The Avan Yasht is regarded as Fifth among the Yashts. It has 132 paragraphs divided into 30 Kardehs. Most of the kardehs except the 1st, 21st and 30th are small and repetitive, bearing the distinctive features of a larger Yasht.
The Avan Niyaesh and the Avan Yasht can to be prayed only during daylight hours in the presence of sun and never at night. (91. Then spoke Ardvi the brave, pure. O righteous, holy Spitama! With this Yasna thou should venerate me, with this Yasna thou should venerate me forth, from sunrise to sunset. When asked what if it is prayed at night, it was said that it is taken over by the evil beings (93, 94.).
In the Yasht, the following kings ask for boons from Avan Yazad. The boons are mainly to ask for victory over opponents: Hoshang, Jamshed, Faridun, Kersasp, KaeKaus, Kae Khushru, Kae Vishtasp. Some evil kings and people also asked for boons but their boons were not granted. they are: Zohak, Afrasiyab, Huna Vaesaka and Arjasp. Apart from kings, heroes, holy men and good people like Tus, Jamasp, Zarir, Ashavazda, Vistauru, Yoisht Fryan, Hvovas and Naotars and Vifra Navaz, the boatman also ask for boons. Even Ahura Mazda Himself (K. 5) and prophet Zarathushtra (K. 24) are shown to ask boons from Avan Yazad.
In the Yasht we are also told that evil and wicked people and people with gross physical deformities should not invoke Avan Yazad, nor partake of her libations.
In the Avan Yasht, Avan Yazad is invoked. To Avan Yazad, the 10th day of the month and the 8th month of the Zoroastrian calendar year is dedicated. In Avesta she is referred to as āp. She is also known as Ardvi or Ardvisura (aredvi + sura) and Anahita, which are her epithets. Ardvi is also the name given to the important rivers in Aryana Vaejah. Aredvi as a river is identified with Amu and Oxus, and is said to come down from the Pamirs. Tilak and D. Guillemin compare Aredvi with Saraswati.
Kings and Paladins of ancient Iran of the Peshdadian and Kayanian times invoked Avan Yazad. However, she granted boons only to those who were righteous. Avan Yazad was also very popular during the Achaemenian, Parthian and Sasanian times.
She is the only Yazad whose features and dress are described vividly in the Avesta. Here is a description of her as it appears in the Aban Yasht: Ardvi puts on lovely dress, full of gold embroidery. She, holds a baresman in hand, has four cornered decorated gold earring, carries,. wears a neck-lace on her beautiful neck. She tied her middle so that her upper body looks pleasing. She wears a crown, studded with a hundred stars made of gold, having eight pinnacles, of the shape of a chariot, decorated with small flags, beautiful, of proportionate size. She puts on clothes made of beaver skin which shine like silver and gold.
We find her bas-reliefs and images on coins of the Sasanian times. Huge Anahita temple were built, ruins of some are present till date. at Kangavar near Hamadan. During the Parthian times Magis prayed in Anahita temples (D. Guillemin, p.188). Isodore records an Anahita temple in Ecbatana in 3rd c. B.C. (D. Guillemin, p.188). Avagan was one of the 5 major Festivals celebrated by Zarthushtis in ancient Iran.
As a Yazad, she primarily presides over water. However in general she presides over all natural fluids. She even presides over bodily fluids like digestive juices, milk, blood and the reproductive fluids. In this context the rivers seem to be synonyms for veins and arteries carrying blood. Avan Yasht is prayed especially for blood related disorders like blood pressure, for fertility, reproduction, child-birth and pre-natal care.
Avan also presides over celestial currents and energy in the cosmos as well as in the body. That is why we invoke her at the end of every Nyaishna and Yasht in the paragraph starting with dādāre gehān. The allegorical description of Avan coming from Mount Hukairya and going to Sea Vourukasha and passing the seven continents may be an allegory for internal energy.
In Zoroastrianism, water is next in importance to fire among creations. Human beings have a very close relation to water. Our body is 70% liquid, the earth is 70% liquid, our brain is immersed in liquid in the skull cage and the foetus develops in the watery amniotic sac in the womb.
