On 26^th November, 2023, community members heartily welcomed the new Varasiaji into the holy Dadiseth Atash Behram, located at Kalbadevi (Fanaswadi), Mumbai. Named ‘Pourashaspa’, the Varasiaji (albino bull-calf) was brought in from a farm in Karjat. A proper cowshed in the Atash Behram premises has been exclusively reserved for him, in keeping with the sacred requirements of purity and solitude. A caretaker will maintain medical records to ensure the consistent wellbeing of the Varasiaji.

The predecessor of ‘Pourashaspa’ passed away a couple of months ago, after serving the Atash Behram for twenty-three years. A kindly gentleman, who rears cattle in Karjat, donated the bull and also named him.

It is mandatory for a Varasiaji to have only white hair – including on his tail, hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. A vital part of sacred rituals, the Varasiaji’s urine (taro) is consecrated through religious ceremonies and our manthravani (prayers), and is a crucial component in various religious rituals including weddings, Navjote ceremonies, ordaining of priests, etc.