Ashem Vohu
Most Sacred Short Prayer
Overview
The holiest short prayer in 12 words
Avestan Text
Aṣ̌əm vohū vahištəm astī
uštā astī uštā ahmāi
hyat aṣ̌āi vahištāi aṣ̌əm.
uštā astī uštā ahmāi
hyat aṣ̌āi vahištāi aṣ̌əm.
Transliteration
Ashem vohu vahishtem asti
ushta asti ushta ahmai
hyat ashai vahishtai ashem.
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.
Happiness, happiness to that person
Who is righteous for the sake of Best Righteousness.
Word by Word
Ashem
Righteousness/Truth
vohu
good
vahishtem
best
asti
is
ushta
happiness
ahmai
to that person
Significance
In just 12 words, it encapsulates all Zoroastrian ethics. Recited multiple times daily, first prayer taught to children.
Key Themes
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