PO Eh d= co pees Bec a en cere Oe ee ace od ee oy eee ee ea eee Aww g jer ates eyGATHA - BA - MAANI ‘Transliterated and Translated Into English With Grammatical and Explanatory Notes By ERVAD KAVASJI EDALJI KANGA Translator of the Vendidad, The Yasna, The Vispered, ‘The Khordet Avesti and the Yashts, ‘Author of practical Avesta grammar and of a Complete of the Avesta Language (Both Avesta into English and English into Avesta). Fellow of the University of Bombay. Late Head Master Moolla Feeroz Madressa, ‘Transtated from the Gujarati Original GATHA - BK - MAANI of ERVAD KAVASII EDALI KANGA, ‘intoEnglish by First Edition in English 1366 AY. - 1997 AC. 7‘Ervad Kavasji Edali Kanga Ervad KB, Kanga oe of the great scholars of the Avesta ‘Language of the last centity. He had rendered services for the ‘translation of entire Avesta into gujarat language. Beside he was author of “A Practical Grammer of the Avesta language” published ‘in English in 1891 A.C and a colosxal dictionery of the Avesta ‘into Enghish ind Gujarati language in the year 1900 A.C. There ‘two books, Avesti Grammer and Dictionary are moxt important ‘for the stwdent of the Avest lituratte world-wide, GATHA - BA - MAANI Transliterated and Translated Into English With Grammatical and Explanatory Notes By ERVAD KAVASJI EDALJI KANGA Translator of the Vendidad, The Yasna, The Vispered, ‘The Khordeh Avestt and the Yashts, Author of a practical Avesta grammar and of » Complete Dictionary of the Avesti Language (Both Avesta into Eeglish and English into -Avest). Fellow of the University of Bombay. ‘Late Head Master Moola Feeraz Madresss, Translated from the Gujarati Original t GATHA - BA - MAANI of ERVAD KAVASI EDALI KANGA into English by Prof, Ervad Maneck Furdoonji Kanga, M. A. First Edition in English 1366 AY, - 1997 Ac.——— ‘The Gathis also include the ancient acted ; anc rs of the Alu Voitya (Ahunavar, or. Yatha Abo. Vairyo), As ms es airy), Ashem Vohii and ‘The Gathas contain some very high philosophical thoughts. ‘The ‘Word in Avesta for prayer 18 “Manthea", which while properly ‘eeited, evokes responses in the environment, which in tum, are Denevolent for the reciter as well to those around him. ‘The Gathas are the colestial son leatal songs, and as the mame implies, are wate in pots form with fixed metrical competitions for cach sf them. Satoxh Yazat (he Spirit of inehigence) was the first o Saat the Five Githas of Zarathusra forthe worship of Aburn lana, Amesha Spentas and the Yazatas, observing the rules of ‘metre (Yasna-Hi $7-8). Various references are mide in the rest of he Avesit about the rales of chanting the Gath, Iti sated Se a that this should be donc “linc by tine, stanza by ‘exposition, with inquity, with catachism, sylab syllable, (metrical) foot by foot. ers According to Yasna Hi-55-2 “Gaihan are the source of spiritual Terghen and protection, They are spinal food and raiment Soul, and they are the givers of proper deserts and {petit vars (good fo good and bad for bad) after death.” dinlect of the Gathas differs marginal Pian ch przinaly fom the other Avex fecitation of any af these three texte, the section af ars ” 4 the Gatha ancieat fimet’ ahd alka opto the present, most af the Ave was handed down by ors) tratinission capone ‘Eeacration, paricwlanly among the priestly clnss} and itis only because of the practice ef memorising the Yasna, the Vieparad and the Vendidid, that the present Gatha Herature fay survived, This shows the value of the texts other than that of the Gathis in the Zoroastrian Theology, and the present tendeney among a section of the people to Follow only the Gathas, and nothing else, is not proper The colebrated Avesti scholar, the late Ervad Kavasjt Edalji Kanga