THE AFRINAGAN SERVICE

The Zoroastrian Ritual of Blessing

copyright 1989, 1990, Joseph H. Peterson

The Afrinagan service, also known as the flower ceremony, is central to the outer or public ceremonies of Zoroastrianism. It generally invokes blessings for the entire congregation, which usually participates. It also commemorates the departed members of the community. Thus, it serves an important social function in addition to its religious function. This service can be conducted in any clean place, and may be performed by qualified laymen as well as priests.

See the introduction for more information

THE AFRINAGAN SERVICE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING PARTS:

• Preliminary prayers
  • Padyab-Kusti
  • Srosh Baj
  • Gah as appropriate: [Hawan | Rapithwin | Uzerin | Aiwisruthrem | Ushahin]
  • Atash Niyayesh
  • Nam Stayishn
• Dibache
• Afrinagans proper (one or more of the following):
  • Afrinagan of Dadar Ohrmazd (with "Tao ahmi nmane" Karda)
  • Afrinagan of Dadar Ohrmazd (with "Yao Visadha" Karda)
  • Afrinagan of the Fireshtas or the Yazatas
  • Afrinagan of the Siruzas
  • Afrinagan of Ardafrawash (with "Yao Visadha" Karda)
  • Afrinagan of Ardafrawash (with "Tao ahmi nmane" Karda)
  • Afrinagan of Dahman
  • Afrinagan of Sraosha
  • Afrinagan of Rapithwin
  • Afrinagan of the Gahambars
  • Afrinagan of the Gathas
  • Afrinagan of Dahm Yazata
  • Afrinagan of Mino Nawar
• Afrins (one or more of the following:)
  • Afrin of the six Gahambars
  • Afrin of Rapithwin
  • Afrin of Ardafrawash
  • Afrin of the Bozorgs
  • Afrin of Myazd
  • Afrin of Zarthuxsht
  • Afrin of Dahman (Afrin of the seven Amesha Spentas)
  • Afrin of Gahambar Chashni
• Tan-Darosti

NOTES

• Preface
• Introduction
• Table 1: Number of Ahuna Yairyas to recite during the Dibache
• Table 2: Pazand Khshnumans to be recited with each Afrinagan
• References