History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. IV.] THE FIVE PRAVERS. 169

consists of the Gahs, the Nyaishes, the Yashts, the Afringans, and other detached pieces.

Unlike the Yasna, the Visparad, and the Vendidad, the recital of the Khordeh-Avesta (with the exception of the Afringans) is not restricted to the priests. Any layman, after performing ablutions, can recite the whole or any portion of it. Its recital is not accompanied by any rites or ceremonies. It is written in the ordinary Avesta dialect.

We will here say a few words about the contents of the above-named different parts of the KhordehAvesta. The Gahs are five in number, and are, as their name (gah, “time”) signifies, prayers to be recited during the five parts of the day. These five parts arefirst, Havan, which runs from the break of day to noon; second, Rapithavan, from noon to 3 P.M; third, Uziran, from 3 p.m. to nightfall; fourth, Aisruthrem, from nightfall to midnight; fifth, Ushain, from midnight to the break of day.

The Nyaishes are also five in number, and are, as their names signify, supplication prayers praising the Almighty for His best creations. The five Nyaishes are as follows:—(1 and 2) Khurshed and Mehr Nyaish about the sun and his light at the dawn of day; (3) Mah Nyaish about the moon; (4) Aban Nyaish for water; and (5) Atash Nyaish for fire. In these Nyaishes the benefits bestowed by