26th May, 2017 marks the 186th Birth Anniversary of one of our most revered, prayed-to and loved saints, Jamshedji Sohrabji Kukadaru Saheb. Known as the Zarthosti Saint of the 19th Century, Dasturji Kukadaru’s life is exemplary about unparalleled devotion to Ahura Mazda, Zarathustra and their beautiful creation – the Mazdayasni-Zarthosti Religion. Born on 26th May, 1831, Roj Zamyad, Mah Ava in Surat, Dasturji Kukadaru Saheb was a Panthaky at the Kapawala Agiary in Mumbai. He lead a pious life, dedicating most of his time to reciting prayers, doing his chores by himself.

Dasturji Kukadaru Saheb is known for performing numerous miracles through his lifetime – for those who approached him for help, guidance and assistance. Numerous instances include saving the life of a young boy from jaundice; transforming a brick into a bar of pure gold, the proceeds of which were used to build the Anjuman Atash Behram in Mumbai; miraculously predicting a number of incidents including the deaths of Empress Victoria of England, Sir Dinshaw Petit and other personalities in India. His spiritual Guru was Dastur Azar Kaiwan Bin Azar Gushasp Saheb. Inspite of the adulation and greatness, Dasturji Kukadaru lead a life of simplicity, even cooking his humble meal comprising Khichdi and ghee on his own, just with the help of the sun’s rays while he recited the sacred Avestan verses. The peoples’ faith in Dasturji Kukadaru Saheb spread considerably due to the power of ‘Nirangs’ or short prayers that he instructed all to pray during times of difficulties.

Commemorating Dastur Jamshed Ervad Sohrab Kukadaru Saheb’s birth anniversary that falls on 26th May, 2017, PT Asst. Editor, Delaveen Tarapore speaks with Er. Jamshed Firoz Behramkamdin, who is a dedicated, full time priest at the Banaji Atashbehram, and shares an inspiring and informative report about the much revered saint:

PT: What prayers can one perform for Dasturji Kukadaru Sahib on his birth anniversary?

Er. Behramkamdin: One can offer the Afargan, Farokshi, Baj and Satum prayers in his memory. Our prayers are extremely powerful, and it is known that Dasturji Kukadaru Saheb used to give short Nirangs based on situations or personal requirements which aided all who came seeking his help.

PT: Are there any rituals in particular that could be performed?

Er. Behramkamdin: Devotees can offer a Jasan in his memory.

PT: What message did Kukadaru Saheb advocate and live by?

Er. Behramkamdin: Dasturji Kukadaru Saheb always lived by the message of simplicity, humility and truth. He was known to have very few material needs, thus living on a meal of just Khichdi and little ghee, that he ate once a day. He advocated the power of prayers and believed that prayers never go in vain.