Zoroastrian Global Glossary


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A

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Ab ZohrAv. ap- zaoϑra-; Phl. āb zōhr1. A ritual offering to the waters. 2. The last part of the Yasna ceremony, when the water and haoma juice are returned to the well.
Aban/AvanAv. ap-; Phl. āb1. Lit. waters. 2. Day of the month. 3. Name of a month. 4. Name of a niayesh (prayer). 5. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
AbanganPhl. ābāngānCelebration on the day of Aban/Avan in the month of Aban/Avan. (See Avan)
Achaemenian/AchaemenidOP. haxāmanišiyaName of the Iranian dynasty that founded the Persian Empire, which extended from Central and South Asia to the borders of Europe and North Africa from 550 B.C.E. – 330 B.C.E.
achoo michooA Parsi symbolic ritual performed prior to stepping onto the wedding or navjote area. Usually done by the mother. Auspicious items such as an egg, coconut, betel nut and leaf, are circled seven times around the candidate before being showered by rice known as ovarna. Not to be confused with sagan.
Adar/AzarAv. ātar-; Phl. ātaxš, ādur1. Lit. fire. 2. Day of the month. 3. Name of a month. (See atash)
adaran/adorianPhl. ādurānThe term commonly used in Iran for a fire temple, which usually has a second grade of fire housed. A second grade fire is composed of 4 fires compared to an atash Behram that requires 16 different fires in order to be consecrated. In some countries, especially in North America, the term Dar-e-Mehr or Darbe Meher are commonly used. The term atashkadeh is also used by Iranian Zoroastrians as a general term for any fire temple. (See agiary and atashkadeh)
adarniA Parsi term for the custom that takes place three days before the wedding and is the occasion when the groom’s family visits the bride’s home (the bride may alternatively go over to the groom’s family home) to present her with additional gifts such as clothes and jewellery.
Adur Burzen Mihr/Azarborzin MehrPhl. ādur ī burzēnmihrOne of three important fire temples founded in the Parthian era attributed to the farmer class.
Adur Farnbag/Azar FarnbaghPhl. ādur ī farrbāyOne of three important fire temples founded in the Parthian era, attributed to the priestly class.
Adur Gushnasp/AzargoshaspPhl. ādur ī gušnāspOne of three important fire temples founded in the Parthian era, attributed to the warrior class.
Adurbad Maraspand/Adurbad-i MahraspandanPhl. ādurbād ī mahraspandānName of the high priest during the reign of the Sasanian king, Shapur II.
advanuA Parsi term referring to the pre-marriage ritual of engagement/exchange of clothes and rings (usually silver bands). The women from each family go to each other’s homes and exchange clothes. A ses with sweet meats and yogurt is prepared known as dahi macchi (a sweet in the shape of a fish).
afarganyu/afarganA fire holder or fire stand. The Persian word atashdan is also used. In the Zoroastrian Dari dialect it is pronounced Afregooni. (See atashdan)
AfrasiabAv. fraŋrasiian-; Phl. frāsyāb1. Turanian king in the Shah Nameh. 2. An archaeological site in Samarkand.
AfrinAv. ā-frī-; Phl. āfrīn1. Blessings. 2. Prayers during the conclusion of the Jashan.
afrinagan/afringanPhl. āfrīnagānOne section of the Jashan ceremony; also performed by itself. Usually performed in memory of the departed along with the farokshi.
agiary/dar-e-mehrPhl. dar ī mihrA Parsi term for a fire temple of the second grade.
