5 Stories About The Fascinating Histories Of Parsis

One of most culturally enriched communities of our country, the Parsis have always been an exemplary race of peace and coexistence. One of the two sects of the Zoarastrians, (the other being the Irani), the Parsis brought their heritage and culture to India between the 8th and 10th century through Gujarat and Sindh.

Since then, they have become an integral part of the country, ameliorating the essence of Indian heritage over the years. Let’s celebrate the existence of our beloved Parsi community with some fascinating stories, legends and myths associated with their history and lore.

1. Here’s why many Parsis won’t eat a rooster

The chicken-based delicacies of the Parsis are one of most alluring things in the world but many of them would refrain from eating a rooster. According to a terrific legend, there was a time in Iran when it was under the rule of an evil king, Zohak who would order the beheading of two pure Iranian boys every day to satisfy the magical serpents that lived in his castle. However, Zohak’s subjects rebelled and one young lad, Faridun managed to tie the evil ruler with iron chains, high up in Mt. Devamand.

Now, the magical serpents would come to his aid and lick the chains thin as hair threads overnight. However, at dawn, when Zohak is almost ready to break free from the thinned chains, a rooster would call out in the distance making the chains strong again rendering Zohak, unable to escape. It is believed that every night, the serpents lick his chains thin and wait for a morning when the rooster wouldn’t call.

So, the rooster, according to the legend, saved the ancient Parsis from the hands of the tyrannical Zohak and has been continuing to do so by strengthening the chains of Zohak, with its call, every morning, ever since.

 

2. Here’s why they have always been a believer in peace

Legend has it that when the Zoroastrians, escaping the religious persecutions, reached Gujarat, they requested asylum in the kingdom of Jadi Rana. The king granted their requests to live in his land, worship their God and cultivate land. However, along with a few conditions, Rana asked the refugees what they could offer in return of the immigration. To this, an old priest gave the most beautiful answer.

He put an elfin bit of sugar in a bowl of milk and told the king that just as the sugar has mixed seamlessly with the milk and can’t be noticed anymore, the Parsis would mix with the people of India, only sweetening the culture with their own – just as the sugar would sweeten the milk without ever coming up to the surface. It was such a beautiful thing to say and how the wonderful Parsis had kept their promise, ever since.

 

3. The story of the Fire Temple – Iranshah

On their way towards India, the Parsis faced a terrible storm at Diu. In their prayers, they promised to build a fire temple of the highest grade if they survived the storm. Upon earning the confidence of Jadi Rana and acquiring permission to live as an independent community in India, the Parsees built the fire temple, Iranshah, at Sanjan in 790 A.C.

After 300 years, when Sanjan was attacked by Muslim invaders, the Parsis, led by Ardeshir Babekan, fought against in support of King Karan Vagela. Ardeshir Babekan, dreamt that the sacred fire of Iranshah was reaching the ceiling and turning into a white angel. He felt the need to protect the fire. Therefore, although Babekan was killed, the Iranshah was kept hidden in the caves of Bahrot for 12 years. Finally the Iranshah was brought to Udvada, Gujarat where it still stands.

 

4. The tragedy in Variav

The Parsis never deterred from the promise they’d made to Jadi Rana. They worked hard on the lands of Gujarat, spoke Gujarati and sari was the everyday attire of Parsi women. They had spread far and wide from Sanjan to all over the state. However, during the 11th century, the Raja of Ratanpur, jealous of their progress imposed unreasonably high taxes on the community in Variav to which they protested. One day, when the men were out attending their traditional festival, Ghambhar, the King’s men decided to attack the village.

The women, however, decided to tie their hair behind their helmets, dress as men and fend off the invaders. The soldiers were not expecting to be retaliated by men. However, their identities were soon revealed as an arrow struck a Parsi woman’s helmet and threw it off her head and the king’s men turned even more relentless after the discovery. In the end, realizing impending defeat, the women ran and chose to take their lives by jumping into the Tapti river. As the men returned from Ghambhar, tired and unassuming, the soldiers ambushed and didn’t spare any of them.

The sacrifice of the womenfolk in Variav is still remembered in prayers at the at the Fire Temples of Navsari.

 

5. The story of faith (O Parsee Tharo Thabario)

The Parsis have lived in harmony with Hindus and Muslims. Together, they would go fishing into the sea to earn a living. One day, as it happened, the fishermen found themselves in the middle of a sea storm. The Parsis in the boat began to chant the Yatha Ahu Vairyo, a prayer they’re taught right from their childhood. Miraculously, the deadly storm calmed down and they reached the shore in safety.

A few days later, the fishermen were in the middle of the sea and a storm struck again but this time there were no Parsis. None of them could remember the Parsi prayer and they could only chant it in fragments. Legend has it that the Hindu and Muslim fishermen chanted “O Parsi tharo thabario” in unison, which actually has no meaning as such but the storm restrained itself, once again, sparing their lives.

A fascinating race with incredible stories to tell, aren’t we glad that they came to India?

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