Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/240

Rh is the plant that grows on the highest summits of Mount Kara Berezaiti, the modern Alburz. According to the Vedic texts it grows on the mount Mujavat. The birds carried it from there in all directions. An eagle brought it down, says the Veda. The nourishing earth is its mother where it grows in vales and dales, spreading sweet perfume all around. It is of golden hue, say both, and the celestial drink prepared from its branches is most invigorating and profitable for the soul of man. Indulgence in intoxicating beverages causes wrath and strife, quarrel and confusion, but the drink of Haoma is accompanied by righteousness and piety. It confers immortality. It is the source of righteousness. Haoma grows in abundance when it is praised by man. The pounding of the Haoma juice for sacrifice is tantamount to the destruction of the demons by thousands. Misery vanishes and happiness and health enter the house in which Haoma is prepared. The exhilarating drink gives inspiration and enlightenment to his supplicant and makes the beggar's mind as exalted as that of the rich. The faithful pray that the healing remedies of Haoma may reach them for the strength of their bodies. There is a close affinity between the Haoma-Soma cults and the rituals performed to celebrate them have great resemblance to each other. We shall notice it in our chapter on rituals.

Physically she stands for plenty, morally for piety. On the physical side Ashi Vanghuhi, or Good Sanctity, is the guardian of earthly riches. She fills the barns of men with grain and with cattle, their coffers with gold, the fields with foliage, the chests of virtuous women with ornaments and their boxes with fine garments. She brings happiness, cattle, fodder, and protection to him to whom the Glory cleaves. On the ethical side she personifies sanctity and thus represents spiritual riches. She is