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GLOSSARY of Zoroastrian terms

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  • Abbreviations:

    Ar.
    Arabic
    Av.
    Avestan
    Guj.
    Gujarati
    OP.
    Old Persian
    Paz.
    Pazand
    Pers.
    Persian
    Phl.
    Pahlavi
    Skt.
    Sanskrit

    A

    -----

    Aban (Phl., Pers.):
    water; name of a yazad presiding over water; name of the tenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the eighth month.
    ab-zohr (Phl.):
    lit. "libation to the waters"; a section of the Yasna. (Y62.11-Y70).
    Achaemenian:
    the dynasty which ruled Iran from the time of Cyrus the Great (559 B.C.) to the invasion of Alexander the Great (330 B.C.) (Var. 'Achaemenid')
    Adar:
    fire; yazad presiding over fire; name of the ninth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var: Pah. 'atash, atesh, adur', Av. 'Atar')
    Adar Burzin (Phl.):
    one of the three greatest sacred fires of Zoroastrianism (the other two being 'Adar Farnbag' and 'Adar Gushasp'). It was placed in a temple by Kay Vishtasp himself, after it had 'revealed many things visibly, in order to propagate the faith' (GBd 18.14). (Var: 'Adur Burzen-Mihr')
    Adarbad Mahraspandan (Phl.):
    a Zoroastrian High priest, prime minister of Shapur II (309-379 A.C.)
    Aeshma:
    See Eshm.
    Afrasiyab (Pers.):
    a Turanian king who repeatedly attempted to overthrow the Iranians. (Var: 'Franrasyab')
    afrin (Phl.):
    lit. 'blessing, benediction', specific prayers of blessing (in Pazand).
    afrinagan (Phl.):
    a multi-part ceremony of blessing; specific prayers in the Avesta which are recited during afrinagan ceremonies; a ceremonial vessel in which the sacred fire is tended. (Var: 'afringan, afargan')
    agiary (Guj.):
    lit. 'place of fire', a fire temple. The more traditional term is 'Dar-e Mihr' (Var: 'agiari')
    Ahriman (Phl.):
    the Devil, lit. 'Hostile/Destructive Spirit'. (Var: Phl. 'Ahreman', GAv. 'Angra Mainyu', YAv. 'Anra Mainyu').
    Ahu (Av.):
    spiritual lord or master, often found in conjunction with 'ratu'.
    Ahunawad:
    name of the first Gatha; name of the first Gatha day.
    Ahunwar (Phl.):
    the holiest prayer of the Zoroastrians. It begins with the Av. phrase 'yatha ahu vairyo'. (Var: 'Ahunvar, Ahunawar', Av. 'Ahuna vairyo').
    Ahura Mazda (Av.):
    God, lit. 'Wise Lord', the Supreme Being of the Zoroastrians. (Var: Phl. 'Ohrmazd')
    Airyaman:
    yazad of friendship and healing.
    Airyanem Vaejah (Av.):
    See Eranvej.
    Alburz:
    a cosmic mountain, aka 'Haraiti' or 'Hara Berezaiti'; an actual mountain range in northern Iran.
    Amahraspand (Phl.):
    lit. 'Beneficent Immortals', the highest spiritual beings created by Ahura Mazda. Sometimes referred to as 'archangels'. Their names are (Phl.): Vohuman, Ardwahisht, Shahrewar, Spandarmad, Hordad, Amurdad. (Var. 'Amashaspand, Amahraspand', Av. 'Amesha Spenta')
    Ameretat (Av.)
    see Amurdad.
    Amesha Spenta (Av.)
    See Amahraspand.
    Amurdad (Phl.):
    lit. 'Immortality', the Amahraspand presiding over the Earth; name of the seventh day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the fifth month. (Var: Av. 'Ameretat', Phr. 'Amardad')
    Anagran:
    lit. 'endless light', name of a yazad; name of the thirtieth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; (Var. Aneran)
    Andarz (Phl.)
    (lit. 'gnomic, precept') collection of aphorisms, especially of pragmatic advice or moral instruction
    Aneran:
    See Anagran.
    Angra Mainyu:
    See Ahriman.
    anjoman (Pers.):
    association (Var: 'anjuman')
    anosharawan (Phl.):
    soul of deceased person, as opposed to Zinda-rawan, a living soul. (Var: 'anosheh-ravan')
    ard:
    lit. 'good blessings, rewards', name of the yazad presiding over blessings; name of the twenty-fifth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var: 'Ashishwangh, Arshishwang', Av. 'Ashi Vanghuhi')
    ardafrawash (Phl.):
    lit. 'Asha-possessing farohar', i.e. the farohar (guardian angel) of a holy person.
    Ardashir (Pers.):
    a king of ancient Iran, founder of the Sasanian dynasty.
    Arda Viraf (Pers.):
    a priest of the early Sasanian period, author of a Pahlavi book which describes his visions of heaven and hell (Var: Phl. 'Ardag Wiraz')
    Ardibehesht (Pers.):
    see Ardwahisht.
    Ardwahisht (Phl.):
    the Amahraspand presiding over Asha and fire; name of the third day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the second month (Var. Av. 'Asha Vahishta', Phl. 'Ashwah, Urdwah, Urdibehesht')
    Aredvi Sura Anahita (Av.):
    lit. 'strong, immaculate Anahita', name of a female yazad; name of a mythical river. (Var: Arduisur)
    Arezahi:
    See karshwar.
    Arsacid:
    a royal dynasty founded by Ashk. It is also known as the Parthian dynasty (247 B.C.-226 C.E.)
    Asha (Av.):
    a fundamental concept of Zoroastrianism; there is no adequate translation, although the following are often used: World-order, Truth, Right, righteousness, holiness; Ardwahisht (Skt. 'rta')
    Asha Vahishta (Av.):
    see Ardwahisht.
    ashavan:
    lit. 'possessing Asha', a righteous or just person or being.
    ashem vohu (Av.):
    one of the most sacred prayers of Zoroastrianism, which praises Asha.
    Ashk (Phl.):
    founder of the Arsacid dynasty (Var: 'Arshak', Greek 'Arsaces')
    Ashtad (Phl.):
    lit. 'rectitude, justice', name of a yazad presiding over justice; name of the twenty-sixth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var. 'Arshtat')
    Asman (Phl.):
    lit. 'sky', name of the yazad presiding over the sky; name of the twenty-seventh day of the month according to the Zoroastrianism religious calendar.
    Astwihad (Phl.):
    a demon of death. (Var: Phl. 'Astvihad, Astovidad', Av. 'Astovidhotu, Asto-widhatu')
    Aspandyar (Parsi Pers.):
    an early hero of the Zoroastrian religion, son of Kay Vishtasp. (Var. Pers. 'Ispandiyar, Isfandiyar')
    atash (Phl., Pers.):
    See Adar.
    Atash Adaran (Pers.):
    the middle grade of consecrated fire.
    Atash Bahram (Pers.):
    lit. 'victorious fire', the highest grade of consecrated fire.
    Atash Dadgah (Pers.):
    the lowest grade of consecrated fire.
    athornan (Paz.):
    a man of priestly class (Var: 'athrawan, athravan').
    Avesta (Pers.):
    the holy scriptures of Zoroastrianism (Var: Phl. 'abestag, abistag'); the language of the Avesta (Var. 'Avestan');
    ayathrem:
    feast (gahambar) of bringing home the herds.
    Az (Phl., Pers.):
    the demon of greed.

