Dasturji Kookadaru Saheb

[otw_shortcode_info_box border_style=”bordered” css_class=”boxed”]Daisy P. Navdar is a teacher by profession and a firm believer in the efficacy of our Manthravani. She is focused on ensuring that the deep significance of our prayers is realized by our youth. She credits her learnings and insights, shared in her articles, to all Zoroastrian priests and scholars whose efforts have contributed towards providing light and wisdom for all Zarthostis.[/otw_shortcode_info_box]

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A simple man, one who lived a humble and yet exalted existence. Dastoorji Kookadaru Saheb, the divinely smiling photograph in all Agiaries and Atashbehrams belies the lofty status of the revered Dastoorji Saheb. Kookadaru Sahebji and his life is perhaps the most recent recorded history that we have, which proves beyond any doubt, the efficacy of our prayers. His life was one dedicated completely and absolutely to the service of our beloved Pak Dadar Ahura Mazda and His Son, Pak Atash Padshah Saheb.

It is said that he was so immersed in his prayers that he even made his meal by putting some rice out into the sun to cook and then ate that with some ghee. The story of his turning an ordinary brick into a gold brick is a legend that has stood the testimony of time. Today, our revered Anjuman Atash Behram Saheb is vibrant proof of the same.

I would like to share with you a lesser known story about Kookadaru Saheb. One day, a thirsty Pir came to the gates of the Kuppawalla Agiary. He asked Dasturji to bring him a drink of water. However, he stipulated, that since Dasturji was renowned for his prowess in prayers, he should bring the waters of the well to the gate of the Agiary. Sensing a challenge, Dasturji also added his own condition… he told the Pir that he would bring the waters of the well to the gate but the Pir would have to return the waters back to the well once his thirst was quenched. The Pir foolishly agreed to this.

Dasturji stood at the well and started praying the Avan ArdviSur ni Nyaish. The waters of the well rose at his command and flooded outward towards the gate. The Pir stood in awe and bowed to drink his fill. The waters continued to come in an unstoppable tide. The Pir could do nothing to stop the flow. Realizing his folly, he joined his hands and asked for forgiveness from Dasturji Saheb and acknowledged his mistake. Dasturji once more started reciting his prayers, this time requesting Avan Banu for her forgiveness at having caused her to flow out. The waters slowly receded back into the well at the sincere behest of Dasturji Saheb. This is one amongst the many living miracles of Dasturji Kookadaru Saheb.

He was a healer who healed with the power of our manthravani and he has gifted us with his own most powerful and unique Nirang. This is a multifaceted prayer which not only heals the sick and afflicted but also helps in circumstances in which we find ourselves powerless. It can overcome obstacles and show the right path. It is beneficial to recite this nirang seven times everyday, after doing the ritual prayers. We must ask for the divine assistance of Kookadaru Saheb after reciting this nirang and faithfully believe that divine grace will surely shower upon us. The nirang and its meaning is given as under:

“Ya noore dastageer,
Ya dastageere noor
Karam Kar Kareema
Rahem Karo ya parvardegar
Madad Karo Ya nabee
Jarthost Tari Padshahi”

 Trnaslated: “Oh Sarosh Yazad, the one who gives us the radiant light and who shows us the path of righteousness, please help our soul in performing good deeds. Oh Lord Ahura Mazda! Please forgive us for our sins. Oh Prophet Zarthustra! Please help us to accept your leadership and religion.”