"Dorabji Padamji who donated the land for the fire temple stated that though this fire temple was consecrated in the Kadmi way, it was for the use of both Kadmis and Shahenshahis, not only because all Zoroastrians had contributed to it, but also because he wanted to have unity in the community,” noted Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia on May 27, 2023 at a function to mark the completion of the renovations of The Poona Kadmi and Shehenshahi Anjuman Dar-e-Meher.
The Komra ni agiary, as it popularly known on account of the rooster shaped weather vane (pictured, page 10) atop the structure, was established in 1893 when the calendar wars between the Kadmi and Shahenshahi sects were simmering and places of worship for both groups were still separate, noted Karanjia.
Top: Jashan to mark completion of renovations at Komra ni agiary;
above: Ervads (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia (l) and Porus Sinor; inset: Ervad Ardaviraf Sinor
"Dr Cyrus and Adar Poonawalla, in their magnanimity renovated the kebla, baj room with new carpets, painting, etc,” noted community member Mabrin Nanavatti in a note to Parsiana. A dozen years ago Dr Cyrus had sponsored the renovations of the fire temple in memory of his wife Villoo (see "Patrons in Poona,” Parsiana, January 7, 2012). The ijashni and the vendidad were performed by Ervads Adil Bhesania and Arzaan Khambatta and the holy fire was reinstalled in the newly renovated kebla on May 26 after which a maachi was offered.
Over 300 community members participated in the function which included a jashan by 19 priests led by Karanjia and organized by brothers Ervads Ardaviraf and Porus Sinor who look after the day-to-day running of the agiary.
This was followed by Karanjia’s talk on "How to think like a Zoroastrian.” "All religions have similar ethics but significantly different teachings on which world views were based,” he stated. Karanjia said that though it is important to be good to others, it is as important to be good to oneself, and that can be done by adopting life enhancing attitudes like positivity, calmness and a sense of purpose from the concept of seven Ameshaspands. "A proper mind-set is necessary to deal with life’s ups and downs and get over them in a balanced way by a proper religious approach,” he concluded.
The current trustees of the fire temple are Phiroz Pudumjee, Dr Khodu Irani and Sohrab Anklesaria. The working committee comprises Adar, Zahaan Pudumjee and Framroze Garda.
Besides the Sinor brothers, the other mobeds who participated in the jashan were Noshirwan Dastoor, Neville Vajifdar, Noshir Dastoor, Jamshed Karkaria, Cyrus Bharda, Hormuz Patel, Adarbad Hozdar, Gev Kias, Kaipashin Raimalwalla, Yezdi Karkaria, Sarosh Masani, Khambatta, Rayomand and Zen Pochkhanawala, Kayomarz Adajania and Neville Karkaria.
Tambola was conducted by Neville Postwalla and Shireen Sinor while dinner was catered by Ardaviraf and Albroze Irani. The vote of thanks was offered by Vahiste Sinor.