DOONGERWADI

The Doongerwadi Estate is approximately 57 acres, a prime property in a prime locality whose value is invaluable. The Doongerwadi itself has many fold functions controlled by the Head Office:

(a) Maintenance and upkeep of the property, both constructed Bunglis, Pavilions, Dadgha Saheb, the open garden of forest area, not to forget the Dokhmas which are built in 1672 onwards.
There are five Dokhmas, out of which three are constantly functional, viz. Anjuman, Sethna and Bisni. Banaji Dokhma at the moment is not in use but would be shortly made functional. Besides, there is one Modi Dokhma which is specially used for Parsi ladies married to non-Parsi but who had continued to profess Zoroastrian religion till death and who had desired to be consigned to the Towers of Silence.

(b) Staff which are over 100 in number at Doongerwadi itself as shift work system for Khandhias, Bungli Kamdars and supervisors is in vogue. There are malis, Morgue operators, Ozone operators and other like Mehtajis etc.

(c) There are 12 Solars , 4 each at Anjuman, Sethna and Bisni Dokhmas, with a separate team of Engineers and Solar operators.

(d) The Priests section, though is separate overall, it falls under the Bombay Parsi Punchayet control.

(e) The forest area and gardening is a chapter by itself as environmental laws and other aspects are taken into consideration.

This is located at Gibbs Road, Malabar Hill. The lands contain dokhma including a chotra. The first dokhma was built about 300 years ago at a time when nothing but a thick wood existed and hyenas and jackals ruled the land. Particulars of the six dokhmas are given below:

Literal Translation of Doongerwadi reads as ‘An Orchard on a Hill’.

Introduction:

Spread over 58 acres of land at Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Doongerwadi is the final resting place for the deceased Parsi / Irani Zoroastrians of Mumbai and neighboring Districts and States.

Doongerwadi, has five Dokhmas (all are operational) for disposal of the bodily remains of the Mazdayansne Zarathusthi per traditional Zoroastrian customs.

The details of Dokhmas at Doongerwadi:

Dokhma	Dedicated to the community in the year
Modi Hirji Vatcha Gandhi	1672-73
Maneckji Nowroji Seth	1756
Anjuman	1778
Framji Cawasji Banaji	1832
Cowasji Edulji Bisni	1844

Doongerwadi has 7 Prayer Halls at the upper Bungli level and 4 Prayer Halls at the lower Bungli level.
The upper Bungli Prayer Halls have facilities of Boarding and Lodging for the 4 days of Rituals restricted to Parsi / Irani Zorostrians.

Contact Nos. of 24/7 working Front Office :

+91 8591244526.(WHATSAPP ALSO AVAILABLE)

+91 8369460336.

Upon the demise of a Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian at Home or in Hospital, the next of kin / relative / friend to follow the underlaid steps : (All the required information to be kindly furnished at the Doongerwadi Front Office)

Full name of the deceased: ie. Name – father’s / husband’s name-surname.
Place of death : Full Address is necessary so that the Hearse Van can be sent without delay.
Please mention the affiliated Agiary name with full address.(Please also call up the agiary first and inform them of the demise.)
Bungli preference : Preference will be given subject to availability.
Number of days obsequies at Doongerwadi : 4 days or 1 day.
On the Death Certificate (in Form 4/4a being issued by the medical fraternity), please ensure the Doctor’s / Hospital Stamp and Registration number at two places.
Please click a clear pic of the Full Death Certificate and send the same over whatsapp to the Front Office on +91 85912 44526.
Please bring the following in original and 2 photocopies to Doongerwadi :
1. Death Certificate issued by physician / hospital in form 4 / 4a.
2. Aadhaar Card of the deceased.
3. Aadhaar card of the next of kin / relative / friend.
  
  In case it’s a friend who brings in the body of the deceased, a recent passport size photo of the friend needs to be pasted on the Form to be filled at Doongerwadi.
  
