Is there a tradition in Zoroastrian religion to substitute prayers by the recitation of certain numbers of Yatha ahu vairyo and Ashem vohu? (TMY, JJ of 29-9-19)

1. There is a tradition in Zoroastrian religion to recite a particular number of Yatha ahu vairyo and Ashem vohu instead of certain prayers in exceptional circumstances. This option is has to be availed of only by those who are not able to read and write or when there is no way to read the prayers, for instance when one does not have the prayer book or if there is no light to read the prayers.

2. This option is for rare occasions and should not be utilised as a regular substitute for reciting prayers. The following are the numbers of Yatha ahu vairyo and Ashem vohu to be recited in place of certain prayers:

Khorshed Nyāsh – 103 Yatha ahu vairyo

Meher Nyash – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Māh Bakhtār Nyāsh – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Āvān Ardvisur Nyāsh – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Ātash Nyāsh – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Any of the 5 large Geh prayer– 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Hormazd Yasht – 103 Yatha ahu vairyo and 12 Ashem vohu

Ardibahesht Yasht – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Sarosh Yasht Hadokht- 75 Yatha ahu vairyo

Sarosh Yasht Vadi- 103 Yatha ahu vairyo

Patet Pashemāni – 121 Yatha ahu vairyo and 12 Ashem vohu

Āfringan- 121 Yatha ahu vairyo and 12 Ashem vohu