AhrimanPhl. ahreman; NP. ahriman1. The New Persian term for destructive mentality. 2. In later Zoroastrianism, Ahriman represents the embodiment of evil.
Ahunavaiti/AhunavadAv. ahunauuaitīgāϑā-; Phl. ahunawad gāh1. Name of the first Gatha, which includes Yasna chapters 28-34. 2. Named after the Ahunavar prayer.
AhunavarAv. ahuna- vairiia-; Phl. ahunawar1. Name of one of the most ancient sacred Zoroastrian prayers, which consists of 21 words. The name is derived from the older form Ahuna Vairyo. 2. Commonly known as Yatha Ahu (Vairyo), which are the opening words of this prayer.
Ahura MazdaAv. ahura- mazdā-; Phl. ohrmazd; NP. hormazd; PGuj. hormuzd1. ‘The Lord of Wisdom’ or ‘the Wise Lord’. 2. Day of the month. 3. Name of a month. 4. Name of a yasht. (See Hormuzd and Ohrmazd)
airyamanOAv. airiiə̄man-; YAv. airiiaman-; Phl. ērmān1. Common noun, meaning “member of the community or of a tribe”. 2. The proper noun is the name of the Yazata of friendship.
Airyana VaejaAv. airiiana- vaējah-; Phl. ērānwēzAvestan name for Iran in ancient times.
Airyemo ishyoOAv. ā. airiiə̄mā. išiiōName of a prayer contained in Yasna 54. It is one of the oldest Zoroastrian prayers along with Yatha Ahu Vairyo, Ashem Vohu, and Yenghe Hatam.
Aiwisruthrem Gah/Aiwisruthrem GehAv. aiβisrūϑrima- gāϑā-; Phl. ēbsrūsrim gāhFourth watch of the day (prayer time) from sunset to midnight.
Alborz/ElburzAv. harā- bərəzaitī-; Phl. harborz; NP. alburzName of a mountain range in northern Iran. The highest peak of this range is Mount Damavand.
Ameretat/Amardad/AmordadAv. amərətāt-; Phl. amurdād; NP. amordād1. Immortality or continuity of life; also one of the Amesha Spentas. 2. Day of the month. 3. Name of a month.
Amesha Spentas/AmshaspandanAv. aməṣ̌a- spəṇta-; Phl. amahraspand(ān); NP. amešasfand(ān)1. The name given to the bounteous immortals or the beneficient attributes of Ahura Mazda. 2. Amshaspand is the singular form of the Persian ‘Amshaspandan’.
AmordadganPhl. amurdādgān1. Celebration on the day of Amordad in the month of Amordad. 2. The last day of the eighteen-day muktad. (See Ameretat)
Amu Nowruz1. In Iran it is the name of the benevolent character that represents gift-giving during Nowruz (similar to Western Santa Claus). 2. The term is used interchangeably with ‘Haji Firuz’, or ‘Khawje Piruz’, but there is a legend that connects Haji Firuz with a hero from the Sasanian period, who fought against the Arab-Islamic invaders of Iran.
Aneran/AnaramAv. anaγra- (raocah-); Phl. anagrān1. Day of the month. NOTE: Aneran is not to be confused with a similar sounding term that means non-Iranian.
Angra MainyuOAv. aṇgra- mańiiu-; YAv. aŋra- mainiiu-; Phl. ahreman; NP. ahriman1. The Avestan term for destructive mentality. 2. In later Zoroastrianism, Angra Mainyu represents the embodiment of evil.
anjuman/anjomanAv. haṇjamana-; Phl. hanjaman; NP. anjuman, anjomanLit. association.
Ara Antar/hathavero1. A Parsi term referring to ‘Tying the knot’. 2. A possible derivation is that a cloth is placed aaru (sideways) between (antar) the couple] after the hathavero. (See hathavero)
aramgahNP. ārām-gāhFinal resting place (a cemetery or tomb); for instance, Cyrus’s tomb is referred to as an “aramgah”.
Arda Viraz Namag/Arda Viraf NamehPhl. ardā wīrāz nāmag; NP. ardā virāf nāmehTitle of a book written in Middle Persian (Pahlavi) authored by Arda Viraz (also spelled Arda Viraf).
Ardibehesht/OrdibeheshtAv. aṣ̌a- vahišta-; Phl. ardwahišt, ašwahišt; NP. ardibehešt, ordibehešt1. Day of the month. 2. Name of a month. 3. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta. (See Asha Vahishta)