    B

    -----

    baga (Pers.):
    God.
    Bahman (1) (Pers.):
    see Vohuman.
    Bahman (2) (Pers.):
    name of an Achaemenian king.
    Bahram (1) (Pers.):
    See Warharan.
    Bahram (2) (Pers.):
    name of several kings in Iranian history.
    Baj (Pers.)
    ritual silence, lit. 'framing', a ritual utterance or prayer which frames an action with the power of the manthra; a high liturgical service (Dron service); the monthly or anniversary day of the deceased.
    bandagi (Pers.):
    prayer.
    barashnom (Phl.):
    a major ritual of purification lasting nine days. (Var. 'bareshnum, barashnum, barashnum-i no shab').
    baresman (Av.):
    see barsom.
    barsom (Phl.):
    a bundle of twigs, tied together with a date-palm cord, held by the priest during high liturgies. Current practice is to substitute metal wires; grass laid out for the yazads to sit on. (Var. Av. 'baresman')
    behdin (Pers.):
    lit. 'of the Good Religion', a Zoroastrian, especially a lay person.
    behesht (Pers.):
    paradise.
    Bhagaria (Guj.):
    a group of priests noted for upholding ancient traditions. They are headquartered in Navsari.
    bhandar
    the central well of the dakhma
    Bharucha (Guj.):
    a group of priests headquartered in Bharuch.
    bi-namaz
    lit. 'without prayer', a term for women in menses.
    boy (Phl.):
    lit. 'offering incense', a ceremony of offering sandalwood and frankincense to the consecrated fire during each of the five watches of the day. (Var. 'bui, nirang-i bui dadan, boy dadan')
    Bundahishn (Phl.):
    a ninth-century Pahlavi text.
    Bushasp (Phl.):
    the demon of sloth (Var: Av. 'Bushyasta')

    C

    -----

    Chechast (Phl.)
    mythical lake.
    Chinwad (Phl.):
    a bridge which souls of the dead cross, and where they are judged (Var: Chinvat, Chinvar, Av. Chinavat)