  The front office will make a set of documents with which the next of kin / relative / friend will have to go to the ‘D’ Ward BMC Office at Nana Chowk to obtain the ‘Death Registry Certificate’.
Alternatively, the next of kin / relative / friend may proceed directly to the BMC ‘D’ Ward Office with the following documents in original and one photocopy.
1. Form 4 / 4a (as applicable)
2. Aadhaar Card of the Deceased
3. Aadhaar Card of the next of kin
4. Aadhaar Card of the person going to BMC if other than next of kin.
  
  On receiving the ‘Death Registry Certificate’ from the BMC, please whatsapp the same to the Front Office on +91 85912 44526

Important :

As per existing norms, the Bathing and Sachkar rituals would commence only on receipt of a Copy of the ‘Death Registry Certificate’.
Rules / protocols are subject to change from time to time.
The BMC Health Department updates Doongerwadi on the changes from time to time.
More details can be checked by calling our Front Office on:
1. +91 8591244526.(WHATSAPP ALSO AVAILABLE)
2. +91 8369460336.

Charges:

Bungli :

Hearse:

Separate Excel Sheet will be sent to be incorporated on the Website. Will also sent PPX with Doongerwadi pics.

Charges are subject to change from time to time.

Important Rituals at Doongerwadi:

Sachkar :

The deceased is bathed with Taro (Cow/Bull Urine).
The deceased is dressed with Sudreh and Pyjama (preferably of a worn materials)
The Kustie is tied on the Sudreh by the next of kin/relatives.

The deceased is then gracefully brought out in the Prayer Hall and placed on the 3 marble slabs. A Kash is formed with the help of an Iron Nail forming a circuit to contain the ‘Druj -e-Nasu’ emitting from the body.
It is important that the Sachkar Ritual must be done in the same ‘Geh’ in which the deceased has passed away. However, considering the circumstances and ground realities, the Sachkar has to be done earliest possible by the following Geh.
Post Sachkar no non-Parsis/Zorastrians are allowed to see the body of the deceased as they do not wear the Sudreh and Kustie and hence are not protected from the Druj-e-Nasu.

Sagdid:

Sagdid means ‘Dogs Sight’. A dog is brought in during the Sachkar Ritual. The eyesight of the dog has a great relevance in the Zoroastrian Religion.

Bhoi Nu Bhantar:

Post Sachkar and Sagdid Rituals, the Prayers meant to console the soul of the deceased are recited by a Mobed Saheb. In absence of a Mobed Saheb, the Behdins too can recite the Prayers.

Geh Sarna:

The Geh Sarna Ritual is to be carried out post sunrise and an hour before sunset.
The 2 Mobed Sahebs would recite the Prayers.
In between the Prayers, when the deceased is transferred from the Paavi to the Bier, the Sagdid Ritual is carried out and thereafter the rest of Geh Sarna Prayers are continued till finish.
Sagdid Ritual is carried out once again after the end of the Prayers.
The deceased is then carried on the shoulder (Khand) by the Khandias followed by 2 Mobed Sahebs, who had recited the Geh Sarna Prayers. They are followed by the Pydast Attendees. The deceased is carried up to the Fravandian Gate and placed on the last salutation slab, where the final farewell is bid.
Once again, the Sagdid Ritual is carried out at the last salutation slab and the body is taken by the pall bearers to be consigned to the specified Dokhma.

Contact Details

Name of dokhma	Built by	Year in which built
Mody Vachha Gandhi	Modi Hirjibhai Vacha Gandhi	1672
Maneckji Sett	Maneckji Nowroji Sett	1751
Anjuman	Parsi Punchayet	1779
Banaji	Framji Vowasji Banaji	1832
Bisni	Cowasji Edulhi Bisni	1844
Chotra	Parsi Punchayet	1800

Dokhma is not merely a ‘Tower’ as is generally supposed nor a ‘well’ for resting place of the bones of the dead. It is a structure, well and scientifically designed to drain off putrefying matter and preserve the bones in the central receptacle which in ordinary paralance is a ‘well’. The custom is over 3000 years old.