Water is a primary life giver, but beyond that it helps us in many. It quenches thirst, it cleans and purifies. Water is also a primary health giver. In Avesta it is referred to as baeshajyām. An entire system of medical treatment known as Hydro therapy is based on water. In this system, hot and cold water massages are given; and internal ailments are cured by drinking, vaporization etc. Prayers are known to alter the molecular configuration of water and hold spiritual currents. In Ayurveda water is referred to as gupta-rasam and nitya-hitam.
We get the following lessons / admonitions from Water:
1) Ebb and flow in life.
2) Cleaning and purifying through our life’s actions
3) River meets the sea, man meets his maker.
4) Co-operation, flexibility and adoptability, not being stubborn
In Ancient times, a feminine divine being had a place in most ancient cultures.
Ishtar in Assyria, Mylitta or Artemis in Babylon, Nanaia in Elamite, Aphrodite and Diana in Greece, Venus in Rome, and Freya (Goddess of cloud, marriage, love and devotion) in Scandinavia. Except for Ishtar all other divine beings mentioned above are for fertility and fecundity.
Avan Yazad can be invoked by praying Avan Yasht, Avan Ardvisur Nyaishna, the Avan Roj ni Setayash or by reciting her name – Yaa Avan Ardvi sura banu beresad – several times.
Translation of AVAN YAST
I
1. Ahura Mazda said to Spitama Zarathushtra: May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
2. Who purifies the seeds of all males, who purifies the wombs of all females for birth, who gives easy child-birth to all females, who brings lawful and timely milk to all females.
3. The great one, famed afar, who is as much great as all these waters, which flow on the earth, who the courageous one flows from the mount Hukairya to the Sea Vourukasha.
4. All shores in the Sea Vourukasha are stirred, the entire middle-portion is stirred, when Ardvi, the brave, pure, runs to them (i.e. the waters), when she flows to them, who has a thousand lakes, a thousand rivulets and any one of these lakes and any one of these rivulets is (as long as) forty days riding by a man riding on a good horse.
5. This, My (Ahura Mazda’s) one rivulet of water flows to all regions which are seven. This, My one (rivulet) of water brings water equally in summer and winter. She purifies My waters, she (purifies) the seeds of the males and she (purifies) wombs of the females, she (purifies) milk of the females.
6. I who am Ahura Mazda brought her out by great strength for prosperity of the house, of the village, of the town and of the country for protection, for defense, for watch keeping, for protecting and defending.
7. O Zarathushtra! Then Ardvi, the brave, pure began to proceed, from creator Mazda. (Her) arms are beautiful and fair, stronger than (the limbs of) the horse. She is decorated with two beautiful ornaments, the mighty one, having strong arms – thinking this thought:
8. Who shall praise me, who shall venerate (me) with libations consisting of Haoma-juice (and) milk & purified (and) properly strained, whom shall I accompany- one who is faithful, one who is devoted thoughtful, charitable and good-minded.
9. On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with libations through the celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, (you) Ardvi, brave, pure, righteous with libation. May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) may thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma ritual (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
II
10. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
11. Who first drives in a carriage, who holds reins of the carriage in the carriage (which) she is driving, counting men, thinking this thought: Who shall praise me, who shall venerate (me) with libations consisting of Haoma-juice (and) milk & purified (and) properly strained, whom shall I accompany- one who is faithful, one who is devoted and thoughtful, and good-minded.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
III
12. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
13. Who has four white horses, all of the same colour, of the same breed, tall, destroying the malicious acts of all malicious persons, of the daevas and of men, of the sorcerers and of witches, of the tyrants, of the kavis and the karapans.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
IV
14. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
15. The courageous, brilliant, exalted, well built, whose so much flowing waters are brought forth during the day and night as all these waters which flow on the earth. She the courageous one flows forth.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
V
16. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
17. The creator Ahura Mazda venerated her in Airyana Vaejah of the good Daitya with Haoma juice (mixed) with milk with Baresman with wisdom of the tongue, with thoughtful word and deed, with libations and with truth-spoken words.
18. Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Give me this boon, so that I may lead holy Zarathustra, son of Pourushaspa, to think according to the religion, to speak according to the religion, to act the according to the religion.
19. Ardvi, the brave pure, granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
VI
20. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
21. Haoshyangha of (the family) of Paradhata venerated her near the foot of (the mount) Hara (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
22. Then he asked her: O Good, most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon, so that I may become the greatest ruler of all countries, of the daevas and of men, of the sorcerers and of the witches, of the oppressors, of the kavis and of the karapans; so that I may smite down two-thirds of the daevas of Mazana, and the wicked persons of Varena.
