‘A special connection’: holy relics uncovered under House of Worship as Temple restorations commence

MONA VALE, NSW – Secured beneath the Baha’i House of Worship in Sydney for more than 60 years were two sacred relics connected to the holiest places of the Baha’i Faith.  

“One box contains plaster from Mah-Ku [where the Bab was imprisoned] and the other box contains dust from the Shrine of Baha’u’llah,” says Paul Toloui-Wallace, special projects. He, along with the Temple property manager Nader Mehrjerdi, has ventured to the edifice’s basement to retrieve the sacred relics prior to the House of Worship’s extensive restoration. 

The relics were originally housed beneath the floor of the Temple’s main auditorium during its dedication in 1961. They were later moved to a “more appropriate location”.  

“There was no record of where exactly these boxes had been placed,” Paul says. 

An emblem with the words ‘Beneath this place’ provided the clue. “We removed that, and behind it was a brick wall,” Nader says. “I jackhammered some of these bricks, and yes, behind that we found the box. [Then] we found the second box. 

“It’s such an honour to be doing this which I never thought in my life I would have the chance to do. I hope the next generation also understands the feeling and the importance of this kind of work.” 

The relics will now be archived until the completion of the Dayspring of Light project – which is devoted to the beautification and restoration of the House of Worship and its surrounding grounds. 

The secretary of the national governing body of the Baha’i Faith, Natalie Mobini-Kesheh, said a “ceremonial journey took place” when the relics were first sent to be laid in the foundations of the House of Worship. 

She said the National Spiritual Assembly felt it was important the relics were removed and stored safely until the completion of the Dayspring of Light project. 

“We had the opportunity  … to offer prayers, and they’ll now be safely stored in archival conditions until they can later be returned once the works are completed.” 

“It’s a very special connection for our community to the very origins of the Faith.” 

The Sydney Baha’i House of Worship stands as a place of prayer, reflection, and unity for all people.

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