Dastur

A dastūr,^{[pronunciation?]} sometimes spelt dustoor, is a term for a Zoroastrian high priest who has authority in religious matters and ranks higher than a mobad or herbad. In this specific sense, the term is used mostly among the Parsis of India. The term has also been used in a secular sense to refer to a prime minister, minister or government councillor.^[1]

The first person to be accorded the title Dastur was Meherji Rana (born 1514 at Navsari). He was invited by Akbar to his court in 1578 AD.^[2] He was accorded the title in 1579 AD by the local Zoroastrian priests thus establishing a seat (Gaddi, similar to the seat of a Bhattaraka or Sankaracharya).

Dastur Kaikhushru Cowasji Ravji became the eighteenth successor to the seat and title of Meherji Rana in 2019.^[3] He became a Mobed 59 years earlier.

References

Boyce, Mary (2001). Zoroastrians, Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. London: Routledge

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[1] Shaki, Mansour (1994). "Dastūr". Encyclopaedia Iranica.

[2] The Spiritual Legacy Of The First Dastur MeherjiRana, Noshir H. Dadrawala, Parsi Times, June 10, 2019

[3] Er. Kaikhushru Cowasji Ravji Annointed As 18th Meherjirana Gaadi Heir, Parsi Times June 10, 2019

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