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AMESHA SPENTAS
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Their attributes. The Amesha Spentas are the ever-living and the ever-helping ones;[1] they are the wise ones, and good rulers.[2] It is they that are the shining ones, of efficacious eyes, exalted, mighty, valiant, imperishable, and righteous.[3] They are the makers, rulers, fashioners, guardians, protectors, and preservers of the creation of Mazda,[4] and Mazda has given them beautiful forms.[5]

Their work. The archangels hold their celestial councils on the heights of the heavens.[6] From there they come down to the seven zones into which the world was divided according to the Avesta,[7] and rule over the realms of earth.[8] They are naturally invited to the sacrifice,[9] and offerings are placed by the devout for them to accept.[10] The faithful pray that the Amesha Spentas may visit and enjoy sacrifices in their houses,[11] for shining is the path by which they descend to earth to receive the libations offered in their honour.[12] Even Mithra as a Godlike embodiment sacrificed unto them,[13] and for him they have made a dwelling.[14] They are of one accord with the sun;[15] and they gather together the light of the moon and pour it down upon the earth.[16] They are the divine ones who help in bringing about the final restoration of the world.[17] Each of them will smite his opponent at the time of the resurrection.[18]

Zarathushtra the first among mortals to sacrifice unto the Amesha Spentas. Mazda asks his prophet to invoke the Amesha Spentas, even though he could not behold them with his eyes.[19] Zarathushtra follows Mazda's behests; and he is the first man to invoke them,[20] a spiritual predecessor having been Sraosha. For that reason the faithful sacrifice unto the Amesha Spentas with love and joy,[21] and pray to them for help and protection.[22] Their praise and sacrifice form one of the cardinal articles of

  1. Ys. 4. 4; 39. 3; Vsp. 9. 4; 11. 12.
  2. Ys. 2. 2; 4. 4; 6. 1; 24. 9; 25. 4; 35. 1; 58. 5; 70. 1; Vsp. 8. 1; 11. 12; Vd. 19. 9.
  3. Ys. 26. 3; Yt. 13. 82.
  4. Ys. 58. 5; Yt. 19. 18; Vd. 19. 9.
  5. Yt. 13. 81.
  6. G. 2. 8.
  7. Ys. 57. 23; Yt. 11. 14.
  8. Vd. 19. 13.
  9. Ys. 1. 2.
  10. Ys. 4. 2.
  11. Ys. 60. 6.
  12. Yt. 13. 84; 19. 17.
  13. Yt. 10. 89.
  14. Yt. 10. 51.
  15. Yt. 10. 15; 13. 92.
  16. Yt. 7. 3.
  17. Yt. 19. 19.
  18. Yt. 19. 96.
  19. Vd. 19. 13.
  20. Yt. 17. 18.
  21. Yt. 15. 1; Vsp. 6. 1.
  22. Ys. 58. 5.