The first Dastur Meherji Rana , sometimes known as Mayyaji Rana , was a spiritual leader of the Parsi community in India during the sixteenth century. He was seen by the Parsi community as someone with “vast knowledge and spiritual powers”.
40-491: Dastur Meherji was born to Rana Jesung into a priestly family at Navsari , in 1514. During that time, India was under the rule of the Lodis . According to one school of thought, Dastur Meherji was a disciple of the mystic saint, Dastur Azar Kayvan , who lived in Patna . Dastur Azar Kayvan's disciples were called ' yaar ' (i.e. spiritual friends / spiritual helpers). Thus, Dastur Meherji
80-467: A religious program organised by the Great Akbar. Leaders of all religious groups participated in it. Akbar asked to start a conversation and eventually asked to give information about their religion. All the religious leaders gave information about their religions and gradually tried to show their religions as great except Dastur Meherjirana. Afterward, the leaders asked Akbar his opinion as to whose religion
120-413: A religious program organised by the Great Akbar. Leaders of all religious groups participated in it. Akbar asked to start a conversation and eventually asked to give information about their religion. All the religious leaders gave information about their religions and gradually tried to show their religions as great except Dastur Meherjirana. Afterward, the leaders asked Akbar his opinion as to whose religion
160-428: Is between Surat and Mumbai . It is a twin city of Surat , 37 km to the north. At the 2011 Census of India , Navsari was the 16th biggest city of Gujarat state. It ranked 10th most populous city of Gujarat in the 1991 Census of India and 2001 Census of India . Dandi village near Navsari was the focal point of the great Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi during civil disobedience movement of India. Navsari
200-470: Is great. Akbar was really impressed by Dastur Meherjirana, so he asked him. Meherjirana Dastur calmly replied, "All religions are equal in terms of strength and ideology and principle". Akbar was extremely impressed by his personality. He donated a piece of land to Dastur Meherjirana in Navsari, where today The Meherjirana Library stands. Akbar wrote on a scroll about the donation of land which is still preserved by
240-420: Is great. Akbar was really impressed by Dastur Meherjirana, so he asked him. Meherjirana Dastur calmly replied, "All religions are equal in terms of strength and ideology and principle". Akbar was extremely impressed by his personality. He donated a piece of land to Dastur Meherjirana in Navsari, where today The Meherjirana Library stands. Akbar wrote on a scroll about the donation of land which is still preserved by
280-497: Is nature's imprint of a Zarathushtrian saint who influenced many lives. Seemingly four years after Dastur Meherji's death, Akbar granted an additional 300 vighas of land to his son, Kakiobad. The First Dastoor Meherji Rana Library in Navsari , Gujarat was founded in 1872 and named after him. Navsari Navsari is the ninth biggest city in the state of Gujarat in India . It
320-544: Is situated near the Purna River , within a few kilometres of the river's delta, which is west of the city and empties into the Gulf of Khambhat . The weather in Navsari is sunny from October to May, and rainy from June to September. The average maximum and minimum temperatures are 42 °C (107.6 °F) and 17 °C (62.6 °F) respectively. The average annual rainfall is 122 cm (48 in). The city's first settlers were
360-445: Is situated near the Purna River , within a few kilometres of the river's delta, which is west of the city and empties into the Gulf of Khambhat . The weather in Navsari is sunny from October to May, and rainy from June to September. The average maximum and minimum temperatures are 42 °C (107.6 °F) and 17 °C (62.6 °F) respectively. The average annual rainfall is 122 cm (48 in). The city's first settlers were
400-483: Is sometimes referred as Dastur Mahiyaar as well (' Mahi ' referring to a fish that has exceptional vision in the dark). Dastur Meherji was later adopted by his paternal Uncle Vaccha Jesung . It is for this reason his name is invoked in Parsi ceremonies as " Dastur Meherji, Ervad Vaccha ". It appears the behdins of Navsari presented a piece of land near ' Piplla Wadi ' in 1573 to Dastur Meherji in recognition of his service to
440-494: Is the administrative headquarters of Navsari District . Navsari is between Surat and Mumbai . It is a twin city of Surat , 37 km to the north. At the 2011 Census of India , Navsari was the 16th biggest city of Gujarat state. It ranked 10th most populous city of Gujarat in the 1991 Census of India and 2001 Census of India . Dandi village near Navsari was the focal point of the great Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi during civil disobedience movement of India. Navsari
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#1732851282982480-477: Is the main language spoken in Navsari. The other languages spoken are Hindi & English. The Sayaji Vaibhav Public Library Navsari is an important public building in Navsari. The Meherjirana library. This is one of the oldest libraries in the South Gujarat Region. It was established by the first Dastur (Parsi/Zoroastrian priest) Meherji Rana , who was also born in Navsari. He was invited by Akbar in
520-414: Is the main language spoken in Navsari. The other languages spoken are Hindi & English. The Sayaji Vaibhav Public Library Navsari is an important public building in Navsari. The Meherjirana library. This is one of the oldest libraries in the South Gujarat Region. It was established by the first Dastur (Parsi/Zoroastrian priest) Meherji Rana , who was also born in Navsari. He was invited by Akbar in
