Haptan Yasht is the second Yasht. It is also known as Yasna Haptanghaiti and constitutes Yasna chapters 35 to 42. Its Avestan language is somewhere in between that of the Gathas and other scriptures and is often referred to as Gathic prose.

 

Though the word Haft(an) means 7, the text has 8 chapters. The 8th chapter is the final concluding chapter. It begins with the veneration of the collection (

handātā) of Yasna Haptanghaiti and sums up the veneration to all the elements and Amesha Spentas. The Haptan Yasht is dedicated to the 7 Amesha spentas. In the dedicatory formula (khshnuman), the 7 Amesha Spentas are chronologically invoked, but in the text of the 7 / 8 Kardas there is no such order and the 6th and 7th Ameshaspands – Khordad and Amardad are missing.

 

The Yasna Haptanghaiti may have been considered a very important text, since in the text of the Yasna of 72 chapters, it is embedded within the Gathas, right at the centre of the 72 chapters.

 

In this text, one finds and abundant use of the word yazamaide, the repetitive use of the formula humata, hukhta and hvarshta, and the frequent invocation of thoughts, words and actions as a triad.

 

The prologue

Yātu zi …..aojangha is very difficult to understand and translate. Its first paragraph is clear – that may Zarathushtra smite people with negative energies. From certain words in 2nd para it seems it is talking about internal energies and energy centres. The 3rd and 4th para seems like a chant – vacha – and is almost impossible to understand. Kangaji says I cannot translate it. It also talks about fravash, daena mazdayasni and aojangh and 2 forces ātare and vitare. The prologue also constitutes the Shorter Haftan Yasht.

 

Kardeh 1: It is mainly about Ahura Mazda and Ameshaspands. It also talks about charity and work. It is stated that Asha can be best attained by the attitude of giving

(ādā). It concludes by saying that praise, prayer and veneration of Ahura Mazda is above that of Asha, Vohu Manah and Khshathra.

 

Kardeh II: It is predominantly about fire, where it is considered an emblem of Ahura Mazda. Gratitude and indebtedness is expressed to Ahura Mazda and a desire is expressed approach Him through Humata, Hukhta and Hvarshta. The Sun is declared as one of Ahura Mazda’s best forms among the lights.

 

Kardeh III: Animals, corn, plants, water, earth and lights created by Ahura Mazda are remembered and also the Fravashis of men and women. In this chapter Vohu Manah, Khshathra, Daena, Fseratu and Armaiti are also remembered.

 

Kardeh IV: The lady divinity connected with the earth, Armaiti, and Parendi are remembered. Different types of waters and fluids are venerated.

 

Kardeh V: Geush Urvan, Geush Tashan, souls of animals Ameshaspands, Vohu Manah, Asha, Fseratu and Armaiti are venerated.

 

Kardeh VI: Ahura Mazda give us just rewards. One of his special gifts is enabling the devotee to the understand of the relationship between Himself and Asha. He also sends help through righteous men.

 

Kardeh VII: We dedicate our worship to Ahura Mazda and Asha Vahishta. We desire Ahura Mazda as our just sovereign. We desire to attain a long life for our and Ahura Mazda’s happiness. May we be able to love Ahura Mazda and have faith and confidence in Him. Ahura Mazda gives us the just rewards of our actions so that we may be with Him and Asha till eternity.

 

Kardeh VIII: We remember Amesha Spenta with Haptan Yasht. We remember waters, paths, mountains, corn, Ahura Mazda, Zarathushtra, sky, wind, Mount Haraithya, earth, souls who have attained Vohu Manah, Vasi, Vorukasha, Hom, waters, Athornans and Amesha Spenta.

 

Haftan Yasht is especially prayed to repel negative energies, and especially avert adverse planetary afflictions. The twice and thrice recited paragraphs and the prologue

Yātu zi …..aojangha are very potent short prayers.