    D

    -----

    daena (Av.):
    See den.
    daeva (Av.):
    See dew.
    Dahm (Phl.)
    a yazad honored on the fourth day after death; the plural, 'dahman' is synonymous with hamkar.
    Dahman Afrin
    embodiment of Prayer
    Daitya (Av.):
    a sacred river in Eranvej.
    dakhma (Av.):
    a tower-like structure on which dead bodies are exposed, also known as 'tower of silence'.
    Damawand (Phl., Pers.):
    a famous mountain in Iran tied with Zoroastrianism. (Var: 'Demavand')
    Dar-e Mihr (Pers.):
    a lesser fire temple; the area of a fire temple where high liturgies are performed. Lit. 'Place of Mihr (Var. 'Dar-i Mihr')
    dashtan (Phl., Pers.):
    menstruation.
    dastur (Pers.):
    a high priest (Var: Phl. 'dastwar')
    dawar (Pers.):
    a judge. (Var: Phl. 'dadwar')
    Day-pe-Adar:
    name of the eighth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar.
    Day-pe-Den:
    name of the twenty-third day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar.
    Day-pe-Mihr:
    name of the fifteenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar.
    den/din (Phl., Pers.):
    1. 'religion', 2. 'inner self/conscience', name of the yazad presiding over the religion; name of the twenty-fourth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var: Av. Daena).
    Denkard (Phl.)
    a ninth-century Pahlavi text, comprising a major survey of the religion.
    dew (Phl.):
    a demon. (Var: 'dev', Av. 'daeva', OP. 'daiva')
    dharma-shala (Guj.):
    charitable institution.
    dibache (Pers.)
    lit. 'preface', an preliminary prayer (in Pazand) which names the spiritual being that a ceremony is dedicated to. It also names the benefactor and person in whose honor the ceremony is performed.
    dozakh (Pers.):
    hell.
    dron (Phl.):
    consecrated flat unleavened bread; a service in which bread is consecrated. (Var: 'darun', Av: 'draona, draonangha').
    druj (Av.):
    embodiment of evil and pollution, demon of the lie, falsehood. (Var: 'drug', OP. 'drauga')
    druj i nasush (Phl.):
    the corpse demon.
    duwazdah homast (Phl.):
    a high liturgy consisting of 12 sections, where Vendidad and Yasna is recited. (Var. 'dwazdah-homast, dvazdeh-homast, davazdah hamast')

    E

    -----

    Eranvej:
    lit. 'Iranian expanse', home of the Aryans. (Var. 'Eran-wez', Av. 'Airyanem Vaejah, Airyana Waejah')
    ervad (Parsi Guj.):
    a priest, originally a title used for higher ecclesiastics, currently used to refer to a priest who has undergone the first stage of initiation into priesthood (nawar). (Var: Phl. 'erbad', 'herbad', Av: 'aethrapati')
    Eshm:
    demon of Fury/Wrath. (Var. Av. 'Aeshma', Phl. 'Xeshm')

    F

    -----

    fargard (Phl.)
    lit. 'chapter, section', a term designating sections of the Vendidad and other books of the Avesta. Compare with kardah. (Var. 'fragard')
    Faridoon (Pers.):
    name of a heroic king of ancient Iran who flourished centuries before Zarathushtra. (Var: Av. 'Thraetaona', Pers. 'Fariydun')
    farohar (Pers.):
    guardian angel, guardian spirits of the living and dead. (Var: Phl. 'frohar, fravard, fravahr', Av. 'fravashi')
    farokhshi (Guj.):
    Parsi name for a ceremony dedicated to the farohars.
    farziyat (Ar.):
    obligatory prayers said in each of the five watches ('gahs') of the day.
    Fasli (Pers., Ar.):
    Zoroastrians who follow a religious calendar which intercalculates one day every four years, patterned after the Gregorian calendar. (Compare with Qadimi and Shahanshahi.)
    Firdausi (Pers.):
    author of the Persian epic Shah-nama (Book of Kings) in which many Zoroastrian myths are recorded.
    fireshte (Pers.):
    a spiritual being/angel, used interchangeable with yazad. (Var. 'fireshta, fereshte')
    Fradadhafshu:
    see karshwar.
    Frashegird:
    lit. 'making wonderful', renovation of the universe, the last judgment. (Var: Av. 'Frasho-kereti')
    fravashi (Av.):
    See farohar.
    Frawardigan (Phl.):
    the last ten days of the religious calendar, during which the farohars of the departed are remembered, aka All-Souls days, Mukhtad. (Originally 'rozan Frawardigan'.)
    Frawardin:
    name of the nineteenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the first month.

