Ratan Tata, the prominent Indian industrialist and philanthropist, has passed away, sparking widespread grief and raising curiosity about the unique funeral traditions followed by his Parsi community. The Parsis, who follow Zoroastrianism, have a distinct way of handling death, one that stands apart from the burial and cremation practices common in many other cultures. Their funeral ritual, called “Dokhmenashini” or the “Tower of Silence” method, is deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and ancient traditions.
The Tower of Silence Ritual: A Unique Approach to Death
Parsis traditionally believe in maintaining the purity of natural elements, and this philosophy plays a central role in how they dispose of their dead. In the Dokhmenashini tradition, the body of the deceased is not buried or cremated. Instead, it is placed atop a structure known as the Tower of Silence (Dakhma), where it is exposed to the elements and scavenger birds, mainly vultures. This method is based on the Zoroastrian belief that fire, earth, and water are sacred elements, and allowing a dead body to come into contact with these elements would contaminate them.
The Tower of Silence is typically built on a hilltop or an isolated area. The body, after undergoing ritual prayers and cleansing, is taken to the tower by pallbearers known as “Nassesalars.” These pallbearers play an important role in ensuring that the body’s passage from the mortal world adheres to religious purity codes. Once placed in the tower, the body is left to decompose naturally, with vultures and other scavenger birds consuming the flesh. After the scavengers have done their part, the bones fall into a central well located within the tower. This process of decomposition and consumption by nature is viewed as the least harmful way to dispose of a body without polluting the environment.
The practice reflects the Parsi community’s commitment to environmental sustainability long before modern concerns about eco-friendly practices became widespread. By allowing nature to handle the decomposition process, the ritual ensures that no harm comes to the sacred elements of fire, earth, and water.
The Decline of Vultures and Modern Adaptations
Over time, the traditional Dokhmenashini practice has faced practical challenges, particularly due to the sharp decline in the vulture population. Beginning in the 1990s, vulture populations in India plummeted due to the widespread use of diclofenac, a drug used to treat livestock that turned out to be highly toxic to vultures. This created a significant problem for the Parsi community, as the vultures played an essential role in their funeral rites. With fewer scavenger birds to consume the bodies, decomposition slowed, leading to concerns about the viability of continuing the traditional practice.
In response, the community has had to adapt. Some Towers of Silence have incorporated solar concentrators to speed up the decomposition process. These devices focus sunlight onto the bodies, mimicking the natural decomposition process that vultures once accelerated. This innovation allows the community to maintain the essence of their tradition while adapting to modern environmental changes.
However, not all Parsis have continued with the Dokhmenashini ritual. Due to the challenges posed by urbanization and the decline of vultures, many Parsi families have turned to alternative methods of body disposal, such as cremation. Electric crematoriums have become more widely used within the community, particularly in urban areas where Towers of Silence may no longer be practical. While cremation is not the traditional method of handling the dead in Zoroastrianism, it is seen as a necessary adaptation in the face of changing environmental and social conditions.
Zoroastrian Beliefs on Death and Purity
The Parsi funeral ritual is deeply intertwined with Zoroastrian cosmology and theology, which sees life as a continuous battle between good and evil. According to Zoroastrian belief, life is a struggle between the forces of Light, represented by the god Ahura Mazda (Ohrmazd), and Darkness, represented by Angra Mainyu (Ahriman). While a person is alive, they can contribute to this cosmic struggle through their actions, thoughts, and deeds. However, upon death, their body is no longer part of this battle and becomes a vessel for decay, which is associated with the forces of Darkness.
In Zoroastrianism, the physical body is seen as inherently impure after death. The moment a person dies, their body is believed to be contaminated by “nasu,” a form of spiritual pollution associated with decay and darkness. This pollution is thought to threaten the purity of the natural elements—fire, earth, and water. Therefore, Zoroastrians avoid cremating or burying the dead to prevent the contamination of these sacred elements. Cremation would pollute fire, burial would defile the earth, and placing the body in water would corrupt water, which is also sacred in the religion.
The use of a Dakhma, where the body is exposed to the air and consumed by vultures, is seen as the most natural and least polluting method of disposing of a body. This process ensures that the sacred elements remain uncontaminated, and the body returns to nature in a manner that is respectful of the environment. By allowing scavenger birds to feed on the corpse, Parsis also see this as a final act of charity, in which the deceased provides sustenance to other creatures.
The Shift Toward Cremation: Practical and Environmental Challenges
While the traditional Parsi funeral rites are still practiced by some members of the community, practical and environmental challenges have led to a shift toward cremation in recent years. As cities have expanded and the availability of land for Towers of Silence has decreased, cremation has become a more viable option for many Parsi families. Additionally, concerns about the health hazards posed by decomposing bodies in urban environments have made cremation a more socially acceptable alternative.
Cremation, although not ideal according to Zoroastrian beliefs, is often viewed as a compromise between tradition and practicality. Some Zoroastrian priests have come to terms with this shift, offering prayers and rituals that help align the process of cremation with religious values. In many cases, electric crematoriums are preferred over traditional fire-based cremation, as they minimize the direct use of fire and reduce the potential for pollution.
A Philosophy of Respect for Nature
At the core of the Parsi funeral tradition is a deep respect for the natural world. Zoroastrianism emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and maintaining the purity of the elements. This belief extends beyond life into death, where even the disposal of a body is seen as a way to preserve the sanctity of the environment. The Dokhmenashini ritual is not just about the practical disposal of a body but is a reflection of the Zoroastrian commitment to environmental stewardship.
Even as some Parsis turn to cremation, the values underlying their traditional funeral practices remain intact. Whether through exposure to scavengers in a Tower of Silence or the use of an electric crematorium, the aim is always to minimize harm to the earth, fire, and water. This respect for nature and the desire to leave the world in a pure and unpolluted state is a testament to the enduring relevance of Zoroastrian philosophy in the modern world.
In conclusion, the Parsi way of handling death is a unique reflection of their ancient Zoroastrian beliefs. While practical challenges have led to some adaptations, the community continues to find ways to honor their traditions and preserve their commitment to environmental purity.