23. Ardvi the brave pure, granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
VII
24. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
25. The glorious Yima of good multitude venerated her on the mount Hukairya (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
26. Then he asked her: O Good, most beneficent, brave, pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon, So that I may become the greatest ruler of all countries, of the daevas and of men of the sorcerers and of the witches of the oppressors, of the kavis and of the karapans: so that I may take away from the daevas both wealth and profit, both flocks and multitude, both satisfaction and authority.
27. Ardvi the brave pure, granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
VIII
28. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
29. The three mouthed serpent Dahaka, of the country of Bawri, venerated her (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
30. Then he asked her: O Good, most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon, So that I may make all the regions, which are seven, devoid of men.
31. Ardvi the brave, pure did not grant him that boon.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
IX
32. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
33. Thraetaona of the brave family, the son of the Athawya clan venerated her near the four-cornered Varena, with hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
34. Then he asked her: O Good, most beneficent, brave, pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon, So that I may become conqueror of Azhi Dahaka having three mouths, three heads, six eyes, a thousand skills, very powerful devilish Druj, evil for the people of the world, the wicked one whom Angra Mainyu (Evil spirit) created as the most powerful Druj in the material world for destruction of the worlds of holiness; and I may carry away two ladies Savanghavach (and) Arenavach, who are most beautiful forms among the women of the world, (and) who (are imprisoned) in the deepest dungeon.
35. Ardvi the brave pure, granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
X
36. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
37. Brave minded Kersaspa venerated her in the sight of lake Pishinangha (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
38. Then he asked her: O Good, most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon, So that I may become conqueror of Gandareva of golden heel (living) near agitating shores in the sea Vourukasha. I may run up to the strong house of the wicked (which is on the earth) which is broad, round and difficult to cross.
39. Ardvi the brave pure, granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha..
XI
40. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
41. The Scoundrel Turanian Frangrasa venerated her in the pit (or cave) on this earth, (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
42. Then he asked her: O Good, most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon, So that I may obtain that glory which is floating in the midst of the sea Vourukasha, which (the glory) is of the Aryan countries, of those who are born and of those who not (yet) born and of holy Zarathushtra.
43. Aradvi did not grant this boon.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XII
44. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
45. Brave and very powerful Kava Usa venerated her on mount, Erezifya (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
46. Then he asked her: O Good, most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon, so that I may become the greatest ruler of all countries, of the daevas and of men of the sorcerers and of the witches of the oppressors, of the kavis and of the karapans.
47. Ardvi the brave pure, granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna. I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, O Ardvi brave, pure righteous with libation! With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocation, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated, O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi) with milk, baresman, wisdom of the tongue, Manthra (words of prayer) (righteous) words, (righteous ) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XIII
48. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
49. The hero of the Aryan countries Husravah, the consolidator of the kingdom venerated her in the sight of the lake Chaechishta, deep, having wide extent of water (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
50 Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Give me this boon..So that I may became the greatest king of all countries, of the daevas and of men of the sorcerers and of the witches of the oppressor, of the kavis and of the karapans. So that I may drive the foremost of all horses along the race course which is long, the forest of nine frathweresa (in length), (where) the scoundrel (Urvasara- cf. Yt 15.31) fought me instantly on the horseback.
51. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XIV
52. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
53. The brave warrior Tusa venerated her on the horse-back praying for strength of the horses, health of the body, full seeing of the malicious ones, smiting back of the enemies, conquering at a stroke of the unfriendly malicious opponents.
54. Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Give me this boon, so that I may become the conqueror of the brave Hunu Vaesaka near the highest gate Khshathro-saoka in exalted holy Kangha so that I may smite down the (Armies) of Turanian countries with fifty fold smiting and hundred fold smiting, with hundred fold smiting and thousand fold smiting, with thousand fold smiting and ten thousand fold smiting, with ten thousand fold smiting and innumerable smiting.
55. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha..
XV
56. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
57. The brave Hunu Vaesaka venerated her on the highest gate Khshathra-saoka in exalted, holy Kangha (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
58. Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave , pure Ardvi! Give me this boon so that we may became the conqueror of the brave warrior Tusa, so that we may smite down the Iranian countries with fifty fold smiting and hundred fold smiting, with hundred fold smiting and thousand fold smiting, with thousand fold smiting and ten thousand fold smiting, with ten thousand fold smiting and innumerable smitings.
