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PARSIS AND MANTRAS: AHUNA VAIRYA
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with great lucidity. We would be content to quote from the said. work only its translation and the translation of the other two sacred prayers viz. 'Ashem Vohu' and 'Yenghe Hatām' to which miraculous powers are said to be attached.
AHUNA VAIRYA "Just as a Ruler (is) all powerful (among men), so (too, is) the Spiritual-Teacher, even by reason of His Asha; the gifts of Good Mind (are) for (those) working for the Lord of Life; and the strength of Ahura (is granted) unto (him) who to (his) poor (brothers) giveth help.”
ASHEM VOHU "Asha is the highest good, (it alone) is (true) happinness.
Happiness is for him (alone) who (is) righteous for (the sake of) the highest Asha." In point of sanctity it ranks second only to the Ahuna Vairya.
YENGHE HĀTĀM (That man) among those that are about whom, because of his Righteousness.
Mazda Ahura knoweth (that he is) verily better as regards acts of worship (than others)-(All such), both men and women, do we revere.
Regarding 'Ahuna-Vairya' it is laid down that if one does not know one or the other of the Yashts (Hymns of Praise) he may recite 'Ahuna-Vairya' a certain number of times instead of the said Yashts and he would have the merit of having recited the said Yashts. Similarly 'Ahuna-Vairya' is directed to be recited for achieving various objects and also as thanksgiving for benefits received.
It would be clear that although Ahuna-Vairya is a prayer, it is believed to be a Mantra just as Hindus believe Gāyatri or Jains believe Panca Paramești Mantra to be a Mantra. The same remarks apply to the other two prayers. Both 'Ahuna-Vairya' and 'AshemVohu' are used as part of Kusti-Prayers by Parsis.