560-570: The Chalukyas , followed by the Rashtrakutas , and subsequent settlements by the Parsis . According to the 2011 census, Navsari had a population of 171,109. Males constituted 52% of the population and females 48%. Navsari had an average literacy rate of 88%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy was 92%, and female literacy was 84%. 10% of the population was under 6 years of age. Gujarati
600-417: The Chalukyas , followed by the Rashtrakutas , and subsequent settlements by the Parsis . According to the 2011 census, Navsari had a population of 171,109. Males constituted 52% of the population and females 48%. Navsari had an average literacy rate of 88%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy was 92%, and female literacy was 84%. 10% of the population was under 6 years of age. Gujarati
640-528: The 18th century, following its rise as a major trade center for the European factories , and the Maratha incursions into Surat; Surat itself lost this position to Bombay in the later years. Navsari is located at 20°57′N 72°56′E / 20.95°N 72.93°E / 20.95; 72.93 . It has an average elevation of 9 metres or 30 feet above sea level. The city is located in southern Gujarat and
680-428: The 18th century, following its rise as a major trade center for the European factories , and the Maratha incursions into Surat; Surat itself lost this position to Bombay in the later years. Navsari is located at 20°57′N 72°56′E / 20.95°N 72.93°E / 20.95; 72.93 . It has an average elevation of 9 metres or 30 feet above sea level. The city is located in southern Gujarat and
720-519: The Atashbehram in Navsari, there is also a natural formation in the marble slab on the wall facing the Holy Fire, which is said to largely resemble Dastur Meherji. The turban, long beard and uplifted hands which quite clear in the image is the reasoning behind its resemblance to Dastur Meherji. Nevertheless, sceptics dismiss this natural formation as a flight of imagination while the mystics believe that this
760-549: The High Priest of Navsari. The present High Priest, Kai Khooshroo Navroze Meherji Rana, is the seventeenth heir to this famous 'gaadi'. Legend has it that during Dastur Meherji's stay in Delhi, a Tantrik claimed that, thanks to his occult powers, he was able to make two suns shine in the sky. He challenged all holy men in Akbar's kingdom to respond to this ' miracle '. It was said that once,
800-505: The Mumbai- Delhi railway link, one of the busiest railway routes in India. Navsari is well connected by NH 64 also known as Sabarmati-Dandi Highway. NH 48 also passes through the city. Navsari is only 30 km south of Surat. Navsari Navsari is the ninth biggest city in the state of Gujarat in India . It is the administrative headquarters of Navsari District . Navsari
840-556: The Parsi tradition, in 1142 A.D., when they first came to Navsari, the city was named Nag Mandal. The Parsis found the city's atmosphere similar to that of the Sari region of Iran . In the Persian language, "now" means new, and "Sari" refers to the region in Iran, hence the name Naoo Sari. Two families of Parsi Zoroastrian priests settled in Navsari in the early 13th century, and the town soon emerged as
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#1732851282982880-413: The Parsi tradition, in 1142 A.D., when they first came to Navsari, the city was named Nag Mandal. The Parsis found the city's atmosphere similar to that of the Sari region of Iran . In the Persian language, "now" means new, and "Sari" refers to the region in Iran, hence the name Naoo Sari. Two families of Parsi Zoroastrian priests settled in Navsari in the early 13th century, and the town soon emerged as
920-600: The Royal Court of Akbar in Delhi of Roj Hormazd , Mah Khordod during 947 Y.Z. (1578 AD). Akbar's Prime Minister Abu Fazal and historian Badaoqi have also written about Parsi Priests from Navsari visiting the Royal Court around 1577-1578. Pleased as the Emperor was with Dastur Meherji's erudition and piety, he gave 200 bighas of land near ' Gelkhari ' in Gujarat , (free of all taxes) for Meherji Rana and his family's sustenance. It
960-448: The forest and cave of Ajmalgadh to save and protect their sacred fire-cauldron for nearly 250–350 years. Recently, the local administration constructed a pillar on the hill of Ajmalgadh describing the story. They also closed the cave which was used to protect the holy fire. The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial, Dandi The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial in Dandi, Navsari commemorates
1000-400: The forest and cave of Ajmalgadh to save and protect their sacred fire-cauldron for nearly 250–350 years. Recently, the local administration constructed a pillar on the hill of Ajmalgadh describing the story. They also closed the cave which was used to protect the holy fire. The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial, Dandi The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial in Dandi, Navsari commemorates
1040-475: The historic Salt March of 1930, led by Mahatma Gandhi . This peaceful protest was a landmark moment in India's struggle for independence from British rule. The memorial stands as a testament to Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance ( satyagraha ). It features a poignant statue of Gandhi, 24 narrative murals depicting the march, and solar evaporation ponds where visitors can learn about salt production . The memorial aims to inspire visitors while recreating
1080-475: The historic Salt March of 1930, led by Mahatma Gandhi . This peaceful protest was a landmark moment in India's struggle for independence from British rule. The memorial stands as a testament to Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance ( satyagraha ). It features a poignant statue of Gandhi, 24 narrative murals depicting the march, and solar evaporation ponds where visitors can learn about salt production . The memorial aims to inspire visitors while recreating