59. Ardvi the brave, pure did not grant that boon unto them.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XVI
60. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
61. The boatman Vifra-Navaza venerated her when victorious brave Thraetaona blew (him) up high in the form of the bird Kahrkasa.
62. He thus flew (up) for three days and three nights, away from his own house, he did not turn hither. At the end of the third night came the bright dawn. At the shining dawn he invoked Ardvi the brave, pure.
63. O Ardvi the brave, pure! Quickly come to my help now, bear me aid. I shall offer a thousand libations to thee containing Haoma-juice, containing milk, purified, properly strained near the river Rangha, if I came alive to the earth created by Ahura, to the house which is mine.
64. Ardvi the brave, pure flowed forth in the form of a beautiful maiden very courageous, well built, highly girded up, straight, nobly born of glorious race, who has put on shoes upto ankle, gold-embroidered and shining.
65. She held his two arms, immediately. It was not long, that he came energetically to the earth created by Ahura to his own house so much healthy (and) uninjured as (he was) before.
66. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XVII
67. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
68. Jamaspa venerated her when he saw an army coming from a distance, in battle-array of the wicked daeva worshippers, (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses. a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals..
69. Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave , pure Ardvi! Give me this boon. So that I may be so followed by protection as all other Iranians.
70. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha..
XVIII
71. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
72. Ashavazda, son of Pourudhakhshti and Ashavazda and Thrita, two sons of Sayuzdri venerated her near exalted lord, ruling, shining Apam Napat (source of waters) having swift horses (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
73. They prayed to her: O Ardvi the brave, pure. Dost thou grant us this gift so that we may become the conqueror of the famous Turanian Danus Kara-Asbana and Vara Asbana and most powerful Durae-Kaeta in the battles in this world.
74. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha..
XIX
75. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
76. Vistauru of the family of Naotara venerated her near the river Vitanghuhaiti with truth-spoken word, speaking these words
77. These indeed are the truths, these the true words, O Ardvi the brave, pure, that as many of the daeva worshippers have been killed by me as the (numbers of) hairs I carry on my head. Therefore O Ardvi the brave, pure dost thou prepare dry passage for me across good (river) Vitanghuhaiti.
78. Ardvi the brave, pure flowed forth in the form of a beautiful maiden very courageous, well built, highly girded up, straight, nobly born of glorious race, who has put on shoes gold-all adorned and shining. She made a part of the waters stagnant, the other (part) flowed forth, and she prepared a dry passage across the good (river) Vitanghuhaiti.
79. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha..
XX
80. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
81. Yoishta of the Fryanas venerated her on the isle of the Rangha, (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
82. Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Give me this boon, So that I may become the conqueror of Akhtya, evil-knowing, dark, and I may answer his questions nine and ninety, difficult and maliciously asked, which evil-knowing Akhtya full of darkness asked me.
83. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XXI
84. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
85. Whom skilful Lord Ahura Mazda invited (saying): O Ardvi the brave, pure come hither, reach here, from those stars to the earth created by Ahura. Mighty lords, rulers of the country (and) the princes of the country shall venerate (thee).
86. Men who are mighty shall pray to thee for swiftness of horses, glory and superiority. The praying athravans, the athravans of 3 clans shall pray to thee for exhilaration, intelligence and victory created by Ahura and conquering superiority.
87. The skilful marriageable maidens shall pray to thee for royal residences, self sufficient and a brave husband (lit. master of the house), the ladies giving birth shall pray to thee for easy child birth. Thou art able to grant these unto them O Ardvi the brave, pure!
88. Then O Zarathushtra! Ardvi the brave, pure went forth from those stars to the earth created by Ahura.
89. Then spoke Ardvi: O righteous, holy Spitama Ahura Mazda created thee lord of the material world. Ahura Mazda created me the protector of the entire world of the holy. On account of my lustre and glory the animal(s) and cattle, and surely also two-legged men move about on the earth. (Therefore) shall I protect all good things created by Mazda of the origin of Asha, just as fur/wool protects the animal(s).
