How does the Tower of Silence look?
The Tower of Silence They are usually, circular, raised structures, preferably away from habitation. The upper part is exposed to the Sun and birds of prey/ carrion – usually vultures. In the early 19th century, a translator in colonial British India, roughly translated the name as “The Tower of Silence”.
What is the use of Tower of Silence?
Towers of Silence are large circular structures made out of stone. They are a cornerstone of burial practices in the Zoroastrian religion. Zoroastrians leave the deceased’s remains in the tower for vultures to consume. Believers see this as the purest and safest method of disposal for both the community and nature.
Why is the Tower of Silence so famous?
The 300-year-old dakhma or funerary tower, located deep within a 54-acre forest, is where the bodies of deceased Zoroastrians are placed and exposed to scavenger birds, which as per their beliefs, is the most sacred way of dealing with the dead.
Who constructed the Tower of Silence?
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.
What is the story of Tower of Silence?
Plot. An aerial photographer takes a photograph of a Parsi dakhma, also known as a tower of silence, a structure used to expose the bodies of the dead to carrion birds. This is deeply offensive to the Parsi population of Mumbai, and one of their number sets out to exact revenge for this insult.
Who built Tower of Silence?
The Zoroastrians first migrated to the Indian subcontinent during the 10th century AD and have since been an integral and important part of the Indian community. 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.
What do you need to know about the towers of silence?
Towers of Silence offer visitors an unmissable story behind Zoroastrian beliefs, on top of all, the answer to the much-asked question: What did Zoroastrians do with dead bodies and why? If you are interested in visiting Iran one day, as an Iran tour operator, we invite you to check out our Iran tours as well:
Where are the towers of silence in Iran?
History of Towers of Silence in Yazd : Towers of silence in Yazd are among the few well-preserved towers in Iran, hence attracting many visitors. There are 2 towers of silence on the site, called “Golestan” and “Maneckji”.
Where are the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence located?
Well-preserved Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are found in Yazd, which is home to the majority of Zoroastrian community in Iran. Towers of Silence offer visitors an unmissable story behind Zoroastrian beliefs, on top of all, the answer to the much-asked question: What did Zoroastrians do with dead bodies and why?
Are there any towers of silence in India?
In Iran, towers of silence were in use until this funerary practice was banned by the government during the 1970s. In a report from 2015, it was written that India has a Parsi population of around 61,000. Of these, 45,000 live in Mumbai. Hence, it is in this city that several towers of silence may be found.