    G

    -----

    gah (Phl., Pers.):
    one of the five watches or periods of the day (named 'ushahin', 'hawan', 'rapithwin', 'uzerin', and 'aiwisruthrem'); also 'place' or 'area'. (Var: 'geh')
    gahambar (Phl., Pers.):
    six major seasonal festivals, named 'maidyozarem' (mid-spring), 'maidyoshahem' (mid-summer), 'paitishahem' (bringing in the corn), 'ayathrem' (homecoming of cattle), 'maidyarem' (mid-winter), and 'hamaspathmaidyem' (coming of the whole group [of farohars]). (Var. 'gahanbar')
    Gaokerena:
    mythical cosmic tree.
    garothman (Parsi Guj.):
    the 'House of Song', i.e. heaven. (Var: Av. 'Garo-nmana', Phl. 'garodman')
    Gatha (Av.):
    the five sacred hymns of Zarathushtra (Yasna chapters 28-34, 43-51, 53), part of the Avesta; the five supplementary days at the end of the Zoroastrian religious calendar and the fireshtes presiding over them.
    gaw (Phl., Pers.):
    name of a yazad personifying cattle; an ox, bull or cow.
    Gayomard (Phl.):
    lit. 'mortal life', mythical first man according to some Phl. texts. (Var: Av. 'Gayo-maretan')
    geh-sarnu (Parsi Guj.):
    recitation of the Gathas during a funeral service. (Var: Phl. 'geh-sarna, gahan-srayishn')
    gehân
    an iron bier on which a dead body is removed
    getig (Phl.):
    material existence; the world. (Compare with 'menog'.)
    getig-kharid (Pers.):
    a ceremony of redemption, consisting of the recital of nine Yasna services.
    giriban (Pers.):
    a small pocket on the throat of the sudre (sacred shirt), also known as "kissa-e kerfa" (the bag of good deeds) (Pers.).
    God:
    see Ahura Mazda.
    Godavara (Guj.):
    one of the Gujarat ecclesiastical groups of priests, serving a large rural area, headquartered in Anklesar.
    gomez (Phl.):
    (unconsecrated) bull's urine.
    Goshorun:
    lit. 'the soul of the cow (or settlement)'; name of the fourteenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; (Av. Geush Urvan)
    Gowad:
    See Wad.

    H

    -----

    hamaspathmaidyem (Av.):
    lit. 'coming of the whole group [of farohars]', feast of All Souls. (Var. Hamaspathmaedaya)
    hamazor (Phl.):
    a ritual greeting.
    hamistagan (Phl.):
    purgatory, a neutral place between heaven and hell where souls go when their good deeds equal their evil deeds. (Var: 'Hameshta-gehan')
    hamkar (Phl.):
    lit. 'co-workers', associates of the yazad which presides over the day. The term 'dahman' is also used.
    haoma (Av.):
    name of a plant with medicinal and spiritual properties; name of the yazad presiding over the haoma plant. (Var: Phl. 'hom').
    Hara:
    Mythical mountain. (Var: 'Hukairya')
    Hathra:
    a measure equal to one-half of a charetu, or about 3.5 furlongs.
    Haurvatat (Av.):
    see Hordad.
    Hawan (Phl.):
    name of the second watch (gah) of each day (sunrise to midday, i.e., 12 noon); a yazad presiding over the second watch. (Var. 'havan', Av. 'havani')
    herbad:
    See ervad.
    hom (Phl.):
    see haoma.
    Hooshang (Pers.):
    a mythological ruker of ancient Iran, founder of the Peshdadian dynasty, He is credited with the discovery of fire. (Var. 'Hushang', Av. 'Haoshanha')
    Hordad (Phl.):
    lit. 'Perfection or Health', name of an Amahraspand; name of the sixth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the third month. (Var: Av. 'Haurvatat')
    Hormazd (Pers.)
    name of various kings of the Parthian and Sasanian dynasties.
    Hoshedarmah
    one of the future Soshyants.
    Hukairya:
    See Hara.

    I

    -----

    Ilm-i Khshnoom:
    an occult movement within Zoroastrianism.
    Indar:
    Name of a demon. (Var: Skt. 'Indra')
    Iranshah (Pers.)
    the oldest sacred fire (Atash Bahram) in India, now in Udvada.

    J

    -----

    Jamasp (Phl.):
    an early hero of the Zoroastrian religion. He was King Vishtasp's Prime Minister, and the son-in-law of Zarathushtra. (Var: Av. 'Jamaspa')
    Jamshed (Pers.):
    a famous king of ancient Iran. (Var: 'Jamshid', Av. 'Yima Khshaeta')
    jashan (Phl. Pers.):
    a frequently-performed religious service, in which an afrinagan ceremony is performed. (Var: 'jashn', Parsi 'jasan').
    jizya:
    poll tax levied from non-Muslims.

