A Journey Into Two Religions

Guest Blogger: Heather Halperin
Academic Advisor & Clinical Associate Professor

Today were treated to a day of fascinating education and religious rituals. We began with a visit to one of the Zoroastrian, or as it is also called, the Parsi Mumbai communities, this courtesy of Prof Mandayam's fellow student, Binaifer and her family. They arranged for a walking tour within the Parsi community. The Parsis originated from Persia in the 10th century AD due to the persecution by Muslims in Iran. The largest Zoroastrian population in the world, around 60,000, makes their home in India, with Mumbai having the largest concentration.

As we exited the bus we noticed the significant difference in this community from those which we have driven through since our arrival in Mumbai. The streets were clean. The buildings, although as old as in other areas in the city, were more maintained. Lush green expansive parks, some specifically designated as was the fully equipped park for children, another a park for people to walk their dogs, and then a very large park for all within the community to partake . Our first stop was to view an amazing apartment building made to resemble the ancient Temple in Iran. Each component of the building's extensive facade was carefully explained to us by Tal, Binaifer's husband. From there we walked to the Dadar Athorian Institute a religious and educational facility established in 1919, providing male children of the priests, ages 5-14, religious and secular training and classes in a boarding school environment. In the large hall the Principal advised us that we would get to
witness the fire ritual that occurs daily at the temple. We are not permitted inside Zoroastrian temples but this reproduction allowed us to experience what occurs. Two young priests in their late teens tended the fire and demonstrated the entire ritual. In addition we learned about some of the Zoroastrian customs and traditions. The entire experience was quite enlightening for all.

After a period of questions and answers, a tour of the facility and visiting with some of the young students, we headed off in the bus to the Ripon Club, a Parsi member only lunch club in South Mumbai. There we were introduced to Mr. Khojestre P. Mistree, a Zoroastrian, scholar who educated us on the history and current status of the Zoroastrian people. We learned that the religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster began sometime before the 6th century B.C. in the area that was to become Iran and was the first religion to indicate one God. We learned that the focus is on good. "The Zoroastrian believes in "good thoughts, good words, good deeds" and for a Zoroastrian person to live a happy life, raise a family, help the poor, and combat the evil of the world. We discovered that the Zoroastrian people migrated to India in the 9th century after the Islam take over of the area. They were accepted and have become a integral and significant part of t
he Indian society having made major contributions to the city of Mumbai and all of India. We learned that the Tata Institute was named after a Zoroastrian family. Interesting facts about Zoroastrian beliefs regarding conversion, marriage and death helped us better understand that these are a proud and successful people who are currently in danger of loosing their population due to low birth rate and high emigration. We certainly learned a great deal about this fascinating community.

Following the lecture we were treated to a scrumptious lunch served on banana leaves complete with the most delicious mango iced milk creation. We relaxed in comfortable overstuffed chairs as we awaited our departure to our next religious experience, the Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai. As we bused the short distance, the monsoon rain so familiar to us now began it's descent. In this most crowded South Mumbai business district, we crossed an expansive intersection to be confronted with flowers shops galore selling offerings for the deities. With no cameras allowed and no shoes permitted we entered a series of security procedures that would make any current airport TSA procedure stand up and take notice. e entered the sanctum after being guided through organized lines. There we found an abundant amount of people all vying to submit their offerings. We all managed to go though the process. Guided by Prof. Mandayam we learned how to tell our individual prayer to the large silver
mouse statue.

Two religious learning and experiences opened our eyes and provided us with a taste of the multiple and varied religious practices that take place in this versatile country.