Canon Status
Canonical in Zoroastrianism. Not recognized by any other religious tradition.
Date & Provenance
The Gathas are attributed to Zoroaster (c. 1500–1000 BCE). The Younger Avesta was composed over several centuries.
Language & Manuscripts
Avestan manuscripts, the oldest dating from the 13th century CE.
Why It Matters for Study
The chief liturgy of the Zoroastrians, in which confession, invocation, prayer, exhortation, and praise are all combined. The theological function is to maintain the cosmic order.
" I praise and invoke the creator Ahura Mazda, the radiant and glorious." — Yasna 1:1
Read the Text & External Resources
Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.
- " I praise and invoke the creator Ahura Mazda, the radiant and glorious." — Yasna 1:1 " I praise and invoke the creator Ahura Mazda, the radiant and glorious." — Yasna 1:1
External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.
Further Reading
Mills, L. H. The Zend-Avesta, Part III: The Yasna, Visparad, Afrînagân, Gâhs. Sacred Books of the East, 1887.
Yasna — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasna|Background and scholarly discussion.
Yasna — Sacred Texts|https://www.sacred-texts.com/zor/sbe31/index.htm|Full public-domain translation.