Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares 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. In our exclusive column, ‘Pearls Of Wisdom’, Er. Zarrir Bhandara answers your queries, shedding light on the enduring relevance of Zoroastrian wisdom for us all.
Questions From Our Readers:
Q: Why are certain prayers prescribed at specific times of the day (geh)? What is the significance of reciting specific prayers at a specific time? (Nozer Lakdawalla, Mumbai)
Er. Zarrir: The five Gehs are far more than just time slots on a clock – they are specific periods synchronized with the movement of the Sun and the shifting spiritual energies of the Earth. To understand why we recite specific prayers at specific times, it helps to use the analogy of a 24-hour global operation.
Imagine a large organization that runs a 24-hour shift. To keep the operation running smoothly, there are different Shift Managers assigned to specific blocks of time. If you have a request or need guidance at 10:00 AM, you wouldn’t call the manager who only starts at midnight. Instead, you address the Duty Manager who is currently on the floor, authorized and present to help you at that exact moment.
In our faith, the Yazatas (Divine Beings) act as these spiritual ‘Shift Managers’. When we pray during a specific Geh, we are addressing the Yazata presiding over that time to align our souls with the cosmic order (Asha). The Five Spiritual Shifts:
Havan Geh (Sunrise to Noon) – The ‘Morning Shift’: Presided over by Mithra (Lord of Friendship and Light), this time is dedicated to internal growth, clarity, and the beginning of our daily labors. It is a time for fresh starts.
Rapithwin Geh (Noon to 3 PM) – The ‘Mid-day Shift’: Presided over by Asha Vahishta (Best Righteousness), this is the peak of the day when the sun is strongest. It represents the heat of creation and our commitment to Truth.
Uziran Geh (3 PM to Sunset) – The ‘Afternoon Shift’: Presided over by Berez and Apam Napat Yazads, this is a time for wisdom and reflection as the day’s work begins to wind down. It is a period for gathering our thoughts and seeking protection.
Aiwisruthrem Geh (Sunset to Midnight) – The ‘Evening Shift’: Presided over by Fravashis and Behram Yazad, this period is dedicated to spiritual strength and domestic peace. It is the time to transition from the physical work of the day to the spiritual reflection of the night.
Ushahin Geh (Midnight to Dawn) – The ‘Night Shift’: Presided over by Sraosha (the Guardian of Prayer), this is the most potent time for spiritual intuition and enlightenment. It is the quiet hour before the world wakes, where we prepare our souls for the coming dawn.
By reciting the specific prayers assigned to the Geh, you are essentially ‘checking in’ with the Divine Duty Manager of that hour. This ensures you are in perfect harmony with the natural cycle of creation, receiving the specific blessings and protections offered during that particular time of day or night.
(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 at: editor@parsi-times.com)
- આદરબાદ મારેસ્પંદના 22 ઉપદેશ - 11 July2026
- મારી બારી પાસેની સીટ… - 11 July2026
- પારસી પંચાયત બોર્ડ, સુરત - 11 July2026