Ardvisura AnahitaAv. arəduuī- sūrā- anāhitā-The protector of waters and symbol of fertility.
(Spenta) Armaiti/AspandarmadAv. (spəṇtā-) ārmaiti-; Phl. spandarmad; NP. aspandarmad, asfandarm1. Lit. serenity, right-mindedness. 2. One of the seven Amesha Spentas responsible for protecting the Earth. 3. Day of the month. 4. Name of a month. (See Spenta Armaiti)
ArtaxerxesOP. artaxšaça1. Name of an Achaemenid king. 2. In New Persian it is rendered to Khashayarsha.
AsfandarmadAv. (spəṇtā-) ārmaiti-; Phl. spandarmad; NP. aspandarmad, asfandarmad1. Day of the month 2. Name of a month (See Armaiti, Spendarmazd, Esfandegan)
AshaAv. aṣ̌aThis word does not lend itself to a simple translation. In Zoroastrian teachings, it can mean, truth, universal law, natural order, or righteousness.
Asha VahishtaAv. aṣ̌avahišta1. Lit. the best Truth. 2. One of the seven Amesha Spentas.
ashavanAv. aṣ̌auuanOne who follows Asha.
ashirvardSkr. āśīrvādaA Parsi term, which means wedding blessings.
Ashishvangh/ArdAv. aṣ̌i- vaŋuhī-; Phl. ard, ahrišwang, ašišwang1. Day of the month. 2. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
AsmanAv. asman-; Phl. asmān1. Sky in Avestan and New Persian. 2. Day of the month. 3. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
AstadAv. arštāt-; Phl. aštād1. Day of the month. 2. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
astodanPhl. astōdānOssuary. Lit. bone holder.
Astvat eretaAv. astuuaṯ.ərəta1. He who embodies Asha. 2. The name of the final saoshyant.
atashAv. ātar-; Phl. ātaxš, ādur; NP. ātaš, ātar, ādar, āzar1. Fire in Persian. 2. Other cognates include Azar, Atar, Adur, and Athra.
atash Bahram/atash BehramPhl. ātaxš ī wahrāmHighest grade of fire in Zoroastrian tradition—a ‘cathedral’ fire temple, which is consecrated using 16 different fires and lengthy rituals. (See Bahram/Behram)
Atash NiayeshPhl. ātaxš niyāyišn; NP. ātaš niyāyešDevotional prayer recited unto the fire.
atash-e-AdaranPhl. ātaxš ī ādurān1. Second grade of ritual fire in fire temples that is consecrated using 4 different fires. 2. Also known as ‘agiary’.
atash-e-DadgahPhl. ātaxš ī dādgāhThird and lowest grade of fire, which can be in a house or minor fire temple.
atashdanPhl. ātaxšdān; NP. ātašdānThe vessel/container in which the fire is placed in a temple. (See afarganyu/afargan)
atashgah/atashkadehPhl. ātaxšgāh; NP. ātaš-kadehThe Persian term used by Iranians for a fire temple. Lit. place of fire/house of fire. (See agiary and adoran/adorian)
athravanAv. āϑrauuan-Priest or “fire tender” in Avestan.
Avan/AbanAv. ap– ; Phl. ābSee Aban.
AvestaPhl. abastāg, abestāg; NP. avestāCorpus of Zoroastrian religious texts in the Old Iranian (Avestan) language with Middle Persian (Pahlavi) commentaries, referred to as Zand or Zend. (See Zend Avesta)
Avesta ye koshtiNP. avestā-ye koštiPrayer for tying the koshti.
AvestanEnglish adjective derived from NP. avestāThe Old Iranian language used in the Avesta, which has an older and a younger dialect.
Ayathrem gahanbarAv. aiiaϑrima- + Phl. gāhānbār1. Lit. Bringing home the herds. 2. The fourth seasonal festival of the year in honour of plants (one of the seven creations).
AzarganPhl. ādurgān; NP. āzargānCelebration on the day of Azar in the month of Azar.
Azi DahakaAv. aži- dahāka-; Phl. azdahāg; NP. aždahā, zahhākA serpentine creature or dragon that is a villainous character in the Shah Nameh. (see Zahak)

