Words of the tradition
Avestan Glossary
A learner’s reference for the concepts that appear across the sixteen prayers.
Ahura-tkaēshathe Ahuric teaching
Ahurahe Mazdāoof Ahura Mazda
Ahūlord or rightful spiritual authority
Aiwisrūthrimthe evening watch
Ameretatundying life or immortality
Anagra Raochahunbounded lights
Apam Napata luminous power connected with waters
Armaitidevotion, humility, and right-minded care
Arshtadtruthful rectitude
Ashatruth, righteousness, right order, and reality aligned with the good
Asha VahishtaBest Asha
Ashāt hachāaccording to or through Asha
Atash / Ātarfire
Aurvat-aspaswift-horsed
Baevare-chashmanten-thousand-eyed
Baja prayer formula or consecrated recitation
Baresmaritual bundle or sacred twigs
Daēnāreligion, conscience, or spiritual vision
Driguthe vulnerable, poor, or one needing support
Drujdeceit, distortion, and destructive disorder
Dushmatbad thought
Duzhvareshtbad deed
Duzhūkhtbad word
Frashokeretithe Renovation or making-wonderful of creation
FravarānēI profess
Fravashispiritual pattern and protective presence
Gathasthe five poetic divisions associated with Zarathushtra
Geush Urvanthe soul of the living creation
Hadhanaepataan aromatic plant used in ritual
Haurvatatwholeness and well-being
Hazangra-gaoshathousand-eared
Hātāmof living beings
Hāvanthe morning watch
Khorshed / Hvare-khshaetathe radiant Sun
Khshathragood dominion, power used rightly
Khshnaothrasatisfaction, propitiation, or an act offered in devotion
Kustithe sacred cord worn by initiated Zoroastrians
Manthrasacred, effective speech
Mazdayasnaworship of Mazda
Mithracovenant, truthful relationship, and vigilant justice
Mithra / Mehercovenant, truthful relationship, and vigilant justice
Nairyosanghadivine messenger associated with Fire
Nmanyathe order of the home
Pashēmāncontrite
Patitrepentant or turning back from wrongdoing
Pāyūprotector
Raman Khvastrapeace, good dwelling, and good pasture
Raochahlight
Rapithwinthe noon watch and a symbol of ideal fullness
Rashnustraight judgment and justice
Ratuguide, judge, or spiritual model
Sraoshaattentive hearing, obedience, discipline, and spiritual wakefulness
Tanūm pāitifor the protection of the body
Tishtryathe star associated with rain and life-giving waters
Ushahdawn
Ushahinthe midnight-to-dawn watch
Ushtaradiant happiness, blessing, or well-being
Uzayēirinthe afternoon watch
Vaethāknows or recognizes
Vahishtabest or highest
Verethraghnavictory over destructive opposition
Vohugood
Vohu ManahGood Mind
Vouru-gaoyaoitiwide pastures or wide domains
Yesneworship or reverence
Zaotar and ritual rolesdifferent forms of responsible service
ĀstuyēI affirm or pledge
ĀtarFire