    K

    -----

    kabiseh:
    intercalculation done to keep calendar consistent with seasons
    karb:
    priest of the old religion. (Var: Av. 'Karapan').
    karapan (Av.):
    See karb.
    kardah:
    A section or division of most Yashts and other books of the Avesta. Compare with fargard.
    karshwar (Pah.):
    one of the seven continents of the earth, named 'Arezahi' (West), 'Sawahi' (East), 'Fradadhafshu' (Southeast), 'Widadhafshu' (Southwest), 'Wouru-bareshti' (northwest), 'Wourujareshti' (Northeast), and 'Xwaniratha' (central). Eranvej is located in the latter.
    kay:
    See Kayanian.
    Kayanian:
    a prehistoric dynasty of ancient Iran. (Var: 'kay, kayag, kavi', Av. 'kavaya')
    Kay Kaus (Phl.):
    a Kayanian king. (Var: Av. 'Kavi Usan')
    Kay Khosraw (Pers.):
    a Kayanian king, grandson of Kay Kaus. (Var: Av. 'Kavi Haosravah')
    Kay Kobad (Pers.):
    founder of the Kayanian dynasty. (Var: Av. 'Kavi Kavata.')
    Kay Vishtasp (Phl.):
    king of ancient Iran, patron of Zarathushtra. (Var: Av. 'Vishtaspa', Pers. 'Gushtasp')
    kem na mazda (Av.):
    an exorcism prayer from the Avesta.
    Kersasp (Phl.):
    a king of ancient Iran. (Var: 'Garshasp', Av. 'Keresaspa')
    Khambata (Guj.):
    a group of priests, headquartered in Khambat.
    kheshm (Phl., Pers.):
    the a demon of wrath.
    Khorda Avesta (Pers.):
    the 'Small Avesta', a prayer book with excerpts from the Avesta.
    Khordad-sal (Pers.):
    the sixth day of the year.
    Khorshed (Parsi Pers.):
    See Khwarshed.
    Khshathra Vairya (Av.):
    see Shahrewar.
    khshnuman (Phl.):
    lit. 'dedication', a dedicatory section (in Avesta) naming the yazad in whose honor a ceremony is performed. There are two types of khshnumans, nani ("shorter"), and wadi ("longer").
    khwarrah (Phl.):
    divine grace or glory. (Var: Phl. 'farrah', Av. 'khvarenah', 'khwarenah').
    Khwarshed:
    'the shining sun'; name of the yazad presiding over the Sun; name of the eleventh day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; (Var: Pers: Khurshid)
    khwetodas (Phl.):
    next-of-kin marriage. (Var: Av. 'khvaetvadatha')
    kriya (Skt.):
    ritual action.
    kusti (Pers.):
    sacred cord worn around the waist by Zoroastrians; the short ritual of untying and retying the kusti.

    L

    -----

    Lohrasp (Phl.):
    a king of ancient Iran, father of Kay Vishtasp. (Var: Av. "Aurvat-aspa")

    M

    -----

    magus:
    a priest (pl. magi). Compare with "mobed".
    mah (Phl., Pers.):
    moon; month; name of the twelfth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the yazad presiding over the Moon.
    Mahraspand:
    lit. 'Holy Word', name of a yazad who embodies the Holy Word; name of the twenty-ninth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var: Av. 'Manthra Spenta')
    maidyarem:
    mid-winter feast (gahambar).
    maidyoshahem:
    mid-summer feast (gahambar).
    maidyozarem:
    mid-spring feast (gahambar).
    Mani (Phl., Pers.):
    founder of Manichaeism, a Gnostic religion with Zoroastrian elements, considered an arch-heretic (lived from 216 A.C.-275 A.C.)
    manthra (Av.):
    Holy Word; specific passages of the Avesta with specific poetic and spiritual properties. Compare with Mahraspand.
    maratab (Ar.):
    a ceremony which qualifies a priest to perform higher rituals. Compare with nawar. (Var. 'martab')
    margarzan (Phl.):
    mortal sin.
    Mashye-Mashyane (Phl.):
    the first human couple, sprung from the seed of Gayomard, the first man.
    Mazda (Av.):
    see Ahura Mazda.
    Mazdayasni (Av.):
    another term for the Zoroastrian religion, lit. "worship of Mazda".
    menog (Phl.):
    spiritual existence; spiritual world. (Compare with getig.) (Var: Av. 'mainyu')
    Mihr (Phl., Pers.):
    yazad presiding over the contract; name of the sixteenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the seventh month.
    Mihragan (Phl.):
    a festival honoring the yazad Mihr, celebrated on the 16th day of the seventh month.
    Minocheher (Pers.):
    a king of ancient Iran. (Var: 'Manuchihr', Av. 'Manuschithra')
    mobed (Pers.):
    a Zoroastrian priest, orig. head priest ('Magu-paiti', master of Magi).
    Mukhtad (Pers.?):
    see Frawardigan.
    myazd (Phl.):
    a ceremonial food offering.