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B

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
BaadAv. vāta-; Phl. wād1. Lit. Wind. 2. Day of the Month. (See Govad)
BahmanAv. vohu- manah-; Phl. wahman; NP. bahman1. Refers to the good mind, which is an abstract idea in Zoroastrian philosophy as propounded by Zarathushtra in his Gathas. 2. The second Amesha Spenta. 3. Guardian responsible for protection of the animal kingdom. 4. Day of the month. 5. Name of a month. (See Vohu Manah)
BahmanganPhl. wahmangān; NP. bahmangānCelebration on the day of Bahman in the month of Bahman.
Bahram/BehramAv. vərəϑraγna-; Phl. wahrām, warahrān; NP. bahram, behram1. Lit. Victor/victorious. 2. Name of a Yazata. 3. Day of the month. 4. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta. 5. Name of several Iranian kings. (See Vahram)
Bahrot CavesLocation in India, where Iranshah fire was kept in hiding for 12 years from 1393 CE to 1405 CE after Muhammad bin Tughluq attacked Sanjan.
baj/vajAv. vac-; Phl. wāz; NP. bāj, vāj1. Practice of praying in undertone. 2. Maintaining silence. 3. A higher liturgy used to consecrate dron/dorun. 4. It may also refer to one’s death anniversary among the Parsis.
BalkhAv. bāxδī-; Phl. bāxl; NP. bālx1. Name of a city historically in eastern Iran (currently in Afghanistan), where King Vishtaspa (Goshtasp) was believed to have adopted Zoroastrianism. 2. Legends say that Zarathushtra was killed in Balkh.
BareshnumAv. bar(ə)šnūm; Phl. baršnūm (ī nō šab); NP. barešnomNine-night ritual of ablution and purification. Iranian Zoroastrians also use the term ‘noshveh’.
BarsomAv. bar(ə)sman; Phl. barsom; NP. barsam1. Derived from the Avestan noun baresman, which refers to sacred twigs of the Tamarisk tree. 2. Represents an important part of the Zoroastrian liturgical apparatus.
baugPhl. bāγ; NP. bāγ1. Derived from the New Persian word Baagh, which means garden. 2. A place where weddings or initiations are celebrated. 3. A term referring to Parsi housing estates in India.
behdinAv. vaŋuhī- daēnā-; Phl. weh dēn(ān); NP. behdin(ān)1. A follower of the Good Religion—a Zoroastrian. 2. Of the ‘Good Religion’. 3. Also denotes a layperson in Zoroastrianism versus a priest.
Behistun/BisotunStructures that contain major bas reliefs in Kermanshah province of Iran, dating back to the reign of the Achaemenid King Darius in Kermanshah.
Boi ceremonyAv. baoδah-; Phl. bōy; NP. bōy1. Lit. fragrance. 2. It refers to tending to the fire and ringing of the bell at the change of each gah.
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)Part of the Old Achaemenid empire.
BundahishnPhl. bundahišn1. Lit. The beginning of creation. 2. Name of a Pahlavi text written in the 9th century and based on the Avestan Damdad and Chihrdad Nasks.

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C

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Chahar-Shanbe SuriNP. čahār-šanbeh suriFinal Tuesday before Norooz. At twilight, people jump over lit bonfires.
chaharom/chahrumPhl. cahārom; NP. cahārom, cahrumThe rituals on the fourth day after death.
chahartaghNP. cahārtāq‘Four-arched’ edifice within which stood a fire holder. Architectural structure within the Kebla.
chalkLat. calxDecorative, colorful designs made on the floor with stencils for joyous occasions by Parsis. They are done daily by many Parsis in India.
chasniPhl. cāšnīg; NP. čāšniConsecrated food/post religious ceremony.
chinvat peretu pol/pulAv. cinuuaṇt- pərətu-; Phl. cinwad puhl; NP. činvad polThe bridge where the soul is judged at death. Lit. Crossing-place of the account-keeper.

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D

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
DaeAv. daδuuah-; Phl. day; NP. dae1. Day of the month. 2. Name of a month 3. Dedicated to Dadar Hormuzd (Ahura Mazda).
DaeganPhl. daygānMonthly celebration: day of Dae and month of Ormazd
Daena vanguhi/denAv. daēnā- vaŋuhī-; Phl. dēn ī weh1. Lit. Good conscience. 2. Word for insight/religion. Zarathushtra’s reference to the religion.
Daepadar/Dae-beh-azarPhl. day pad ādur; NP. dae-pādar, dae-beh-āzarDay of the month (day before Adar).
Daepdin/Dae-beh-dinPhl. day pad dēn; NP. dae-pdin, dae-beh-dinDay of the month (day before Din).
Daepmeher/Dae-beh-mehPhl. day pad mihr; NP. dae-pmehr, dae-beh-mehDay of the month (day before Meher).
daeva/daiva/divAv. daēuua-; OP. dai̯u̯a-; Phl. dēw; NP. divDemon, false/erroneous god.
Daham YazadPhl. dahom yazd; NP. daham yazadYazata responsible for the soul’s journey on the 4th day after death.
dakhma/dokhma/dakhmehAv. daxma-; Phl. daxmag; NP. daxmeh, doxmaA round, roofless structure set on a hill, where the dead are exposed. It is known popularly as a ‘tower of silence’.
dakhmenashini/dokhmenashiniAv. daxma-; Phl. daxmag; NP. daxmeh, doxma1. Lit. Putting in a dakhma. 2. The name of the practice that involves disposal of the dead. (See dakhma)
dar-e-mehr/darbe meherPhl. dar ī mehr; NP. dar(b)-e mehr1. Lit. Court of Mithra. 2. A fire temple which has no permanently burning fire.
Daryavush/Dariush/Daraius/
Darius
OP. dārai̯au̯a(h)ušAchaemenid king – commissioned building of Persepolis.
dastur/dastoorPhl. dastwar; NP. dasturA Zoroastrian high priest, who must undergo martab. Can be hereditary or appointed by the community.
Demavand/DamavandHighest point of the Alborz mountain range in Iran. Associated with Iranian mythology as described in the Shah Nameh.
Denkard/Dinkerd/DinkardPhl. dēnkard; NP. dinkard, dinkerdText describing ‘Acts of Religion’.
DinAv. daēnā-; Phl. dēn; NP. din1. Day of the month. 2. Name of a month. 3. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
divAv. daēuua-; OP. dai̯u̯a-; Phl. dēw; NP. divDemon, false/erroneous god.
DivAn island where the Parsis’ ancestors first landed but soon left due to tumultuous weather. Today known as Diu/Daman.
divoAn oil lamp used for prayers and in ceremonies.
Doa Nam SetayeshneAr. duʾa + Phl. nām stāyišn; NP. doa nām setāyešnePrayer of gratitude to Ahura Mazda.
Doghdhova/Dughdova/DogdoAv. duγδōuuāZarathushtra’s mother.
dron/dorunAv. draonah-; Phl. drōn; NP. darunUnleavened wheat bread consecrated by the priest in the Baj and Yazashne/Yasna ceremonies.
drujAv. druj-; Phl. druzDeceit, chaos, confusion.
duzakh/dozakhAv. duž-aŋhu-; Phl. dušox; NP. dozax, duzaxHell.

