Do Parsis still use Tower of Silence?

The towers remain in use as sacred locations for the Parsi community, though non-members may not enter them.

Can we go to Tower of Silence?

You would probably have been told or read about Mumbai’s “Tower of Silence”, its mysteries and meanings. As a matter of fact, it is not a tourist attraction, it is not opened for visitors, and specially to those that do not belong to the Parse community and to the Zoroastrian faith.

Who built Tower of Silence in Mumbai?

Seth Moti Hirji
The city of Mumbai has always been home to a large population of Parsis. The Tower of Silence was built in 1672, by Seth Moti Hirji. The Tower is where the Parsi community performs the last rites for the departed. According to Zoroastrian belief, the earth – Zam and fire- Atar are considered pure and divine.

How many towers of silence are there in Mumbai?

five towers
The Towers of Silence or dakhma are roofless cylindrical structures made of stone. The bodies of the dead are placed here so that they are open to the elements as well as birds of prey. There are five towers at Malabar Hill.

Why is Tower of Silence no fly zone?

At a meeting of senior aviation officials, trustees of the BPP and revenue department officials last month, community leaders made it clear that allowing aircraft to fly over the Tower of Silence would hurt the community’s religious feelings.

Who called Parsis?

Parsi, also spelled Parsee, member of a group of followers in India of the Iranian prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra). The Parsis, whose name means “Persians,” are descended from Persian Zoroastrians who emigrated to India to avoid religious persecution by Muslims.

What happens after death in Parsi?

The Parsi corpse is exposed to the rays of the sun, and the corpse is consumed or devoured by birds of prey — vultures, kites and crows,” Mistree says. For Zoroastrians, burying or cremating the dead is seen as polluting nature.

Where is the Tower of Silence located?

The Tower of Silence, also known as Parsee Bawdi, is a sprawling graveyard that is situated in the posh Malabar Hill region of the city. Covering an area of 55 acres, this funeral ground is where the last rites of people belonging to the Parsee community are performed.

What is the name of the Tower of silence in Mumbai?

Parsi Bawdi – Tower Of Silence at Malabar Hills Mumbai. “Keeping an important note about Parsi Tower Of Silence, which is also called ‘Parsi Bawdi’ located in South Mumbai’s Kemps Corner, Malabar Hill location is that its is not a Public attractions of Mumbai and is restricted access only to Parsi (Zoroastrian) community people.

What is the Tower of silence?

The Tower of Silence is a place which many of us may find difficult to fathom for two reasons. One, it is an open well like structure where bodies of people from the Parsi community are laid after their death. These are left here to be devoured by encircling birds of prey.

Where do Parsis in Mumbai go to bury their dead?

Also, amongst the Parsis, there are designated people that are allowed to go to the burial wells (located deep into the forest area). It is a wonder that this small community within Mumbai has managed to veil their final resting place from most of us, inspite of it being in the heart of Mumbai.

Why do the Parsee place their dead in a tower?

So as not to defile sacred air, earth or water by cremating, burying or putting corpses in water, the Parsee sect places their dead within a tower, where the bodies are consumed by birds. Suggest edits to improve what we show.