    N

    -----

    nahn:
    ablution, a ritual washing of the entire body, a higher form of purification than padyab.
    namaskar (Guj.):
    a short prayer of homage. (Var: 'nemaskar')
    Nam Stayishn (Phl.):
    name of a Pazand prayer praising Ohrmazd, part of the Khorda Avesta.
    nasa (Pers.):
    dead matter, pollution; demon of putrefaction. (Var: Av. 'nasu', Phl. 'nasush')
    nask (Phl.):
    lit. 'book, volume,' one of the 21 volumes into which the Avesta was divided in ancient times; a religious service
    navjote (Parsi Guj.):
    initiation into the Zoroastrian religion, a ceremony of investiture of the sudre and kusti. Also called 'sedra pushun'.
    Navsari (Pers., Guj.):
    a town in Gujarat India, a stronghold of Zoroastrianism.
    nawar (Phl.):
    a four day ceremony which qualifies a candidate for the priesthood. Compare with maratab,
    Nawruz (Pers.):
    New Years Day. (Var: 'Noruz', 'No Roz')
    Neryosang (Phl., Pers.):
    name of a yazad. (Av. 'nairyosangha')
    nirang (Phl.):
    lit. 'formula, spell', a short ritual accompanied by Avestan or Pazand prayers; consecrated gomez.
    nirang-i kusti bastan (Pers.):
    formula for retying the kusti, this short ritual is a necessary prelude to longer prayer.
    nirangdin (Phl.):
    name of the most exalted and elaborate of Zoroastrian high liturgies.
    niyayesh (Pers.):
    one of five Zoroastrian litanies from the Avesta, part of the daily prayers. (Var: 'nyayesh, nyayishn')
    nyayesh:
    see niyayesh.

    O

    -----

    Ohrmazd (Phl.):
    God, the supreme being; name of the first day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var: Ormazd, Av. 'Ahura Mazda')
    Old Persian:
    language of the Achaemenian empire, recorded in cuneiform inscriptions.
    Osta:
    lit. 'disciple', a candidate for priesthood. (Av. 'havishta')
    Osti:
    a woman of priestly family.

    P

    -----

    padan (Pers.)
    a white cloth mask used by a priest during ceremonies to keep his breath from directly touching the fire.
    padyab (Pers.):
    a ritual washing of the exposed parts of the body. Compare with nahn.
    padyab-kusti (Pers.):
    a ritual ablution followed by the ritual untying and retying of the kusti.
    paewand
    a ritual connection. To hold a "paiwand" means to be in close contact or touch This is done by holding a piece of cloth or cotton tape by two persons to show that they are associated or joined in doing a thing.
    Pahlavi
    the Middle Persian language, used between 300 B.C. and 950 A.C, in which many Zoroastrian writings are preserved.
    pairika (Av.):
    witch, sorceress; shooting star.
    paitishahem:
    feast (gahambar) of bringing in the harvest.
    panchayat:
    local association of Zoroastrians.
    Palash (Parsi Pers.):
    a Parthian king (51-80A.C.). (Var. Greek 'Vologeses I', Phl. 'Walakhsh')
    panj tay (Pers.):
    a ceremony performed with a 'five-wire' barsom, which is prerequisite for performing any high liturgy for the day. (Var: 'baj of panch tai')
    panthak (Guj.):
    priestly jurisdiction.
    Paoiryo-tkaesha (Av.):
    lit. 'primitive doctrine', forerunner of Zoroastrianism. Alternately, one of the first teachers of the Zoroastrianism. (Var: Phl. 'poryotkesh')
    Parsis:
    Zoroastrians who settled in India. Sg: Parsi. (Var: 'Parsees')
    Parthian:
    a royal dynasty ruling Iran from 250 B.C.-226 A.C.
    patet (Phl.):
    prayer of penance (in Pazand).
    paywand (Phl.):
    lit. 'connection,' ritual contact between persons serving as a shield against pollution.
    Pazand (Phl.):
    Pahlavi texts in which Aramaic elements are replaced with their Iranian equivalents, transcribed in the Avestan script.
    Peshdadian:
    the first dynasty of ancient Iran.
    Peshotan (Pers.):
    an early hero of Zoroastrianism, he was the son of Kay Vishtasp.
    Pesho-tanu (Av.):
    a 'mortal-sin'; an individual who has committed a mortal sin.
    Porseh Ceremony
    Memorial Service
    Pourushasp (Phl.):
    name of Zarathushtra's father. (Var: Av. 'Paourushaspa')

    Q

    -----

    Qadimi (Pers., Ar.):
    one of the three movements within Zoroastrianism which observe different religious calendars (the other two are called Fasli and Shahanshahi). The Qadimi calendar is one month ahead of the Shahanshahi.