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E

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
ervadTerm given to all ordained priests after undergoing the Navar ceremony.
esfandPhl. spand; NP. esfandIncense sprinkled over fire
Esfandegan/SpendarmazdeganPhl. spandīgān; NP. esfandegān, spendarmazdegān1. Day of Spendarmazd and month of Esfand 2. Original Valentine’s Day and Celebration of Women i.e. International Women’s Day. (See Armaiti)

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F

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
fargard/pargaradPhl. fragard; NP. fargard, pargaradChapter of the Vendidad.
Farohar/Fravashi/Fravahar(Asho)Av. frauuaṣ̌i-; Phl. fraward, frawahr; NP. fravahar, faroharThis term is usually translated as ‘guardian spirit’, the ‘pre-soul’ that pre-exists and post-exists the individual, and is venerated as efficacious on behalf of the living. It may also refer to the farokshi ceremony.
farokshiAv. frauuaṣ̌iFarvardin Yasht with Satum no Karda, usually prayed alongside the afargan ceremony by a priest.
farrAv. xvarənah-; Phl. xwarrah, farr(ah); NP. farrThe ‘Divine fortune or glory’ in the Shah Nameh.
Farziyat NamaAr. farżīyat + NP. nāmeh, nāmaA text describing farajyat or one’s obligatory daily prayers, kushti/koshti prayers, including Sarosh Baj, Gah, Khorshed and Meher Niayesh in the day, and Sarosh Yasht at night.
Feraydun/Feridun/ThraetaonaAv. ϑraētaona-; Phl. frēdōn; NP. faridun, fer(e)idunIranian mythical hero who defeated Zohak.
Ferdowsi/Firdowsi Tusi10th century Iranian poet and composer of the Shah Nameh.
Frashokereti/frashegirdAv. frašō.kərəti-; Phl. fraš(e)girdThe making wonderful/perfect of the world; the renovation.
Fravardegan/Farvardingan/
Fravardigan
Phl. frawardīgān; NP. fravardegān, farvardingānCelebration of the departed ones. A festival commemorating the fravashis during the last ten days of the year. See muktad.
Fravardin/FarvardinPhl. frawardīn; NP. farvardin1. Day of the month. 2. First month of the year. 3. Yazad 4. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta. It is also known as Arda Fravash. (See Farohar/Fravashi)