90. Zarathustra asked Ardvi, the brave, pure. O Ardvi the brave, pure! With what Yasna shall I venerate thee? With what Yasna shall I venerate forth? Mazda created thy flow from inside above the shining sun, so that the serpent, –?–, the wasp, –?–, –?– shall not pollute thee.
91. Then spoke Ardvi the brave, pure. O righteous, holy Spitama! With this Yasna thou should venerate me, with this Yasna thou should venerate me forth, from sunrise to sunset. Thou should partake of this my libation, (and also) the priests who have learned the holy word and who have heard answers, ones holding (the scripture) in mind, (those) endowed with virtues, (those) incarnation of Manthra.
92. Let them not partake of this my libation, the fat, –?–, the wrathful, deceiver, –?–, mean, woman and man who have not chanted the Gathas, a leper whose body is mutilated.
93. I do not accept these libation which (are offered) me, (if) the blind, the deaf, the wicked, the foolish, uncharitable, characterless, one with mark which does not show unto all, who is without complete intelligence according to the Manthra shall partake (the libations). Let them not partake this libation: one with hump in front, one with hump at the back, one who is wicked, one whose teeth are not in position.
94. Zarathustra asked Ardvi the brave, pure O Ardvi the brave, pure! What becomes of those libations, which the wicked daeva worshippers offer unto thee after sunset?
95. Then spoke Ardvi the brave pure…O righteous, holy Spitama! Running, clapping, dancing, shouting (daevas) accept these (libations) which are mine; then six hundred and a thousand daevas go, they accept that which is not (theirs), it is the venerate of the daevas. (Translation of some words are doubtful).
96. I venerate Mount Hukairya, all adorable, of golden colour, from where verily flows Ardvi the brave, pure by the height of one thousand men, she commands greatness of glory as all these rivers which flow on this earth, who the courageous one flows forth.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha
XXII
97. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
98. Before whom (i.e. Ardvi) the Mazdayasnis stand with baresman in hands. The Hvovas venerated her, the Naotars venerated her. The Hvovas prayed for wealth, the Naotars for swiftness of the horses. Quickly thereafter the Hvovas, the most beneficent possessed wealth, quickly thereafter Vishtaspa of the Naotaras became the owner of the swiftest horse of these countries.
99. On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha..\
XXIII
100. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
101. Who has one thousand of the lakes, one thousand of the rivulets, anyone of these rivulets is (as long as the distance covered by) 40 days riding on a good horse. In every rivulet there stands a house well-laid-out, having 100 windows, shining, having 1000 columns, well-built, having ten thousand beams (and) bright.
102. In every house there lies a divan beautifully spread, sweet-scented, having pillows O Zarathushtra! Ardvi the brave, pure flows on by the height of one thousand men. She commands greatness of glory as all these rivers which flow on this earth, who the courageous one flows forth.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XXIV
103. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
104. (He) who (is) holy Zarathushtra venerated her in Airyana Vaejah of the good Daitya with Haoma juice (mixed) with milk with baresman with wisdom of the tongue, with thought word and deed, with libations and with truth-spoken.
105. Then he prayed to her: O Good most beneficent , brave pure Ardvi! Grant me this boon so that I may lead mighty Kavi Vishtaspa, son of Aurvat-aspa to think according to the Religion, to speak according to the Religion, to act according to the Religion.
106. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XXV
107. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
108. Far sighted Kavi Vishtaspa venerated her in the sight of the river Frazdanav (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals..
109. Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Give me this boon, so that I may become the conqueror of dark skinned Tathryavant of evil conscience, the daeva worshipper Peshana and the wicked Arejataspa in the battles of the world.
110. Ardvi, the brave, pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha…
XXVI
111. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
112. Zairivairi, fighting on the horseback venerated her in the sight of the river Daitya.
113. Then he prayed to her: O! Good most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Give me this boon, So that I may become the conqueror of Peshochingha having eight cellars, the daeva worshipper Humayaka, and the wicked Arejataspa in the battles of this world.
114. Ardvi the brave pure granted that boon unto him (who is) offering libations, offering gifts, venerating, praying (to Ardvi who is) the giver of the gift.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XXVII
115. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
116. Arejataspa having a frightful mind, venerated her near sea Vourukasha (with the gifts) of a hundred male horses, a thousand (heads) of cattle, ten thousand small animals.
