Selected Hymns from Zoroastrianism’s Sîrôzah I & II, Part 1 of 2

The Sîrôzahs are part of the Zend Avesta, Part II of the Sacred Books of the East Zend Avesta translation. This portion of the Avesta is of great interest to the study of comparative mythology. Many of these are of also of outstanding literary value. Many of the texts in this part were originally hymns to very ancient gods and goddesses, such as Mithra, Anahita, as well as celestial bodies such as the sun, moon and the star Sirius, Tishtrya. These deities were retained in Zoroastrian mythology as demigods, somewhat like the Aeons of the Gnostics. There are also a number of texts which enumerate a huge body of legendary personages, some of whom also appear in the Shah Nama, the Persian national epic. Yast XII is a moving poetic description of the Zoroastrian after-death experience.

It is a privilege to share with you today selected hymns from “Sîrôzah I,” found in Part II of the “Zend-Avesta,” a sacred text of Zoroastrianism.

SÎRÔZAH I- 1 to 25

1. Ormazd. “To Ahura Mazda, bright and glorious, and to the Amesha-Speñtas [The name given to the bounteous immortals].

2. Bahman. To Vohu-Manô [good mind]; to Peace, whose breath is friendly, and who is more powerful to destroy than all other creatures; to the Heavenly Wisdom, made by Mazda; and to the Wisdom acquired through the ear, made by Mazda.

3. Ardibehest. To Asha-Vahista [Name of one of the Yashts], the fairest; to the much-desired Airyaman [member of the order of Angels], made by Mazda; to the instrument made by Mazda; and to the good Saoka [a succession of three people, who will aid in the final defeat of evil and the renovation of the world at the end of time], with eyes of love, made by Mazda and holy.

4. Shahrêvar. To Khshathra-vairya; to the metals; to Mercy and Charity.

5. Sapendârmad. To the good Spenta-Ârmaiti, and to the good Râta [religion teacher], with eyes of love, made by Mazda and holy.

6. Hordad To Haurvatat [One of the Amesha Spentas: wholeness or health associated with the waters] the master; to the prosperity of the seasons and to the years, the masters of holiness.

7. Murdâd. To Ameretât, the master; to fatness and flocks; to the plenty of corn; and to the powerful Gaokerena [the tree of eternal life], made by Mazda. […]