The term ‘Doongerwadi’ is not a coinage of the Parsis. The land today collectively known as Doongerwadi was donated to the Trustees by philanthropic Parsis but some portions were even bought. One such plot known as Pandu Sett’s ‘Doongerwadi’ (lit. Garden on Hill) was bought by the then Trustees. Hence the generic name Doongerwadi.

In the event of death occurring in your family / household, would appraise you of the preparedness to be done.

FOR DEATH OCCURANCES IN MUMBAI CITY LIMITS (UPTO DAHISAR ON THE WESTERN EXPRESS HIGHWAY AND MULUND ON THE EASTERN EXPRESS HIGHWAY)

On death of the Parsee & Irani Zarathusthi, a Death Certificate in Form 4 / 4A (Medical Certification of Cause Of Death) to be obtained from the Doctor.
Please note Form 4 is issued when death occurs at the residence. Form 4A is issued when death occurs in hospital / nursing home
Kindly ensure correct spelling of the name of the deceased, legible rubber stamp, signature & Registration number of the Doctor is clearly mentioned on the Certificate.

Please take 3-4 clear photocopies of the complete certificate.

Meanwhile, please call up your AtashBehram /Atash Aadarian / Atash Dadgah and inform the head Priest of the Death for him/her to make arrangement for the priests at Doongarwadi.

On receipt of the Death Certificate, please call up the Doongarwadi office on

2367 1676 / 2367 5974 / 8369460336

to request for the Hearse Van giving the following information to the Duty Bungli Supervisor (preferably by a blood relative of the deceased)

Full Name of the Deceased.
Age
Date of Death
Name and contact details of the Blood relative
Complete address for the Hearse Van to come for pickup of the deceased.
Bungli preference if any (subject to availability).
Period of obscurities at Doongarwadi (ie 4 days or 1 day).
Name of the AtashBehram / Atash Adarian / Atash Dadgah.

Please bring along the following to Doongarwadi

A towel.
6 -7 Gents Sudreh for the Pydast Ceremony (to be laid on the Bier).
Used but washed Sudreh & Lenga for the deceased to be worn after the Bath.
2 – 3 Nos. White Bed-Sheets.
A Cologne water bottle.

All of the above would also be available at Doongarwadi. However, Article No. 3 (if taken new) 4 & 5 are on chargeable basis.
Presently, the charges for the same are :
New Sudreh & Lenga for the deceased Rs.300.00
New Chaddar – Upper Bungli @ Rs.175.00 ; Lower Bungli @ Rs.120.00
Cologne Water Bottle @ Rs.100.00 at MRP

A relative may meanwhile go to the BrihanMumbai Mahanagar Palika (BMC) office of ‘D’ Ward at Nana Chowk alongwith the original and 1 copy of the Death Certificate (4 /4A), Aadhaar Card of the Deceased (Incase the Aadhaar Card of the deceased is not there then an Aadhaar Card of the relative going to the BMC office would suffice to obtain the Statement Of Death Registry. Also, the names of both the parents of the deceased will be required by the Authorities.

Kindly take 2-3 clear photocopies of the Statement of Death Registry.

On reaching Doongarwadi, please submit the following copies to the Duty Bungli Supervisor :

Death Certificate in Form 4 / 4A.
Statement of Death Registry.
Aadhaar Card of the Deceased / relative.

In case there is no blood relative of the deceased, the person who brings the deceased for Dokh-Me-Nashini at Doongarwadi will have to fill a form attaching a recent photograph and a photocopy of the Aadhaar card. A form in English seeking details of the deceased need to be filled up & signed for announcement on the internet site www.bpppaidast.in

A form in Gujarati seeking details of the deceased for announcement in Parsi press (Parsi Times, Jame & Mumbai Samachar) also needs to be filled up. (The Duty Bungli Supervisor would be glad to assist in case of language issues)

FOR DEATH OCCURANCES OUTSIDE MUMBAI CITY LIMITS BUT WITHIN THE COUNTRY

On death of the person, a Death Certificate in Form 4 / 4A (Medical Certification of Cause Of Death) / on Letter Head of the Doctor with Registration Number, Stamp & Signature to be obtained from the Doctor.

