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much as the Parsees look upon Ervad Kanga’s editions as the Standard prayer-books in point of pronunciation.

The final proofs of the last edition of this book as well as of recent editions of Yasht Ba Maeni and Gatha Ba Maeni of my late revered grandfather were gone through by our well-known Avesta Pahlavi scholar Ervad Bomani Naserwanji Dhabhar, M. A. who has always obliged me by his help. This time he was not able to help me owing to cataracts in his eyes. Another Avesta Pahlavi scholar was approached by me who willingly complying with my request at the sacrifice of his time went through all the final proofs of this edition, for which act of his courtesy and kindness my thanks are due to him.

NAVROJI PESHTONJI KAVASJI KANGA. BOMBAY, August 1936.

PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION

The first edition of my Khordeh Avesta was issued in 1880 and the last in 1896. The rapid sale commanded by those editions is an unmistakable proof of the general desire on the part of my co-religionists to recite their prayers according to the correct and authenticated texts and to know their meaning. In placing this fifth edition before the public, I have thoroughly examined the texts and interpretations given in my former editions, and made alterations and modifications, where necessary, in the light of my continued studies. The present revised edition has been enlarged by the addition of the Sirozāh Yasht, the Afringāns and the Pazend Nirang recited at times after the prayers, and a Monājāt by the late Moolla Feeroz with their translations.

KAVASJI EDALJI KANGA. BOMBAY, February, 1902.

PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION

This, the fourth edition of my Khordeh Avesta has been enlarged by the addition of two new Yashts, viz. Khorshed and Māh and the Avesta and Pazend chapter (Kardēh), recited in memory of departed relatives, has been inserted with its translation. The translation and notes throughout have been carefully revised in the light of further study and research. I have carefully perused the latest edition of Professor Darmesteter’s French version of the Avesta, and gleaned from it useful matters and inserted it in this work in the shape of footnotes. The passages of the Gathas, occurring in the Khordeh Avesta, have been reproduced in the form of verse. Besides, many other matters which can suitably find a place in a work of this kind have been added. In short, an earnest endeavour has been made to improve and enlarge the work and bring it up to date. With a view, however, to place it within the reach of all classes of my coreligionists, no increase has been made in the price of the book, which, as in the case of the last two editions, has been