    R

    -----

    Ram:
    lit. 'joy', name of a yazad; name of the twenty-first day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar.
    Rapithwin (Av.):
    the period of the day (gah) from noon to mid-afternoon; a yazad presiding over the Rapithwin gah. During five months of the year it is replaced by a second Hawan.
    Rashn (Phl.):
    lit. 'truth, justice', name of a yazad; name of the eighteenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; (Av. Rashnu).
    Rashnu (Av.):
    see Rashn.
    raspi (Pers.)
    assistant priest.
    ratu (Av.)
    judge, often found in conjunction with 'Ahu'. (Var. Phl. 'rad')
    rawan (Phl.):
    soul. (Var: Av. 'urvan')
    riman (Phl., Pers.):
    something that has become polluted by contact with dead matter; a ceremony of purification, used by Parsees in place of barashnom to purify lay persons.
    Rivayat (Ar.):
    a collection of letters in Persian from Iranian priests in response to questions by their Indian counterparts on a variety of religious topics, written between 1478 and 1773 C.E..
    Rustam (Pers.):
    a hero of ancient Iran.

    S

    -----

    sada (Pers.)
    lit. 'pure, simple,' Avestan texts without Pahlavi commentaries.
    sagdid (Phl.):
    lit. 'a dog's gaze', this term refers to the practice of exposing a corpse to the gaze of a dog, which is believed to drive away some of the power of the druj.
    sagri (Guj.):
    a small building near a dakhma where a fire is kept burning.
    Sanjana (Guj.):
    a group of priests headquartered in Udvada.
    Saoshyant (Av.)
    see Soshyant.
    Sasanian:
    the Zoroastrian dynasty which ruled Iran from circa 226 A.C.-651 A.C. (Var: 'Sasanid')
    satum:
    meal offering ritual prayer for dead.
    Second Hawan:
    the third watch (gah) of each day (noonday to 3 p.m.) during part of the year. Compare with Rapithwin.
    sedra-pushun:
    see navjote.
    Shahanshahi (Pers.):
    one of the three movements within Zoroastrianism which observe different religious calendars (the other two are called Fasli and Qadimi.)
    Shahrewar (Phl.):
    lit. 'Desirable Dominion', the Amahraspand presiding over metals; name of the fourth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the sixth month. (Var: Av. 'Khshathra Vairya')
    siroza, siruza (Pers.):
    lit. '30 days', a prayer from the Avesta which honors 30 yazads.
    Soshyant (Phl.)
    the (World) Savior. (Var: Av. 'Saoshyant')
    Spandarmad (Phl.):
    lit. 'Holy Devotion', the Amahraspand presiding over the earth; name of the fifth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the twelfth month. (Var: Av. 'Spenta Armaiti')
    spenta (Av.)
    holy, beneficent.
    Spenta Armaiti (Av.):
    see Spandarmad.
    Spenta Mainyu (Av.):
    Holy Spirit. (Var: Phl. 'Spenamino')
    Spentomad:
    name of the third Gatha; name of the third Gatha day.
    Spozgar (Paz.):
    demon of thunderstorms.
    Srosh (Phl.):
    lit. 'Hearkening'; name of a yazad; name of the seventeenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; a spirit being who guards the soul for three days after death (Var: Av. 'Sraosha')
    stum (Parsi Guj.):
    a prayer recited on meals in honor of the dead. (Var: 'satum')
    sudre (Pers.):
    sacred shirt. (Var: 'sudra, sudreh')
    sudre-kusti (Pers.):
    sacred shirt and girdle.
    Syamak (Phl.):
    a hero of ancient Iran, son of Gayomard, the first king of Iran. (Var: 'Siyamak')
    syaw (Parsi Guj.):
    a suit of white clothes consecrated during the Dron service. (Var: 'siav, shiav')
    Syawakhsh (Phl.):
    name of an ancient Iranian hero, son of Kay Kaus.

