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PARSI Fire Temple Agiyari Belagavi

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PARSI TEMPLE (Agiyari), opposite Benyon Smith High School, Camp Belagavi

The Parsi Fire Temple in Belagavi was consecrated a December 9th, 1891. The temple was built by Kurseji Pestonji Boyce. There is a Dharamshala, a guest house for Parsi travellers and also residences for the priest.

PARSI Fire Temple Agiyari Belagavi

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In the year 1920, the temple was handed over to the Anjuman for maintenance and for performing the daily rituals. The rituals essentially comprise of fire worship and prayers which are carried forth, five times a day. The chief priest is the only authorized person to perform these rituals.

The first of the daily prayers are held immediately after sunrise, later in the noon, immediately after sunset, at night and the last worship is performed at 1 am. Zoroastrianism is a simple religion and has less of rituals and restrictions compared to other religion. The basic tenets only say that nothing should be done in excess. The prophet Zarathushtra, preached what is known as the “Golden Mean”, which says that there should be no overindulgence in any given act of human life. Parsi religion relies simply on good thoughts, good words and good deeds.

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Photo: Darayus Engineer

The religion recommends no fasting or abstinence for any religious function or observance of a ritual. There is no allowance for conversion in this religion. One cannot be converted to Zoroastrianism. This alone has caused the diminishing of the community. Marriages outside the community are also forbidden and would lead to ex-communication in case of any violation of the dictum. Children of those excommunicated are barred from undergoing the “Navjyoth” or the initiation into the religion.

“Farwasi”, the bird-like symbol is all embodying for the Parsis, as it conveys that the soul also has light and fire in it.

The temple is managed by the Anjuman which consists of five elected members. There are only two classes of Parsis-the priestly and the non-priestly class.

parsi-temple-belgaumThe entry into the Fire Temple is restricted only to the Parsi community. The once 2000 and an odd number of the community today has dwindled to less than 150 souls. At present, there are only a few families left in Belagavi city.

 

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16 COMMENTS

  2. It is said that this Parsi Agyary (Fire Temple) opp. Benyon Smith High School,Belagavi City was consecrated way back in Dec. 1891. I, as a past resident of Belgaum (now Belagavi) since 1940’s have been seeing this heritage building on my way from camp area to attend Lingaraj COLLEGE IN THE 1950’s. This building housing the Fire Temple till to-date (now as a visitor to Belagavi on and often) I see, is still standing Tall and appears to be well maintained by the few Parsis who still continue to reside in and around camp area. Now it up to the 150 odd resident Parsi Souls left in Belagavi to keep their tradition alive and thriving……

  4. I was living in Kelkar Bag which is just across the Road. I used to pass by the Agyari every day for 7 years while going to Beynon Smith High School. The Farwasi symbol always fascinated me not knowing its meaning. There was another Parasi bunglow few bunglows away.

  5. Can you send me the contact number of the Parsi Dharamshala at Belgaum
    Would like to book accomodation for two elders and one child.

  8. The father and son of SIDHWA FAMILY who take care of belgaum and hubli fire temples need to be appreciated for their wonderful services to the fire temples and for their dedication.

  9. It is great to hear that BGM is base for Parsi families. After Mumbai and Kerala ( not sure which town) I have come across BGM as another place which seems to have Parsi families. Anybody aware of Parsi community/groups in BGM?

  13. ohh buddy… watta valuable pic.
    I had seen it so many times in childhood but never bothered to find out what it was… 🙂

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