of tevered memory, had during his lifetime accomptished the work ff translating the entire extant Avesta literature in Gujarati im different. volumes. Ore suet volume then is known ai GATHA » BA - MAANT ic “Gatha with meanings’, first published in July 1895, The entire tha seetion of the Avesti has been treated in this valume in ‘a scholatly and systematic manner, transliterating and translating cach paragraph simultaneously and giving a number ta cach word for the benefit of the teaders following the tranctation with accuracy. He alse gave footiotes, wherever necessary in the light ‘of modem research based on philology. An accurate transliteration Would help the lay person to fectte. the Gathis with proper pronunciation, and intonation ‘The nature of the composition of the Gathis being: such, the understanding of the work of transtition wpon them is a difficult proposition. Presently there are more that 30 forms of translations different languages by differcat scholars available, several of thom varying widely in their interpretations. In Kavasji Kanga’s own words (in his preface to the first edition):- “The writings of the Gathas being bighty poetical and full of deop meaning, containing prayers, hymns and other subjects pregnant with philosophical and abstract ideas. rips schotarship and patient investigation, added to a critical knowledge of the Avestl are requisite to intenpret them correctly and. intelligibly’ fn such circumstances, the work of this nature cartied out by a scholar priest of the calibre of Ervad Kavasji Exalji Kanga ie still very much the riced of the hour, und sought after by Zoroastrian both im India and abroad. Though a century has now elapsed, this translation of the Gathis has stood ihe test of time, and is in viel demand. both among the scholars and the laity. tr hie A rorg LY been brought out in six editions, the last one being ‘The Trustees: of the Parsi Punchayat at Bombay, in ther desire fo Preserve and promote Zoroastrian religion nad culture, have international a maonal tspute, the late Professor Ervad Maneck Furdconji Prof. M. F, Kangu then completed three \ e of late Ervad Kavasy Kangn's works, via. Khosdeh-Avest Bu Mati, Guise rah and Yasbi-Ba-Maani befare his sad demise in October 1988 at the a on of reference for these works entrusted to * Kanga were to carry out a faithful word-by-wor Ml a Phy-word ‘ranslation into English language ent til gual Gober knowledge and experience. ‘Subsequently ohe such volume of the Khordeh Avests-Ba:M ‘in English was published by the Tastes ofthe Parsi Puochayet ‘of Bombay in Sanuary 1993. Now the Trustees are making Availatle for the benefit of the Zoroantrain Wotld the present ‘edition of the Gathi-Ba-Maani in English. Preface to the First Edition Io my Translation of the Yasna and the Vispered published in 1886, the Githis were mot included, In the preface to that work 1 observed: “The translation ofthe Githis isnot included in the present watk Soie European Zend scholars have at various times attempted it, but they themselves ite aware of the great difficulty they had to encounter inrendering.s corréct undintefligible translation of them. The writings of the Gathas being highly poetical and fall of deep meaning, contain- ing prayers. hymns and other subjects pregnant with philosophical and abstract ideas, ripe scholarship and patient frvestigation, added {6 critical knowledge of the Avesti, are requisite 10 interpret them correctly and intelligibly, Such being the ease, [have thought it proper to defer their translation to some fuure ccasion By the lightof progressive knowledge and experience acquired by ‘continuous and careful stady of the subject since the publication of the