Below is an appeal sent to us by the trustees of the Banaji Limjee Agiary. This is Bombay’s and perhaps India’s oldest agiary.
BANAJI LIMJEE AGIARY
Appeal for contribution to Repair Fund
Dear Sir/Madam,,
The Banaji Limjee Agiary, which was constructed in the year 1709 and is the second Agiary to be so constructed in Bombay, is today the oldest existing Agiary in Bombay, the first having burnt down~ many many years ago.
The Banaji Limjee Agiary will be completing 300 years on Mah Adar Roj Adar, i.e. 24th April 2009, The present structure, which is about 163 years old now, having been rebuilt in 1845, and lastly repaired & renovated in 1999-2000 needs further repairs, maintenance & facelift both internally and externally.
The Trustees of Banaji. Limjee Agiary Trust Funds are anxious to carry out the repairs, renovation & further facelift of this heritage structure so that the patrons and worshippers who come to this Agiary may not be put to any great inconvenience in the performance of religious ceremonies and daily prayers.
As can be expected, the cost of repairs at prevailing prices works out to a fairly large sum and the Trust does not have the financial capability to bear this essential expenditure.
The Trustees would also like to take this opportunity to collect substantial funds not only for the current repairs/renovations but also for a reserve fund, which could be used to meet future periodical maintenance charges.
As our holy fire sees its first dawn of its 301st year, the trustees earnestly appeal to all members of the community to come forward and help this noble cause with generous donations, which will go a long way to preserve the community’s oldest place of worship in Bombay today.
Amount of donation be given to the Panthaki of our Agiary at the Agiary. If the donor wishes to pay by cheques, the same may be drawn in the name of “Banajee Limjee Agiary Trust Funds” and made cross and order. Cash payment can also be deposited in the collection box kept for the purpose in the Agiary.
Yours gratefully,
Dadi K. Banaji
Adi B. Banaji
Jamshed Banaji
Dasturji Meherji Kaekobad Meherjiana
Hosang Wania
Trustees
Banaji Limjee Agiary Trust Funds
Address ,
Banaji Limjee Agiary
18, Banaji Street,
Fort, Mumbai-400 001.
A landmark fire temple patronised by many Jarthostees even now, though in Foert area, deserves generous donations. Unlike other Fire temples which are frequented by not more than 10 devotees and survive by selling well water, this holy place is full of devotees during day time on important days but is seldom without a devotee at any time during the day up to 8.00 p.m.
A landmark fire temple patronised by many Jarthostees even now, though in Foert area, deserves generous donations. Unlike other Fire temples which are frequented by not more than 10 devotees and survive by selling well water, this holy place is full of devotees during day time on important days but is seldom without a devotee at any time during the day up to 8.00 p.m.
I am sure that there are a number of devotees like myself who would like to send donations from foreign countries. It would help if the trustees would post a contact email address or how they would like to receive donations in foreign currency.
I looked up US$500 it came to around Rs 26,000. Would they prefer to receive a $500.00 check or do they prefer that I obtain equivalent rupees check? I could wire transfer. I just want to make sure that the money will go to the right fund. I really want to send this money and would send more if they would just be more specific on how they would like to receive these donations.
At this moment I am assuming that there are other devotees that have this concern.
MD
I am sure that there are a number of devotees like myself who would like to send donations from foreign countries. It would help if the trustees would post a contact email address or how they would like to receive donations in foreign currency.
I looked up US$500 it came to around Rs 26,000. Would they prefer to receive a $500.00 check or do they prefer that I obtain equivalent rupees check? I could wire transfer. I just want to make sure that the money will go to the right fund. I really want to send this money and would send more if they would just be more specific on how they would like to receive these donations.
At this moment I am assuming that there are other devotees that have this concern.
MD
Trustees of Banaji Agiyari must put up the budget for repairs and show the tenders invited for repairs. Be truthful and honest with contractors and open in awarding them. HOW MUCH MONEY THE TRUSTEES HAVE CONTRIBUTED IN LAST TEN YEARS SHOW US THE LIST
Trustees of Banaji Agiyari must put up the budget for repairs and show the tenders invited for repairs. Be truthful and honest with contractors and open in awarding them. HOW MUCH MONEY THE TRUSTEES HAVE CONTRIBUTED IN LAST TEN YEARS SHOW US THE LIST
I DO NOT DOUBT THE GOOD INTENTIONS OF THE TRUSTEES IN GIVING NEW LIFE TO THE PRESENT STRUCTURE BUT SINCE THE TRUSTEES THEMSELVES CANNOT CONTRIBUTE AND DONATIONS ARE SOLICITED FROM THE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE OF THE PUBLIC MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AND ALL DEALS FOR REPAIRS MUST BE KEPT OPEN AND THEIR SAY MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE DECIDING ON THE ARCHITECT AND CONTRACTOR. THESE DAYS TRUSTEES DO NOT CONTRIBUTE BUT LIKE TO BE IN THE CHAIR AND SHOW SHETHIAGIRI
I DO NOT DOUBT THE GOOD INTENTIONS OF THE TRUSTEES IN GIVING NEW LIFE TO THE PRESENT STRUCTURE BUT SINCE THE TRUSTEES THEMSELVES CANNOT CONTRIBUTE AND DONATIONS ARE SOLICITED FROM THE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE OF THE PUBLIC MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AND ALL DEALS FOR REPAIRS MUST BE KEPT OPEN AND THEIR SAY MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE DECIDING ON THE ARCHITECT AND CONTRACTOR. THESE DAYS TRUSTEES DO NOT CONTRIBUTE BUT LIKE TO BE IN THE CHAIR AND SHOW SHETHIAGIRI