As one of the world’s oldest religions, Zoroastrianism is a treasure trove of wisdom – offering guidance on leading a righteous, purposeful life. Rooted in the teachings of our glorious prophet Zarathustra, it emphasizes Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta – Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds – as the foundation of a just and meaningful existence, culminating into a simple yet profound life philosophy.
Er. Zarrir Bhandara share timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings, and relevance in today’s world. Whether drawn from the Gathas, sacred traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life, continuing to inspire and illuminate.
Airyaman Yazad
Airyaman Yazad is a co-worker of Ardibahesht Ameshaspand. The word Airyaman means ‘noble mind’. He is the Chief Healer among Divine Beings. He was created to counter the innumerable diseases in the world (Vd. 22). He helps in healing diseases that arise out of internal imbalances. He also gives overall health.
Airyaman Yazad also presides over relationships and is invoked for a happy relationship in friendship and marriage as also compatibility with friends, colleagues and marriage partner. He is invoked for help to find the right marriage partner. he also helps to mend strained relationships. He protects against untimely death, and against black magic and all sorts of invisible evils (Av. jaini, Guj. jin) (Vd.22.22).
Hā 54 of the Yasna contains the prayer of Airyaman Yazad and is recited separately as the “A Airyema ishyo” prayer. This prayer is also recited as part of marriage benedictions on the wedding couple. In the Vandidad, this prayer is known as Chathrushāmruta, that is, prayer to be ‘recited four times’.
Airyaman Yazad is invoked for ‘courage giving, victory giving and keeping one away from injury’. According to ancient Iranians, Airyaman presided over wedded life. If the marriage couple practice the teachings of this prayer with a noble mind (airya man), and give love, care and affection to each other, they will be able to lead a happy married life.
In the Havan Geh, Airyaman Yazad is invoked as strong, victorious and one who keeps away harm. The prayer of Airyaman is regarded as second only to the five Gathas in efficacy.
In the third paragraph of Ardibahesht Yasht it is stated: “The prayer of Airyaman (Hā 54) is the best and most excellent. It helps overcome all types of pains and diseases, especially when the person who prays is himself holy and righteous.
Questions From Our Readers:
Q: Dear sir, I am very happy to read your articles in Parsi Times. Please suggest some effective prayer for my recurring hyper-acidity and constipation problem. (From: Navil Patel, Wadala, Mumbai).
Er. Zarrir: Dear Navil, thank you for your kind words. Please recite the Ardibehesht Yasht, along with its Nirang and Atash Niyayesh, for 6 weeks and adopt a plant-based diet. You will be healed. Also, I will pray for you.
Q: Dear Dastoorji saheb, I read your earlier answers in Parsi Times. My question is, are Behram Yazad and Mushkil-e-Aasan Saheb same or different. Kindly advise. (Khushveer Engineer, Mumbai)
Er. Zarrir: Dear Khushveer, thank you for your query. The term ‘Mushkil Aasan’ is an adjective commonly used by Zoroastrians to describe Behram Yazad – one of the most revered Yazatas (divine beings) in the Zoroastrian faith. The phrase is of Persian origin and translates literally to “remover of difficulties” or “one who makes troubles easy.”
Over time, Behram Yazad came to be lovingly referred to as Mushkil Aasan because of his role as a divine force who helps devotees overcome challenges, resolve hardships, and find strength in times of distress. This title reflects the faith and trust that Zoroastrians place in him, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable problems related to health, career, relationships, or other personal matters.
Behram Yazad is also known as the Yazad of Victory, and his assistance is often sought through the recitation of prayers such as the ‘Behram Yasht’ or the ‘Mushkil Aasan Behram Yazad ni dua’, both of which are believed to invoke his blessings for triumph over adversity.
Thus, ‘Mushkil Aasan’ is not a separate being or entity, but a loving and devotional epithet that emphasizes Behram Yazad’s power to ease suffering, remove obstacles and grant courage and victory to those who approach him with faith and sincerity!
(Er. Zarrir Bhandara is the Head Priest of the Zoroastrian Association of California Atash Kadeh and is a beacon of compassion with encyclopaedic knowledge on our Zoroastrian religion and scriptures. Readers are encouraged to mail in their queries to Er. Zarrir Bhandara at: zbhandara@gmail.com )
