Thursday, January 16, 2014

Vatcha Agiary, Mumbai

Dadabhai Naoroji Road (D.N.Road) in the Fort area of South Mumbai is an important area where one can see various heritage structures of Neo–Classical and Gothic style. 



Vatcha Agiary is one such structure on this road. It is a Parsi fire temple built in 1881 by Bai Pirojbai, who was the widow of the late Seth Dadabhoy Maneckji Vachha. Its main entrance has been closed but Parsis who wish to visit this Agiary, have to enter through a tiny door that is situated to the left of the entrance. 



Inside this is there is holy fire which can be touched only by priests and Dadgar. It has distinctive carvings in Assyrian style. The exterior of this Agiary is extravagant with two winged bulls at the gate and a motif of a winged angel atop it. 

25 comments:

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
OOohhh lovely - that's one building I didn't see when in Mumbai! YAM xx

Ramakrishnan said...

Interesting information. The winged bull is awesome.

rupam sarma said...

Nice captures , Thanks for sharing :)

Lowell said...

Not having ever visited India I really appreciate your photos...I had no idea that Mumbai had so many different styles of architecture.

Anonymous said...

Lovely shots.

Crafty Green Poet said...

that's an amazing carving

Photo Cache said...

i love the architectural style.

George said...

It's interesting that carvings of this type are found in a building that was built relatively recently. Fascinating.

Carver said...

You always show us such interesting places.

DeniseinVA said...

I enjoyed these photos very much, so interesting. Thank you!

Leovi said...

Wonderful photos! I like to see that sacred fire! Thank you!

Unknown said...

Mumbai have some iconic and heritage structures that are well mentioned and one such example is this Agiary. thanks for acknowledging about such places. they are really heritage places of Mumbai.

Thomas Lee/Lee Lip Pang said...

This is something rarely seen.

Our photos said...

The photos are beautiful!
Have a nice weekend!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The statue is intimidating. I guess that is the point of it.

Al said...

I love that sculpture, it's exquisite.

hula-la said...

Thanks for having us along on your journey. Would love to see the holy fire. Aloha

Ruth Kelly said...

The statues are enormous and very interesting.

LV said...

Always enjoy your post for the history and the wonderful structures.

Catherine said...

That first architectural shot is vy appealing

Suzy said...

I remember this agiary and the sculptures. Quite imposing. Amazing what one finds in Mumbai if we care to look. Nice one. Dropping by from the thursday challenge.

SmilingSally said...

Thanks for sharing.
Have a Happy Blue Monday.

Neesie said...

I love to visit different places and this certainly looks a fantastic place.
Great shots ;D

Maria's Space said...

Great shots of beautiful statue.

Ranjana's craft blog said...

This architecture is very interesting.