and the Atash Behram?
The trustees of the Dadysett Charity Trust respond:
Repair work at both Dadysett Agiary and Dadysett Atash Behram has been going on for the past few years. We began with structural repairs which are most important; unfortunately the pandemic has caused a loss of momentum in the work. One major project on the premises of the Atash Behram was setting up of the first Behram Yazad shrine outside of Iran. It has been extremely well received by the community and attendance in pre-pandemic days ranged between 100 and 200 people every month; on the annual day the number of attendees was closer to 700-800.
With regard to the maintenance of the physical premises, first and foremost we ensure that all the structures are in a good condition. This is an ongoing exercise. It is only after this that we look at the aesthetics; this is not only ongoing but a major part of our future plans. We are very fortunate to have devoted volunteers and staff who are continuously and tirelessly working to preserve and improve both the Agiary and the Atash Behram. These are selfless people who do not seek public accolades or attention but do tremendous work behind the scenes.
Fareeda Setna has been in contact with us for the past few years. She is well aware that we are an extremely transparent trust and have invited her to make a joint visit with us to both premises so that we can look into and address any matters she has on her mind. She has not taken up this offer but has chosen to address the media instead. It makes one wonder why?
In the past when members of the community have approached us regarding suggestions for repairing or beautifying any part of either premises, we have immediately considered their requests. Some persons have made very generous donations to enable us to undertake the renovations suggested by them. Two examples that come to mind are the renovation of the nahn rooms and repairs to the kitchen roof of Otla B which were both accomplished at the request of and funding provided by devotees who wished to have such renovations and repairs done. We would welcome such a generous contribution from Setna for any beautification that she recommends which meets the requirement of our Trust. We would be more than happy to acknowledge her contribution should she wish this to be done.
On the subject of the Iranshah Atash Behram, the godhas from there are now proudly installed at the entrance porch of the Dadysett Atash Behram and the Persian sentries stand sentinel at the main gates of the compound. We have received many compliments for the work we have done both at the Agiary and the Atash Behram from regular devotees.