Parsee Pilgrimage : Gujarat
Parsees came to India from Irtn fleeing the Islamic invasions of
west Asia, breaking journey for about a year in the Persian gulf.
It is said that their first landfall was Diu island, and after a
few years the Parsecs crossed the Gulf of Cambay and landed at Sanjan.
After Sanjan was captured by the Muslims, it is said, the holy fire
was moved to the hills of Bhairot and Bansda, and then to Valsad
and Navsari.Chagan Shah, the collector of Navsari ruled that the
priests of Sanjan may tend the fire but the native priests must
officiate at ceremonies. This was not acceptable and the fire was
moved to Udwada in 1742 AD.
Parsees believe that there is only one God, Ahura Mazda, and Zaorashtra
is his prophet, the fire being his symbol of enlightenment. A good
man loves the fire, water and animals. The Avesta is their holy
book. just as Mecca is sacred to Muslims, the Vatican City to Christians,
Puri to Hiiidus,, Palitana to Iains, Gaya to Buddhists, Udwada is
a quintessential Parsee pilgrimage.
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