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AMSHASPANDS

world throughout a year is apportioned in the celestial world on the day Khurdad of the first month of the Zoroastrian calendar and the archangel intercedes in behalf of those who have propitiated Khurdad by their deeds, and that these offerings thus secure for the faithful a large share in this annual allotment of earthly riches.[1] Those who make proper use of water rejoice Khurdad and receive rewards in both worlds;[2] but those who are guilty of its misuse or defilement find their way to heaven blocked up by the spirits that preside over water.[3] In addition the Pahlavi writings record that an unseasonable chatter and an immoderate drinking of wine distress him.[4] Khurdad will drive away his adversary, the demon Tairev, at the time of Resurrection.[5]

Amardad

Amardad's activity of guarding the vegetable kingdom. Ormazd wills that man shall abstain from sin and practise goodness. Life devoted to goodness in this world brings Amardad's happy reward to his soul in the next world. After death the righteous soul goes to the all-happy Garotman of endless light.[6] This divinity works in the vegetable kingdom that belongs above all to him,[7] and helps those who work for the plant world.[8] Food and drink are in his care.[9] Like his comrade Khurdad, Amardad refuses a passage to heaven to those who sin against plants, and do not expiate the wrong.[10] The prophet is requested by him to enjoin rules for the preservation of plants.[11] He will banish Zairich from the world in the final struggle.[12]

  1. ↑ Sd. 52. 2, 3.
  2. ↑ SLS. 15. 25, 29.
  3. ↑ SLS. 15. 27, 28.
  4. ↑ Mkh. 2. 33, 34; 16. 49, 56.
  5. ↑ Bd. 30. 29.
  6. ↑ Sitāyish-i Amardād in Pāzend Texts, p. 244.
  7. ↑ Bd. 9. 2; Zsp. 8. 1; SLS. 9. 8; 13. 14; 15. 5.
  8. ↑ SLS. 15. 25, 29.
  9. ↑ Dk., vol. 7, p. 461.
  10. ↑ SLS. 15. 27, 28.
  11. ↑ Zsp. 22. 12.
  12. ↑ Bd. 30. 29.
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