1120-419: The magician and astonishing the whole court. There is no historical reference to this encounter but this has been part of oral tradition for more than four centuries. Inspired by the aforementioned drama, the famous musician Tansen composed a song in ' Raag Sarang ' which had the lines " Elahi Parsee Padhe Sho Kabool " (i.e. By God, the prayers of Parsees are accepted). Tansen here refers to Dastur Meherji with
1160-415: The magician, with the aid of certain spells, had launched a metal plate in the sky to reflect the sun and make it appear as If there were two suns in the sky. Nobody was aware of this trick and many attempts by holy men to thwart the magician failed. However, Dastur Meherji Rana arrived, sincerely chanted the sacred Kusti prayers, and called upon the name of God. The plate then came crashing down, confounding
1200-465: The main center of the Parsi priesthood and religious authority. As the Parsi community grew at other places in India, the priests from Navsari were sought by the new Parsi settlements throughout the country. It is the home of the Bhagarsath Atash Behram established in 1765 A.D., which is now a World Heritage Site . Surat replaced Navsari as the principal settlement of the Parsi community in
1240-399: The main center of the Parsi priesthood and religious authority. As the Parsi community grew at other places in India, the priests from Navsari were sought by the new Parsi settlements throughout the country. It is the home of the Bhagarsath Atash Behram established in 1765 A.D., which is now a World Heritage Site . Surat replaced Navsari as the principal settlement of the Parsi community in
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1280-419: The management of the library. Dandi The Dandi seashore is an important location from the point of view of India's Independence Movement. In 1930 Mahatma Gandhi started the " Dandi March " from Sabarmati Ashram up to the Dandi seashore to protest against a tax on salt by the colonial government. Ajmalgadh Though it is surrounded by high hills, this is a historical place. Zoroastrians/Parsis roamed in
1320-419: The management of the library. Dandi The Dandi seashore is an important location from the point of view of India's Independence Movement. In 1930 Mahatma Gandhi started the " Dandi March " from Sabarmati Ashram up to the Dandi seashore to protest against a tax on salt by the colonial government. Ajmalgadh Though it is surrounded by high hills, this is a historical place. Zoroastrians/Parsis roamed in
1360-531: The religion and community. Purportedly, Dastur Meherji is also said to have an influence on Akbar . It is believed that Akbar first met him in 1573 when the former laid siege on Surat . They appear to have met at a place near Kankrakhadi (present day Rustompura in Surat). Impressed with Dastur Meherji's knowledge and personality, the Emperor personally invited him to his court in Delhi . Accordingly, Dastur Meherji visited
1400-543: The spirit of the Dandi March , a pivotal event that shook the foundations of British colonial power and helped pave the way for India's freedom . The nearest domestic and international airport is Surat International Airport at Magdalla, Surat , 27 km. There are other two airports nearby, Vadodara Airport , 178 km north from the Navsari city & Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport , 239 km south-west from Navsari city. Navsari also lies on
1440-490: The spirit of the Dandi March , a pivotal event that shook the foundations of British colonial power and helped pave the way for India's freedom . The nearest domestic and international airport is Surat International Airport at Magdalla, Surat , 27 km. There are other two airports nearby, Vadodara Airport , 178 km north from the Navsari city & Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport , 239 km south-west from Navsari city. Navsari also lies on
1480-400: The words " Lambi lambi dahadee Shah Mehreyari tere mukh pi barshat noor " (i.e. Shah Mehriyar, your beard is long and your face is radiant with fame). Dastur Meherji died at a ripe old age at Roj Daepadar Mah Asfandarmad in 960 Y.Z. (1591 AD). Today, even after four centuries of his death, the priests in Navsari perform his " baj " ceremony every year on Roj Daepadar, Mah Asfandarmad. At
1520-415: Was called "Madad-e-Maash". Dastur Meherji Rana's prominence and close affinity to the Emperor also gave the Parsis national visibility and fame as a community. In 1579, the priests of Navsari signed a document acknowledging Meherji Rana as their leader and declaring that all religious ceremonies would henceforth be performed only after obtaining his permission. This was the origin of the "gaadi" (seat) of
1560-521: Was originally known as "Navasarika", and was the capital of a vishya (an administrative unit) in the Lata region . It is identified with "Nusaripa", a city mentioned in Ptolemy 's 2nd century Greek -language work Geography . The Chalukyas of Navasarika , who governed the area around Navsari as subordinates of the Chalukyas of Vatapi , repulsed an Umayyad invasion of the area in 738-739 CE. According to
1600-426: Was originally known as "Navasarika", and was the capital of a vishya (an administrative unit) in the Lata region . It is identified with "Nusaripa", a city mentioned in Ptolemy 's 2nd century Greek -language work Geography . The Chalukyas of Navasarika , who governed the area around Navsari as subordinates of the Chalukyas of Vatapi , repulsed an Umayyad invasion of the area in 738-739 CE. According to
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