Essential Prayers
Ashem Vohu
Most Sacred Prayer
Avestan
Aṣ̌əm vohū vahištəm astī
uštā astī uštā ahmāi
hyat aṣ̌āi vahištāi aṣ̌əm.
Transliteration
Ashem vohu vahishtem asti
ushta asti ushta ahmai
hyat ashai vahishtai ashem.
Translation
Righteousness is the best good.
Happiness, happiness to that person
who is righteous for the sake of Best Righteousness.
Meaning & Significance
In just 12 words, this prayer encapsulates all Zoroastrian ethics. The first prayer taught to children.
Recited upon waking, before meals, during Kusti, at death. Minimum 3 times at every occasion.
Ahuna Vairya (Yatha Ahu Vairyo)
Most Powerful Prayer
Avestan
Yaθā ahū vairiiō aθā ratuš aṣ̌āt cīt hacā
vaŋhə̄uš dazdā manaŋhō šiiaoθanānąm aŋhə̄uš mazdāi
xšaθrəmcā ahurāi ā yim drəgubiiō dadat vāstārəm.
Transliteration
Yatha ahu vairyo atha ratush ashat chit hacha
vangheush dazda manangho shyaothananam angheush mazdai
khshathremcha ahurai a yim dregubyo dadat vastarem.
Translation
As the Lord is chosen, so too the Judge, in accordance with Truth.
Establish the power of actions from Good Mind for Mazda,
and for the lord whom they made pastor for the poor.
Meaning & Significance
When Ahura Mazda recited it, Angra Mainyu was paralyzed for 3,000 years. Equal to 100 Gathas in power.
Recited 21 times at major rituals. Used for protection and exorcisms.
Yenghe Hatam
Prayer of Worship
Avestan
Yeŋ́hē hātąm āat̰ yesnē paitī vaŋhō
mazdå ahurō vaēθā aṣ̌āt̰ hacā yåŋhąmcā
tąscā tåscā yazamaidē.
Translation
Those beings, both male and female,
whom Mazda Ahura knows are the better for worship according to Truth,
those men and those women we worship.
Meaning & Significance
Remarkable statement of gender equality from ancient times.
Recited at the conclusion of other prayers.
Kemna Mazda
Protection Prayer
Avestan
Kəmnā mazdā mavaitē pāyūm dadāt̰
hyat̰ mā drəguuā̊ dīdarəšatā aēnaŋhē
anyəm θwahmāt̰ āθrašcā manaŋhascā.
Translation
What protector have You given to me, O Mazda,
while the hatred of the wicked encompasses me?
None other than Your Fire and Your Mind.
Meaning & Significance
Zarathustra's own cry for protection when persecuted.
Recited for divine protection against enemies.
The Five Gahs (Daily Prayer Times)
Nyayishes (Praise Prayers)
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