There has been an increasing appeal from Mumbai’s community members to the Maharashtra Government to formally name the junction near Churchgate station as ‘Bhikha Behram Chowk’, in commemoration of the glorious 300-year anniversary of our sacred Bhikha Behram Well, located near Churchgate. The proposed renaming is seen as a tribute to Bhikaji Behram Pandey’s enduring legacy, ensuring that future generations recognize his contributions to the city’s heritage. The grand community celebration of the well’s tricentenary will be held at Albless Baug, on 21^st March, 2025. A commemorative book, ‘Waternamah: 300 Years of Mumbai’s Bhikha Behram Well’, edited by Bachi Karkaria, will be launched on the occasion.

Recognized as a Grade II-A Heritage Structure in Mumbai, the Well remains is a site of immense spiritual and historical significance for the community. As part of these milestone celebrations, the well is currently undergoing the final stages of restoration.

Diniar Mehta, President of BJP’s Parsi Cell, has formally requested the renaming in a proposal to Speaker and Colaba MLA, Rahul Narwekar, in keeping with several requests received by him from the community and the Bhikha Behram Trust. The request has also been submitted to the Municipal Commissioner and is pending approval.

The Bhikha Behram Well has been a cornerstone of Mumbai’s Parsi-Irani Zoroastrian community for three centuries now, witnessing the city’s evolution while serving as a sacred space. The historic well was constructed in 1725 CE by philanthropist and businessman Bhikaji Behram Pandey, who heeded a divine dream, and miraculously, on its construction, the well has since produced fresh water, despite being close to the sea. The well has served the purpose of providing drinking water to travellers and street animals. During the 1896 bubonic plague, it was one of the few uncontaminated water sources, quenching the city’s thirst. Even in the 1970s, it supplemented the limited municipal water supply in the old Fort area.

While the holy structure of the well dates back to the 18^th century, its ornate canopy, featuring intricate stained glass, was added in the early 1900s. For years now, every month, on Ava Mahino – Ava Roj, a community Jashan and Humbandagi prayers are held, bringing together community members gather to offer prayers to Avan Ardvisura Anahita – the divine guardian angel of water.

Despite its sanctity, the well has faced challenges, from encroachments to vandalism. A 16-year legal battle was won against a structure built beside it, and restoration efforts were spearheaded by corporate benefactors like the Godrej and Shapoorji Pallonji groups. More recently, concerns about Metro Line 3’s impact on the water table were dismissed by geological studies.

As Mumbai marks the well’s tricentenary, the community stands resolute in safeguarding this sacred landmark. With unwavering devotion, they await a decisive nod from the authorities to immortalize its legacy by renaming the junction in its honour – an enduring tribute to history and faith.