Mumbai’s tower of silence

The Tower of Silence: A Testament to Zoroastrian Funeral Traditions in Mumbai

The Tower of Silence, or dakhma, is a significant cultural and religious edifice located in Mumbai, specifically on the affluent Malabar Hill. This site is dedicated to the Zoroastrian practice of dokhmenashini, a funerary tradition that involves the exposure of deceased bodies to scavenger birds, primarily vultures. This practice, deeply rooted in the Zoroastrian belief system, aims to avoid contaminating the sacred elements of earth, fire, and water with decaying matter.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The tradition of dokhmenashini dates back approximately 3,000 years and is integral to the Zoroastrian ethos of purity. Zoroastrians, including the Parsi community in India, believe that a human corpse is impure and susceptible to evil spirits. Consequently, the traditional methods of disposal like burial or cremation, which involve contact with sacred elements, are eschewed. Instead, the bodies are placed atop the Tower of Silence, where they are naturally decomposed through exposure to vultures, thus preventing any desecration of the elements.

This practice was brought to India by the Parsis around 900 AD, following their migration from Persia due to the Islamic conquests that threatened their religious practices. The Towers of Silence in Mumbai are situated within the Doongerwadi complex, which spans 54 acres and was established approximately 300 years ago. This area, despite its location amidst one of Mumbai’s most luxurious residential zones, remains solely dedicated to this ancient ritual.

Environmental Challenges and Community Responses

In recent decades, the dokhmenashini practice has faced significant challenges, primarily due to the drastic decline in the vulture population in India. This decline, caused by the use of the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac in livestock, has severely impacted the efficiency of the Towers of Silence. Vultures, which once disposed of bodies within hours, are now scarce, leading to concerns about the accumulation and delayed decomposition of corpses.

The Parsi community in Mumbai, which numbers around 45,000, has been at the center of debates regarding the continuation of this practice. Concerns about hygiene and the traditional efficacy of the Towers have led to discussions and dissent within the community. Some members advocate for modern methods such as solar concentrators, which desiccate the bodies without the need for vultures, while others hold steadfast to the traditional practices, viewing them as a crucial aspect of Zoroastrian religious observance.

Architectural and Functional Aspects of the Tower of Silence

The Tower of Silence itself is an architectural marvel designed specifically for the dokhmenashini ritual. It is a circular, raised structure with a series of concentric circles where bodies are laid out according to gender and age. The central pit collects the skeletal remains after the vultures have done their part. The design ensures that all remains are eventually washed into subterranean filters, preventing any pollution of the land.

The Future of an Ancient Tradition

The future of the Towers of Silence in Mumbai is uncertain. With environmental changes and shifts within the Parsi community itself, adaptations may become necessary to maintain the sanctity and practicality of Zoroastrian funerary rites. Whether through technological solutions like solar concentrators or through a revival of the vulture population, the community continues to explore ways to preserve this ancient tradition in a modern urban context.

The Tower of Silence in Mumbai not only serves as a sacred site for the final rites of the Parsi community but also stands as a testament to the enduring nature of Zoroastrian traditions in the face of evolving social and environmental landscapes. As Mumbai continues to grow and modernize, the Tower of Silence remains a poignant reminder of the city’s rich multicultural history and the complex interplay between tradition and change.