Thread by @artdecomumbai

NM Petit Fasli Agiary, Churchgate, 1939, Designed by Gregson, Batley & King.
“Nasserwanji Maneckji Petit built the only Fasli place of worship existing even today, the N.M. Petit (Fasli) Atash Kedah at New Marine Lines” described as “perhaps the largest agiary in India and

certainly the tallest fire temple.” - #Parsiana 2019 & 1979. A severely restrained treatment of wall surfaces and of features reminiscent of the early building traditions of the homeland of Prophet Zoroaster provide a modern interpretation of a temple. The guardian bulls were

sculptured by an Italian sculptor introduced by the firm of Art Floorings responsible for the pure white marble fire pavilion and the paving of the prayer hall. The bulls have been made the chief feature of the main facade and designed with a dignity, simplicity and scale that

makes their effect compare favourably with their slightly larger prototypes in Persepolis. The bold platform, the stepping back of the various stages of the building, and the central tower with its wide opening for the smoke of the fire altar below and flame as terminal are all

expressive of the purpose of the building. The interior is impressive in scale with its fire altar and enclosure rising almost to the eye of the great pendentive dome treated very simply and indicating the vault of heaven towards which the smoke of the fire rises.

Design interpreted by Phirozshaw R. Turner, F.I.I.A. Work supervision: Shapoorjee N. Chandabhoy & Co. General contractors: Pallonji Edulji & Son. Lighting fittings by Mr. Pocha. Internal decoration executed by Prof. Schiara and external by William Jacks & Co.

#JIIA 1937 & 1940
#Churchgate #NMPetit #GregsonBatleyKing #GBK #PlaceofWorship #Zoroastrian #Parsee #FireTemple #Parsi #Lamassu #Agiary #ArtDeco #Hamazor #Mumbai #India