    T

    -----

    Tahmurasp (Pers.):
    name of an ancient Iranian hero, son of Hooshang.
    tana
    the ceremony of laying the foundation for a new Dakhma.
    tanapuhr (Phl.):
    a mortal sin, or a good deed which can balance a mortal sin.
    tan-dorosti (Paz., Pers.):
    a prayer of benediction (in Pazand).
    Tir (Phl.):
    see Tishtar.
    Tiragan:
    Religious celebration in honor of Tishtar.
    Tishn (Phl.):
    demon of thirst.
    Tishtar (Phl.):
    the star Sirius; name of the yazad presiding over Sirius; name of the thirteenth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the fourth month. (Var: Phl. 'Tir')
    Tur (Pers.):
    name of an ancient Iranian hero, one of the three sons of Faridoon.
    Tura, Turanian:
    a foreign tribe mentioned in the Avesta, probably originally Scythian, later applied to all Central Asian nomads.

    U

    -----

    urvan:
    soul.
    Ushahin:
    name of the first watch (gah) of each day (from midnight to daybreak).
    Ushtawad:
    name of the second Gatha; name of the second Gatha day.
    uthamnu (Guj.):
    a communal service performed on the third night after death. (Var. 'Uthamna')
    Uzerin:
    the fourth watch (gah) of each day (from 3 p.m. to sunset).

    V

    -----

    Vanant (Av.)
    Yazad of the Star Vega.
    Vendidad (Pers.):
    one of the books of the Avesta; a high liturgical service in which the Vendidad is recited.
    Vishtasp (Phl.):
    see Kay Vishtasp.
    Vispa Humata (Av.):
    a short prayer from the Khorda Avesta focussing on good thoughts, words, and deeds.
    Visperad (Phl., Pers.):
    one of the books of the Avesta; a high liturgical service dedicated to Ahura Mazda.
    Vohuman (Phl.):
    lit. 'Good Mind', one of the Amahraspands; name of the second day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar; name of the 11th month. (Var. Av. 'Vohu Manah')
    Vohu Manah (Av.):
    see Vohuman.
    Vourukasha (Av.):
    lit. 'of many bays', mythical ocean.

    W

    -----

    Wad:
    lit. 'wind, atmosphere', name of the yazad presiding over the wind; name of the twenty-second day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var. Gowad, Govad).
    wahisht (Phl.):
    paradise.
    Wahishtoisht:
    name of the fifth Gatha; name of the fifth Gatha day.
    warasyo (Parsi Guj.):
    a consecrated white bull. Its hair is used for ritual purposes. (Var: 'varasyo', Av. 'varesa')
    Warharan:
    lit. 'victory', name of a yazad; name of the twentieth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var: Pers. Bahram, Behram.)
    Wohukhshathra:
    name of the fourth Gatha; name of the fourth Gatha day.

    Y

    -----

    Yasht (Phl.):
    one of the hymns of the Avesta honoring various spiritual beings.
    Yasna (Av.):
    one of the books of the Avesta; the name of a high liturgical service in which the text of the Yasna is recited
    yatha ahu vairyo (Av.):
    the first phrase of the Ahunwar prayer.
    yazad (Phl.):
    a created spiritual being, worthy of being honored or praised. Used interchangeably with fireshte. (Var: Ijad, Av. 'Yazata')
    Yazdegird (Phl.):
    the last Sasanian king. The Zoroastrian calendars numbers the year based on his reign, and uses the label 'A.Y.' for 'after Yazdegird'.
    yenghe hatam (Av.):
    one of the most sacred prayers of Zoroastrianism.
    Yima (Av.)
    See Jamshed.
    yozdathregar ( Av.):
    lit. 'purifier', the priest who administers the barashnom ceremony of purification. (Var: Av. 'yaozdathragar')

    Z

    -----

    Zam:
    lit. 'earth', yazad presiding over the earth; name of the twenty-eighth day of the month according to the Zoroastrian religious calendar. (Var. 'Zamyad')
    Zand:
    translation and exegesis. The term 'Zand-Avesta' or 'Zend-Avesta' refers to an edition of the Avesta which has Zand interspersed with the Avesta text. (Var. Zend.)
    Zaothra:
    libation (Var: Phl. 'zohr')
    Zarathushtra (Av.):
    name of the founder of Zoroastrianism. (Var: Parsi Guj. 'Zarthosht', Phl. 'Zartosht, Zardusht', Greek 'Zoroaster')
    Zarthosht (Parsi Guj.):
    see Zarathushtra.
    Zend-Avesta:
    see Zand.
    Zinda-rawan (Pers.):
    lit. 'living soul' (as distinguished from anosharawan, the soul of a deceased person); a ceremony honoring the yazad Srosh on behalf of a living person. (Var, 'Zenda-ravan')
    Zohak (Pers.):
    a mythical tyrant. (Var. 'Zahhak', Av. 'Azi Dahaka')
    Zoroaster (Greek):
    see Zarathushtra.
    Zoroastrianism:
    the religion founded by Zarathushtra (12th century B.C.?), the oldest of the great prophetic religions.
    zot (Phl.):
    officiating priest.


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