Mazda-Yasna: My Little Prayer Book From Zend Avesta, a prayer book in the Roman script with English translations has been re-published by businessman and philanthropist Dr Cyrus Poonawalla in memory of his late wife Villoo. The book was originally compiled by retired secretary of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Dossabhoy Framroze and printed by his daughter-in-law Freny "for those who are unable to recite Avesta-Pazend prayers (written) in Gujarati script,” noted Poonawalla in the preface of the reprint. Five editions have been previously published between 1945 and 1968.
Dr Cyrus Poonawalla Photo: Jasmine D. Driver;
English prayer book Mazda-Yasna reprinted in memory of his wife Villoo
In addition to daily prayers, the 68-page pocket sized hardbound book carries illustrations of the Amesha Spentas, a brief description of the navjote ceremony, fravashis and yazatas, and the significance of the sudreh and kusti. An acknowledgement reprinted from an earlier edition penned in 1986/87 by Ervads principal Rustom Panthaki and Burjor Panthaki of the Athornan Boarding Madressa (now Dadar Athornan Institute) states "the original vertical format of the prayers has been changed to the normal horizontal form, thus making it easier for children to recite the prayers.” The other change introduced in that edition was doing away with the diacritical signs "as they were found difficult by children for rapid and correct intonation while praying.”
A write-up from Poonawalla’s office notes that the book may help young people not familiar with Gujarati to recite prayers "with understanding and true faith.” Zoroastrian anjumans, punchayets, schools, teenage groups and welfare organizations in India may obtain copies free of cost by writing to Sarosh Bokdawalla at Sarosh Bhavan, 16/B-1 Dr Ambedkar Road, Poona 411001, India; phone: 020 26100315, 9822289894 or email:
sarosh.bokdawalla@seruminstitute.com.