FOREWORD

The Khordeh Avesta, with text and translation in Gujarati, had been prepared in the year 1880 A. D. by the celebrated Avesta scholar, the late Ervad Kavasji Edulji Kanga. This work is known as Khordeh Avesta Bā-Māyeni. The value and the utility of this book could be perceived from the fact that even after more than a century, it has remained a standard work in the Parsi community for the purpose of prayers, and as well among the scholars as an indispensable reference book. The demand has been such that it has subsequently been published into thirteen editions.

In recent times, however, it has been noticed that a fairly large number of Zoroastrians have been migrating to the Western countries, and hence have difficulty in following the Gujarati language. Moreover, the younger generation in India are also nowadays not familiar with the Gujarati language. A serious need was felt, therefore, to have a Khordeh Avesta in English on the lines of the Khordeh-Avesta Bā-Māyeni in Gujarati by the late Ervad K. E. Kanga.

The Trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet entrusted the work of rendering the said Gujarati Khordeh-Avesta Bā-Māyeni into an English version (text in Roman script with English translation) to the well-known scholar of Iranology, Prof. Ervad Maneck Furdoonji Kanga who had completed this work diligently, but did not live for his work to see the light of day, as he passed way in October, 1988. For the proof-reading and correction of this publication, thanks are due to Ervad Ratanshah Rustomji Motafram who is the Head-Master of the M. F. Cama Athornan Institute, Andheri, and an erudite scholar of Avesta Pahlavi.

The Trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet have great pleasure in publishing this invaluable book and presenting the same in the service of the Parsi Community.

Dr. Aspi F. Golwalla,

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Parsi Punchayet Funds and Properties,

Bombay.

Bombay, 15th January, 1993.

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