Aspandad Ni Nirang - Parsi Times

Daisy P. Navdar is a teacher by profession and a firm believer in the efficacy of our Manthravani. She is focused on ensuring that the deep significance of our prayers is realized by our youth. She credits her learnings and insights, shared in her articles, to all Zoroastrian priests and scholars whose efforts have contributed towards providing light and wisdom for all Zarthostis.

Spenta Armaity, Spendarmad or Aspandad is the Angel of the Earth. Of the many potent prayers that we are blessed with, the Aspandad ni Nirang is perhaps the most unique. A brief translation of the same is as under:

“In the name and with the help of Dadar Ahura Mazda! On the day Spendarmad of the month Spendarmad, with the help of the Yazads, Faridun, the holder of Tagi, with the help of the stars Teshtar Tir, Satayas, Vanant and Haftoring, I hereby bind the mouths of all Devs, Khrafastars, Druji holders, magicians, evil fairies, evil power users, the willfully deaf and the willfully blind, evil doers, thieves, wolf-like men and tormentors. May the Ashem Vohu help me do this!”

It is to be written on a yellow paper with kesar ink (a mixture of water and kesar) by a mobed saheb. However, now it is written in red ink, mostly on ordinary white paper. The Dasturji who writes this can only do so on Aspandad Mahino and Aspandad Roj. He must first do his daily prayers and then take the Baaj of Testar Tir Yazad, only then can he start writing this Nirang.

On the same day, this nirang should be put above the main entrance of your home. This Nirang, which is written in the Pazend script, is a shield for your home. It wards off negativity and evil from all who come to your doors. It binds the powers of the wicked and banishes it far from your home and hearth. This Nirang must be renewed each year and the old one must be consigned to flames.

We are fast losing all that our scriptures have given us. Even though the day has come and gone, it would serve you well to put up this Nirang above your door – this Guardian will never fail you!