the Vedic genius, lives beneath the waters.[1] He is the exalted lord and sovereign, the shining one, and the swift-horsed.[2] The waters are addressed as females. Apam Napat in the Vedas is nourished by females. The Avestan texts speak of him as the lord of females.[3] He is the most prompt to respond when invoked,[4] and co-operates with Vayu and distributes the waters on earth.[5] He furthers the riches of the countries and allays misfortunes;[6] and when the Kingly Glory escapes from the contest of Atar and Azhi Dahaka to the sea Vourukasha it is Apam Napat who takes and protects it.[7] This Yazata is also credited with having made and shaped men.[8]
Ahurani
Another water genius. A female Yazata, though of no great importance, is Ahurani, corresponding to the Vedic Vanmani. She impersonates the Ahurian waters.[9] She is invoked in company with the sea Vourukasha and other waters.[10] The faithful devotee prays that if he has offended her in any way, he is ready to expiate his sin by an offering of the libations.[11] She is implored to descend in person and grace the sacrifice with her presence and be propitiated by it.[12] She is likewise invited to come with her gifts of health, prosperity, renown, the enlightenment of thoughts, words, and deeds, and for the well-being of the soul.[13] She is asked to give offspring that will further the prosperity of the house, village, town, and country and add to the renown of the country.[14] Riches and glory, endurance and vigour of body, a long life and the shining, all-happy abode of the righteous are the boons that the devout ask from her.[15] The libations offered her are the most excellent and the fairest, and are filtered by pious men.[16] Good thoughts, good words, and good deeds also serve as her libations.[17] The libations of-
