The first Dastur Meherji Rana, sometimes known as Mayyaji Rana, was the undisputed spiritual leader of the Parsi community in India during the sixteenth century. He was renowned not just among the Parsis but also other communities on account of his piety, vast knowledge and spiritual powers.
Dastur Meherji was born in a priestly family at Navsari, in 1514. His father's name was Rana Jesung. India at that time was under the rule of the Mughals. According to one school of thought Dastur Meherji was a disciple of the mystic saint Dastur Azar Kayvan whose seat was in Patna. Dastur Azar Kaiwan's disciples were called 'yaar'. Thus Dastur Meherji is sometimes referred as Dastur Mahiyaar.
Dastur Meherji was adopted by his paternal Uncle Vaccha Jesung. It is for this reason his name is invoked in Parsi ceremonies as "Dastur Meherji, Ervad Vaccha",'
It appears the behdins of Navsari presented a piece of land near 'Piplla Wadi' in 1573 to Dastur Meherji in recognition of his service to the religion and community. Dastur Meherji Rana is a renowned name in Parsi history and religious tradition mainly because of his very positive influence on the Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great.