– Meher J. Dastoor

In this concluding episode of our 4-part series on Asho Sarosh Yazad, we reflect on his everlasting role as protector in life and after death. From guiding the soul at the moment of departure to shielding us from evil forces and empowering our prayers, Sarosh Yazad stands as the eternal guardian of faith, conscience and divine law.

Sarosh Yazad – Co-Worker of ‘Nafey Bravah’

‘Nafey Bravah’ or the ‘Centre of Protection’, is described as a divine armour that no harmful vibration can penetrate. Prophet Zarathustra possessed this sacred shield, which safeguards one from every form of druj (evil), like negative intentions of others, influence of dark forces, and assaults of Ghana Mino (the destructive spirit). The strength of this spiritual shield is granted by nature in direct proportion to one’s worthiness and inner purity. Through Sarosh Yazad’s guidance and our sacred path, we too can awaken our inner shield and live under divine protection.

Preserving the Sarosh Connection: The foundation of every Zoroastrian prayer is performing Padiyab Kushti. By wearing the Sudreh constantly and doing Kushti with Sarosh ni Khshnuman (Sarosh Baj), powerful Staot vibrations are created, ensuring prayers flow smoothly to their divine destination. Through Sarosh Yazad, the Staots of the invoked Yazats and Ameshaspands reach their source. This forms a sacred continuity: Mithra (thought-force) connects to Kushti, Kushti to Sarosh, and Sarosh to the celestial currents – thus preserving an unbroken spiritual connection.

Sarosh Yazad and the Atashbehram Connection

The word ‘Yazamaidey’, often repeated in our Niyayesh and Yashts, signifies our effort to attune ourselves to the Yazad we invoke. When prayers are offered with sincerity and correct intention, Sarosh Yazad enables us to hear the ‘Naad’ or the divine vibration of that Yazad. This manifests in various ways: one may receive inner clarity or answers to troubling questions, or feel their conscience awaken even before committing a wrong.

We’ve all experienced the deep peace, lightness, and joy that follow prayers offered in an Atashbehram. This is due to the sacred bond between Sarosh Yazad and the holy fire. The Naad or sound currents of Sarosh permeate the Atashbehram, enhancing the efficacy of every prayer recited within. Thus, praying in such consecrated spaces strengthens our connection with the divine and amplifies spiritual benefits.

Sarosh Yazad serves as nature’s messenger of guidance and warning — but only to those who are sincere, righteous, and possess a pure conscience. Such divine premonitions depend on one’s level of Ashoi. By heeding this inner voice, one’s spiritual guide remains ever-present. In Kern Na Mazda, “Sarosho Jantu Manangha” urges us to follow this quiet voice, purifying the mind through willing obedience to divine will.

How Sarosh Yazad Conquers Drujis and Protects the Soul

The universe functions under two fundamental principles – Polarity (Juj) and Duality (Jooft). When these forces work against one another, they create ‘Asare Tariki’ or the ‘force of darkness’ that pulls the soul down, trapping it in matter and ignorance. When they work in harmony, they give rise to ‘Asare Roshni’ or the force of light that uplifts the soul and supports spiritual growth.

Our scriptures speak of countless Drujis or dark, harmful forces that constantly surround, influence and attack us. These may arise from negative thoughts, evil intentions, destructive energies or spiritual ignorance. However, when the soul is shielded by Nafey Bravah (a pure aura) and aligned with Sarosh Yazad, it becomes invulnerable. In Sarosh Yasht Hadokht, Sarosh Yazad is described as, “the conqueror and destroyer of all Drujis,” who hurls trembling demons into darkness and smashes their power with his divine mace.

Sarosh Yazad’s protection also extends against Dravands, often misunderstood as non-Zoroastrians. In truth, a Dravand is anyone who supports the forces of darkness or seeks aid from Angra Mainyu. Examples include black magicians or those who use dark practices to harm others. A Dravand is also one who strays from divine law – whether by disobeying spiritual disciplines, practicing rituals forbidden by our faith or harming creation. Such choices sever the soul’s connection with Sarosh Yazad. After death, these souls are deprived of his guidance and suffer greatly.

In Sarosh Yasht Vadi, Sarosh Yazad is honoured as ‘Yo Daeno Diso Daenyao’ or Teacher of the Daena, the supreme guide of spiritual wisdom. Just as Ardibehesht Ameshaspand upholds divine law in the spiritual realm, Sarosh Yazad governs the earthly and Arvahi Aalam (transitional) realms as Dastagir-e-Ruvan or guide and protector of souls, ensuring they remain aligned with divine order and shielded from darkness.

Prayers to Invoke Sarosh Yazad

Sarosh Yazad holds the highest rank among Yazatas, second only to the Ameshaspentas. His greatness is reflected in the existence of two Yashts – Sarosh Yasht Hadokht and Sarosh Yasht Vadi – in addition to the Sarosh Baj. As the embodiment of obedience to divine law, Sarosh Baj is the essential prelude to all prayers. Hadokht, recited during the day, guides the living on righteous living, while Vadi, recited at night in the Aivisruthrem Gah, concerns departed souls. All three prayers are powerful and should be recited regularly for divine protection and guidance.