Tower of Silence is a well like structure where the Parsi community discards the body of the dead according to their rituals, in this city of Mumbai. The tower was constructed by Seth Modi Hirji in the year 1672. The unique architecture of the structure is quite striking and attracts visitors to this unusual location. The Tower of Silence is situated on the topmost region of the Malabar Hills in Mumbai.
Belief of the Parsi Community
The Parsi community came to India some 900 years back. Slowly they became a section of the Indian society. According to their culture and rituals they believed, that the dead bodies of the Parsi should be left open to the birds of prey. Some people believe this to be a kind of charity. Others are of the view that the bodies of the dead should not pollute the water, soil, or environment, so they must be destroyed by exposing them in the open.
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About the Parsi Tower
It has been constructed beautifully, covering an area of 55 acres of land. The tower comprises 3 rings, each of them having a particular significance. The first ring is meant for the male bodies, the second is where female bodies are kept and the third is made for the bodies of children. The structure is also called Parsi Bawdi o Bavdi. The place is known by other names like Dokhma or Dakhma, which means a site where dead bodies are kept.
Unusual Place of Visit: Tower of Silence
Many tourists are curious to have a glimpse of the site during their Mumbai tour. Surrounded with greenery, this isolated place takes us to a state of repose and quietude on reaching there. However, the area is strictly guarded and only Parsi members are allowed to go inside the tower of silence. You can reach the tower, either by taxi from West Marine Line or avail public buses from the city.
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