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.
I invite you to join me as I journey through the wonderful teachings shared in a Khordeh Avesta, which was printed in 1902 – more than a 100 years ago! Authored by Dinbai Sohrabji Engineer, the teachings, stories and notes in this book speak about the various powers of our prayers, while sharing anecdotes of people who have used these prayers and the tremendous achievements that each has accomplished.
Last week we discussed the systematic planned assault with which Ahriman attacks us. Now let’s take a look at some of the creations of Dadar Ahura Mazda which were created to counter the effects of Ahriman and his evil daevas.
Haftarang Vajajat Setash: Probably a reference to the Seven Hills – just looking at them makes you feel strong and successful in your work. However, when the daevas (or evil ones) look upon those hills, they lose their powers and fear clutches their hearts!
Zarevar Kash Sea: The sea of plenty which holds within itself the other mighty creatures of Pak Dadar Ahura Mazda. It is the sea upon whose shores, stands the ‘Hom Tree’. Even today, the Hom Sali (stalks of the Hom trees) are used in our higher liturgical prayers.
The Shahmurg: The royal roosters, whose sound restrengthens the bonds of chains on Zohak – the evil one. He resides on the shores of the Zarevar Kash Sea, where he builds his nest. The reference to the Shahmurg is also made in the story of ‘Mushkil Aasaan Behram Yazad’, wherein it is instrumental in both – stealing the jewel and returning it to the Mishkin.
Hom Tree: The tree in which the Shahmurg builds his nest. This tree is the complete healer of all ills and diseases. I refer you to the very popular and marvelous movie – ‘Avatar’. The central theme of the movie was the preservation of the alien planet from invasion by humans. In that movie, there was a mother-tree and all beings and creations were deeply connected to it. It was called ‘Away’ and it was said to have healing and spiritual properties. Perhaps, the ‘Hom Tree’ is exactly made that way by Dadar Ahura Mazda!
Kar Mahi: The glorious fish who guards and looks after the Hom Tree. It is said that when the head of Kar Mahi emerges from the sea, the daevas tremble and lose all their strength. In the Vishnu Puranas, Vishnu himself takes the form of Matsya and saves the world from a great flood. It is said that Manu (the first man) caught this little fish which then started to grow in size. It is always a revelation to discover so many parallels with other scriptures, with our own scriptures!
The Cave Of Varezam Kard: This cave was created by Padshah Jamsheed – probably to house and protect the Holy Magav Sahebs (three of whom were most likely, the three wise men who visited baby Jesus on his birth in the manger). The three kings were also called the Magis.
Kar Pakshi: The mighty bird of the mountains – he can speak the Avestan language – all the birds on this mountain can speak the Avestan language. When asked who brought the holy faith of Dadar Ahura Mazda to the Varezam Kard, the answer was that the ‘Kar Pakshi’ brought it to the cave and its inhabitants.
Haftarang: The ruler of the Northern Skies or most likely the North Star – also it could be the constellation of Orion which is also called the ‘Sapta Rishi’ or the ‘Seven Sages’. Hindu astrology is largely linked to the positions of stars and planets, each corresponding with some God or Sage. It is said that the sound of ‘Om’ is the vibration of the earth spinning on its own axis. Perhaps the role of planets and stars and their position in the sky held some celestial vibrations which were intrinsically linked to our faith and our manthras. There is so much that we know nothing about, in terms of our manthras and the vast implications that they have.
Vanant: Most likely – the South Star; he is the partner to ‘Teshtar Sitara’ who is the ruler of the Southern Skies. When the daevas lift up their heads and witness the brilliance of these stars, they are left powerless. It is said that the star of Vanant was put on guard on the doors of hell where all the evil of Ahriman was imprisoned for life. Therefore, we pray the ‘Vanant Yasht’ to ward off and control the onslaught of evil in our lives.
Kharoos: The rooster who is the symbol of Sarosh Yazad. When Sarosh Yazad strokes the head of the rooster, he gives out his call. This call can completely immobilise Ahriman and his creations even in the cloak of darkness. Even today, there are some valleys in the villages of Iran where the roosters are so tall and big and their cry is so loud, that it resonates in the four corners of the mountains!
In the Ushahin Geh, when the fires of the Atash Behram and Dadgahs are stoked and reignited, at that time, these fires can break the powers of Ahriman by half and the other half is broken by the powers of Sarosh Yazad.
We are told that light travels in the speed of light years and yet the light from certain stars take eight human years to reach us! Hence, we can merely gauge the distance of that star from the earth. There is so much other such knowledge that we have, but we have not even started scratching the surface, as far as acquiring it is concerned.
And yet the universe, the galaxy, the stars, the creatures, the trees and all such creations of Dadar Ahura Mazda, form a cohesive whole which is the structure and substance of our existence. Today, let us join our hands and pray that we are able to respect the various creations of Pak Dadar Ahura Mazda!
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