117. Then he prayed to her: O, Good most beneficent brave, pure Ardvi! Give me this boon, So that I may become conqueror of mighty Kava Vishtaspa (and) Zairivairi fighting on horseback so that I may smite down armies of Aryan countries with fifty fold smiting and hundred fold smiting, with hundred fold smiting and thousand fold smiting, thousand fold smiting and ten thousand fold smiting, with ten thousand fold smiting and innumerable smiting.
118. Ardvi the brave, pure did not grant him that boon.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XXVIII
119. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
120. Whose four male (horses) Ahura Mazda created (namely): The wind, the rain, the cloud and the hail, for scattering seeds on the earth, O Spitama Zarathustra! On account of her it is raining, it is snowing, it is sleeting (storm) and it is hailing, whose armies are as many as 900 and 1000.
121. I venerate Mount Hukairya all adorable, of golden colour, from where verily flows my Ardvi the brave, pure by the height of one thousand men, she commands greatness of glory as all these rivers which flow on this earth; who the courageous one flows forth.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XXIX
122. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who is my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the daevas following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and country prospering and holy. flock increasing and holy, world increasing and holy, kingdom increasing and holy.
123. The good the brave pure Ardvi stands holding the golden mouth veil remembering the prayer for libation thinking this thought: Who shall praise me, who shall venerate (me) with libations having Haoma-juice, milk, purified, properly- strained whom shall I follow/accompany one who is faithful, one who is devoted and thoughtful and good minded.
On account of her radiance and glory I venerate her with celebrated Yasna, I venerate her with well-venerated Yasna, Ardvi the brave, pure, righteous with libations. With these (libations) May thou be praised with invocations, with these (libations) May thou be well-venerated O Ardvi the brave pure!
Those performing the Haoma rituals (venerate Ardvi), with milk, baresman, wisdom of tongue, Manthra (words of prayer), (righteous) words, (righteous) actions, libations, truthfully spoken words.
Then among the living ones we venerate those men and women whom Ahura Mazda has known to be better in Yasna on account of Asha.
XXX
125. May thou O Spitama Zarathushtra, venerate her, who (is) my Ardvi, the brave, pure, widely-flowing health giving opposed to the evil following the teaching of Ahura, worthy of Yasna in the material world, worthy of adoration in the material world, life increasing and holy, flock increasing and holy, world prospering and holy, dwelling increasing and holy, town increasing and holy country prospering and holy.
126. Who, Ardvi the brave, pure, learned, stands in the form of a maiden (refer to para 16), having put on lovely dress, full of gold embroidery.
127. Indeed according to measure Ardvi, the brave, pure, of noble birth with baresman in hand, with four cornered decorated gold earring, carries (i.e. wears) a neck-lace on (Her) beautiful neck. She tied her middle so that her breasts were so well-formed that they were pleasing.
128. Ardvi, the brave, pure, wears (lit. builds) a crown, studded with a hundred stars made of gold, having eight pinnacles, of the shape of a chariot, decorated with small flags, beautiful, of proportionate size, skillfully made.
129. Ardvi, the brave, pure, puts on clothes made of beaver (skin) of 30 beavers, giving birth to quadruplets which is the excellent beaver because it is of best colour. The beaver is an aquatic creature. When cut at appropriate time, the skin is good-looking. They shine very much as silver and gold.
130. Then, O good, most beneficent Ardvi, the brave, pure, do I hereby, pray for this gift so that I may, I, as most blessed may, conquer the great kingdoms with abundant food, steady revenue having foaming (i.e. snorting) horses having shining chariots, having sharp weapons, having abundant cooked food, having well laid sweet-scented stores, the kingdom which would give support in the battle field which would produce supply and release fullness of all good conditions.
131. I pray for two brave ones, one who is brave, two-legged and the other four-legged; that two legged brave one who would rush and turn properly the swift chariot in the battles and that brave four-legged who would turn away two sides left and right, and right and left, of the hostile army having broad battle front .
132. By this Yasna, by this adoration, dost thou, O Ardvi, brave, pure, come here or help from the stars to the earth created by Ahura to the Zaotar (chief officiating priest) who is performing Yasna, to the overflowing palm (of the Zaotar), to one carrying libation, the charitable one, venerating one, praying one, Thou the giver of gift so that all heroes having obtained their wishes from thee, may return just as (the heroes) of Kavi Vishtaspa.
Ramiyar Karanjia 