above-mentioned work, I wat able to collect materials necessary fora faithful translation of the Githis. Gn the 20th af October 1893, the Managing Committee of the Moolla Feerox Madressa offered, on behalf of Mr. Ardeshir Sorabjce Dustoor Kamdin,a prize of x 500Tor «transliteration and translation ofthe Guathis into Gujarati, Having at ‘my disposal sufficient materials for the work, I availed mysctf of this offer and undertook the tisk. The work on completion wax submitted by the Managing Committee for inspection and report to Mr. KR. Cama, our well-known Oriental scholar, who approved of the same adjudged itdeserving ofthe prize, which was accordingly awarded to me. ‘The whole af the text and the transtation sre used on De Geldner’s newly published edition of the Avesta, supplemented by important materials derived from the translations of European xavane, especially ofthe Revered Dr. Millsand Professor Darmesteter, In arder to facilitate the work of the students of the Avesta grammatical analyses andexplanations of difficult words are inserted in foot-notes ixTrust to the indulgence of the scholar and the entic t overlook inaccuracies oF imperfections which may fave Gtept into the work, notwithstanding all the conscientious eare and attention that have been bestowed on it. Any comections, either in the translation or the notes, if sent to:me, will be thankfully received and attended to in the second edition, 1 confess to finding a few passages to me quile unintelligible. Teave them to be dealt with by better vehalita, Jn conclusion, T beg to tender my est thanks to Mr, ardeshir Sorablee Bustoor Kamdin for his liberality in offering the prize referred 10 above, which gaye me an opportunity of carrying, out my Yong-cherished hope of completing this, book and 40 the Managing (Committee of the Moolla Fecraz Madressa for granting permission to ‘Publish it. Lam also thankful to the scion of an old and well-known Parsi family of Bombay for his generous support towards the publica- tion of the work. My thanks ate also duc to the esteemed Trustees of the Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Translation Fund for purchasing 100 copies of this work. Kavasji Edalji Kanga, ‘Bombay, July 1495, Preface to the Second Edition ‘The firs elton of this book was issued in 1895 and was out of print in 1900. The issue of a second edition had to be deferred 1 I was then engaged in the publication of my Yasht bi Maini. ‘The demand for a second edition ef the Gathas within the short periad of Five years testifies (o the increasing desire among, a cco-religionists 10 recite their prayers according to the correct tex and to understand their meaning. Before issting this edition, T have carefully examined the ‘hoe tnlaton and made the nectsey ateratone suggested by further study, Additional notes are given with » view to help ‘Avesta students. In the present edition [have added the tanslation ‘of one or two verses left untranstated in the first edition, Kavagji Edalfi Kanga. Bombay, May 1962.A note on the Reading and the Pronunciation of the Avesta (The Gatha - Ba - Maani) as in English but as in English Father (short) as in English met (long) as in English mate (short) as in English pin (long) as in English machine (short) as in English pot (long) as in English coat Pronounced like & with a slight tinge of a nasal Sound, like the French ‘an’ in “ancre.’ Hi 1 Chapter of Ahunayad *Gathi Know that the chapters of Ahunavad Giithi begin sith Yasna Hi 28° andends with Yasna Hil 34" These seven chapters shouldbe recited on the Abunavad Gathi day with the Khshnuman given as under. Khshnaothra Ahurahé Madzdo, Ashem Voha 1. Pa niimé yazdin Ahuramazda Khodae awazoni gorjékhoreh awaziyiid; 'Geh Gathabyd Abunavad Géh, Ushtavad Gch, Sepntomad Géh, Vohakhshathra Geh, Vahishtoisht Geh, Geh Gathabyo Ardafravash berasad ‘az hama gunah patét pashtmanum; az harvastin dushmat, duzhOkht duzhvarsht, mam pa géti manid, o€m goft, om kard, oém jast, cfm bin bad ested. Az an gunah manshni gavashni kunashni, tani ravani gti mindani, oki’ awakhsh pashemin pa sé gavashni papatét hom. Kshnaothra Ahurahe Mazdio, tardidité anghrahé mainyeush; haithyavarshtam hyat vasni ferashitemem; staomi ashem. Ashem Vohi 3, fravardné Mazdayasno Zarathushtrish vida@v0 Ahura tka€sho(Recite whatever Geh may be) frasastayaéch 8 ‘The name of thiy Cathi is desived from Ahunawar recited in the begin- ‘ning. and from the metre similar to Alvwnavar, The feminine adjective orm of Abwna became Alnwnavai. In Pahlavi itis Ahunayat and in sand Arunavad, 4 tnowthal thechupici the Githis enjoined be rected te days of the Cithh Ghana, yer there no objection i the chapter of ay (Gaiko larecited with he Kixhnuman of Sorta Yazat or any other Wazat Note tha this kshournan oscursinevery Gatha, as well asin ihe Aftingain shtayad Guin, tof the GAIhA. Translation:- May Abunovad Gath, Ui Speniomnud Cath, Vohu khshathra Gathé and Vanisioisht Gath from amongst Gath Ganssble (af five Guihd - Gahan days) ad) ne (na attend thi penyer)YHa Ahurahe Mazdao® raévata’ khyarenanguhats', Ameshanam Spentangm’ Githabyo" spentabyo" ratu - khshathraby0" ashaonibyo", Ahunavaityao Githayio", Ushtavaityao — Gathayao"’, Spentimainyéush Gathay6", Vohu-khstharayio Gathayao", Vahishtoishtoish Gathayo",ashaonim" fravashingm™ ughrangm" aiwi-thirangm” paoirys- tkaéshangm™ frayashingm™, nabanazdishtangm™ fravashinam™, khshnaothra” yasnaicha® yahmaicha” khshnaothraicha” frasastayatcha", yatha Aho Vairyo™ zaota” fra mé™ mrite*, atha ratush ashitchit hacha” fra ashava”” vidhvio™ mraoti”. In order to please (the creator Hormaze”), the wealth keeping” {and) glorious (Creator) Hormazd! und the Amesha Spentas’, of Ahunayaiti Gatha, Ushiaraiti Githa", SpentOmad Githi", Vohu- ‘chshuthra Gathat” and Vashistoisht Gatha!" from the bounteous”! Githas™ (which are) the Londs of truth! and also, the holy"* powerful! anderitmphant™ Fravashis™ of herighteous (people!) the Fravashis™ of the Poryotkeshas®, (and) the Fravashis™ of the ‘Nabuinazcishts"* for the worship (of theme all), for {their} nvoea- tion™ for (their) propitiation™ and for (their) glarification”, the ‘Zabiar (i the officiating Priest)” may proclaim before me™ (the excellences af the sacred verses of) “Yathi Abd Vairya'. The Rasp (jc, The Assistant Priest (whois) righteous” (and) leamed* ‘may proclaim (the excellences of these sacred verses) ‘atha ratush vashat chit hacha’™. © ruling overtime or period (Dr. Spiep Ha Ahurem Mazdgm' raévantem" khvarenanguhantem® yazamaide®; Ameshd Spenti“ bukhshathra“ hudhiongho" yazamaide” Gathio spentao" ratu-khshathrao" ashaonish® — yazamaide'; — Ahunay: Gathgm® ashaonim® ashahé™ ratim" yazamaide®: Ushtavaitim Gathgm” ashaonim® ashahe® ratiim™ Yyazamaide"; Spent mainyoim Gatham" ashaonim™ ashahé rattim™ yazamade“; Vohu-khshathram ‘Gathgm* ashaonim® ashahé ratim™ yazamaide” Vahishtoishtim = Gatham" —ashaonim”! ashahé™ ratam” yazamaide’. Ashaongm™ vanguhish™ stirao” spentao™ fravashayo™ yazamaide, Ahunem Vairim™ tanam™ paiti*, Ahunem Vairim tanam paiti, Anunem Vairim taniim paiti; Yatha Abi Vairyo 1, We worship the wealth keeping"! (und) glorious! (Creator) Hormazd®, We worship" the Ameshii Spentas (.c Bountiful Immortals)" (who are) good - rulers! atkd possessing ‘#ued sense". We prise" the bountiful Gathas* (which are) the lords of truth*(und) holy®, we praise the holy” Akunavad Gathi® Givhich is) the lord" of righteousness; We praise" the