Kindly ensure proper spelling of the name of the deceased, legible rubber stamp, signature & Registration number of the Doctor is clearly mentioned on the Certificate.

Please take 5-6 clear photocopies of the complete certificate.

Please proceed to the your local area Police Station and obtain the NOC from them with the name & Signature of the Duty Police Officer with the Police Station Stamp.

Please take 5-6 clear photocopies of the complete certificate.

Meanwhile, please call up your AtashBehram /Atash Aadarian / Atash Dadgah and inform the head Priest of the Death for him/her to make arrangement for the priests at Doongarwadi.

On receipt of the Death Certificate, please call up the Doongarwadi office on

+91 22 2367 1676 / +91 22 2367 5974 / +91 83694 60336

and give the following information to the Duty Bungli Supervisor (preferably by a blood relative of the deceased)

Full Name of the Deceased.
Age
Date of Death
Name and contact details of the Blood relative
Complete address for the Hearse Van to come for pickup of the deceased.
Bungli preference if any (subject to availability).
Period of obscurities at Doongarwadi (ie 4 days or 1 day).
Name of the AtashBehram / Atatsh Adarian / Atash Dadgah.

Please bring along the following to Doongarwadi

A towel
6 -7 Gents Sudreh for the Pydast Ceremony to be laid in the Bier
Used but washed Sudreh & Lenga for the deceased to be worn after the Bath.
2 – 3 Nos. White Bed-Sheets
A Cologne water bottle.

All of the above would also be available at Doongarwadi. However, Article No. 3 (if taken new) 4 & 5 are on chargeable basis.
Presently, the charges for the same are :

New Sudreh & Lenga for the deceased Rs.300.00
New Chaddar – Upper Bungli @ Rs.175.00 ; Lower Bungli @ Rs.120.00
Cologne Water Bottle @ Rs.100.00 at MRP

The Hearse Van / Ambulance to be taken directly to the Malabar Hill Police Station. The Malabar Hill Duty Police Station Officer will issue a fresh NOC.

Please take 5-6 clear photocopies of the fresh NOC.

From there please get the hearse van to Doongarwadi and submit all the Certificates in original & a photocopy to the Duty Bungli Supervisor. (The originals will be returned after verification).

A relative will then proceed to the BrihanMumbai Mahanagar Palika (BMC) office of ‘D’ Ward at Nana Chowk alongwith all the originals and 2 photocopies each, also take the Aadhaar Card of the Deceased (Incase the Aadhaar Card of the deceased is not there then an Aadhaar Card of the relative going to the BMC office would suffice to obtain the Statement Of Death Registry. Also, the names of both the parents of the deceased will be required by the Authorities.

Kindly take 2-3 clear photocopies of the Statement of Death Registry.

A form in English seeking details of the deceased need to be filled up & signed for announcement on the internet site www.bpppaidast.in

A form in Gujarati seeking details of the deceased for announcement in Parsi press also needs to be filled up. (The Duty Bungli Supervisor would be glad to assist in case of language issues)

FOR UNCLAIMED (NAVARAS) DECEASED

There are laid down procedures for Unclaimed (Navaras) deceased brought in at Doongarwadi.

The body is kept in the Mortuary.
An announcement is made in The Mumbai Samachar Press announcing the name of the deceased and area from which the deceased is brought in, calling for relatives / friends / associates of the deceased.
A time frame of 48 hours from the announcement appearing in the Press is given.
In case no relative / friend / associate comes to claim the deceased, then the Geh Sarna and Dokhme-na-shini would be done on BPP Account & prayers at Godavara Atash Adarian would also be performed.