hoty* Ushtvael Gatha® (which is} the lard of righteousness™: We praise” the holy® Spentomad Gatha® (which 1s) the lord of nighteous- ness"; We praise" the holy ® Vohukshathra-Crauhi" (which is) the lord of righteousness; We praise™ the holy”! Vahishtoisht Gatha” (which is) the lord” of righteousness”; we worship” the excel: Tent hefoie” and bountiful Fravashis”oftherightcous (people) Abunavar* protects ®the body. Know thatthe same ‘Khshnuman’ reciied in 'Fravarin€ Mariayasnd! in rocited in every Gatht because Hs translation ih every Qithk was ot Fepoaled. “Ahunavar protects body’ - for ite explanation see my Khonlet Avestt Biv Mannj 'Sardsh Bae’, xtence preceding ‘kira ni Muza’Hi 28th yinim' mano, yanim' vacho‘, yani shyaothanem’, ashaond Zarathushtrahe’ fera” Amesha Spenta' Gathao" géurvain®, Nem" yé" gathio” ashaonish'*. Thoughts’ words’ and deeds of Hoty’ Zarathustra’ (are) bringing prosperity (or *are full of inspiration!) ‘May’? the Ameshs Spentis" (jc, Boishtiful Immortals") accept!” (these) Gathis''! 0 sacred" Gathis!! salutatien" (be) unte you"! © Indie sense oF English word ‘inspired’ (infused «nought or feeling in persen, expecially of divine or super natural agency), Inthe original tem, for thought, word and deed a separate adjective yanim is given, ‘Yanim is derived from yanya + 1. tsed in the nente of the benedictive mood. “GEurviin = geurvuygn' ‘Imperfect subjunctive 3° person plural parasmaipada, root "garey = (Srabh’ (Vedic) Sanskrit ‘grad’ =o take, a0 accept See ily Avesta ‘Grammar page 307%. ‘Tf we take “geurvani’ according to Prof, Westergaard Edition instead ‘of “Eeurvain’ and if-we accept the reading “Ameshio Spentiia given in the footnotes by Prof Geldner instead of the text ‘Amesha ‘Spenta’ regarding tas an adjective to “Gathso" it can be translated as conden 1 pal acgute the inspired! though, words’, and deeds" of H Paaatbwshra (which are) the moor and hay bounnit Gash Ha 28, se ‘Ahya"” yisa" nemangha" ustiina-zast6” rafedhrahya?! mainyéush® Mazdio” pouryim™ spentahyi™ Ashi” vispéng” shyaothana®™ ‘Vanghéush® khratim" Manangha™ ya” khshnévisha” Geusheha™ “Urvanem, (The stanza should be recited twice), 1 In humble adoration". with hands uplifted first of all!" I pray"*at this! (moment) rejoicing? all” righteous deeds™ of the invisible” (and) bountiful Ahura Mazda® (and) the wisdom” of the Good Mind” so that [may please” the soul” of the universe, ee Nowe that this stanza 4s 10 be secited twice; in the sume way this stanza or verse 48 to be recited twice. at the end of each Ha ‘of Ahunavad Gath, $ Know thatthreetinesoccurin every verse of Abunavad Gathdin poetical form. Inovery line there are (749) 16 syllables, ie. cacsura ot theend sf the seventh syllable. In this book from the frst. uhird and fifth Line of every verse of the las ol Ahunavad Gutha commences the first seond ‘and thied line ofthe original Avesta. The intial word of each ine ig Placedextemally sohatt can be easly noticed, The second, fourth and the sath line of each verse should be understood ak continuation of the first, third and f(t ine, This fist stanea.or verse is 0 be recited twice atthe end of cach Ha ofthe Ahunavad Gatht. The firstthree His (28.30) of Ahunayad G8ihE have I stancas or strophes and are invoked by the fame" Tishra Paolrya” jn Visparad Korda | th para 2nd, Theoriginal ‘meaning of the phrase '"Tishra paoirya" is first three (Has of ‘Abunavad Gathi), ‘Ustinazasto’ “Ay ‘ustana’ = Sanskrit ‘uttina’y root “Us-tan’ — ‘Sanshsit “ud ~ tan’ = ‘to raise hands by way of entreaty'; ‘zasta* Sanskrit "hasta’, meaning ‘hands’ H orthe life ef natute, the source of creation; 'ga0'~Sunshrit ph ‘earth, world’, Note that the farm-of cow is piven to this Worl, com