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G

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
gabrPejorative term for Zoroastrians after the Islamic invasion (Iranian Zoroastrians in Dari may still refer to themselves as gavroon – origin: cow herder).
gah/gehPhl. gāh; PGuj. gehThe five watches of the day.
gahanbar/gahambarPhl. gāhānbārThe six seasonal community festivals.
Garo demana garonmana/garodmanOAv. garō. d(ə)māna-; YAv. garō. nmāna-; Phl. garōdmān‘House of song’- also known as garothman behesht.
GathasAv. gāϑāThe seventeen ‘songs’ or ‘hymns’ of Zarathushtra; Old Avestan poems of Zarathushtra. Yasna chapters 28-34, 43-51 & 53. The Y. Av (Y. 71.6) alludes to the five Gathas, which are named in Visperad 1.4-7 . These five “songs/poems” are preserved sequentially, subdivided into 17 “haiti” or sections, in the Yasna. See https://iranicaonline.org/articles/gathas-i-texts.
gavohThe ceremony at which the bride and groom say their vows.
Gaya meretan/Gayomard/KiumarsAv. gaiiamarətan-; Phl. gayōmard; NP. k(a)yumars, kayumarṯThe primal mortal.
getig/getiPhl. gētīyThe corporeal world.
Geush UrvanOAv. gə̄uš. uruuan-The soul of the cow/earth that calls out to Ahura Mazda in Yasna 29.1 to send a saviour. See urvan.
ghanat/kanatAr. qanātArchitectural feature in Iran.
girebanPhl. grīwbānPart of the sudreh – pocket of good deeds.
Goosh/GoshOAv. gə̄uš; YAv. gāuš1. Day of the month. 2. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta. 3. Co-worker of Bahman.
GovadAv. vāta-; Phl. wād1. Lit. wind. 2. Day of the month. (See Baad)

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H

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
HadokhtAv. haδaoxta-; Phl. hādōxtOnly existent nask, the 19th out of 21. Also known as the Vendidad.
haft seen/haft sheenPhl./NP. haft + Ar. sīnNowruz table set with seven trays or seven items beginning with “s”or “sh”.
Haji Firuz/Haji FiroozFictional character that appears in the streets at the beginning of Nowruz; wearing bright red clothes, face covered in soot and with a red hat.
Hamadan/HamedanOP. hagmatāna-; Phl. hamadān; NP. hamadān, hamedānPlace name, otherwise known as Ecbatana.
Hamaspathmaidyem gahanbarAv. hamaspaϑmaēdaiia– + Phl. gāhānbārLast gahanbar of the year Mar 16 – Mar 20. Feast of ‘all souls’, celebrated during the five Gatha days known in Gujarati as ‘Gatha-Gahambar na Divas’. Held in honour of Humans (creation). Lit. Coming of the whole group.
Hamazoor BimPhl. hamāg zōr b(aw)ēmOne of the concluding Kadimi/Irani Koshti prayers. It focuses on unity and togetherness.
hamazor hama asho bedPhl. hamāg zōr hamāg ašō b(aw)ēdLit. May you be united in strength and in righteousness. A prayer or action of unity. A stylized handshake performed by priests during all ceremonies to unite in strength for the performance of the ritual.
hambandagi/humbandagiPhl. hambandagīh1. Lit. bondedness together. 2. communal prayer.
hamdinsPhl. hamdēnFellow community members.
hamkarsPhl. hamkārHelpers of the Amesha Spentas.
haomaAv. haoma-; Phl. hōm1. The beneficent plant pressed during the Yasna, and offered with milk and water as ab zohr at the end of the liturgy. 2. A Yazad 3. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
harA flower garland worn as part of sagan. It may also refer to a necklace.
hathaveroPGuj. hath1. Lit. To clasp hands 2. The first part of the Parsi wedding ceremony where the bride and groom sit facing each other, with a cloth between them. They hold each other’s right hands under the cloth and the officiating priest ties the thread around their hands as he chants Yatha Ahu Vairyo.
HaurvatatAv. hauruuatāt-; Phl. hordādOne of the Amesha Spentas: ‘wholeness’ or ‘health’, associated with the waters.
Havan gah/gehAv. hāuuanigāϑā-; Phl. hāwan gāhFirst watch of the day, from sunrise till noon. Also the mortar in which haoma is pounded during the Yasna, from which the gah derives its name.
hirbod/herbadAv. aēϑrapati-; Phl. hērbed; PGuj. ervadReligious teacher; now, priest who has completed the first level of training (navar). IT is used as a title for all priests except Dasturs by the Parsis.
Hormazd/HormuzdAv. ahura- mazdā-; Phl. ohrmazd; NP. hormazd; PGuj. hormuzd1. Ahura Mazda – God. 2. First day of the month. 3. Name of a month. 4. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
Hormozd IAv. ahura- mazdā-; Phl. ohrmazd; NP. hormazdSasanian King
humata, hukhta, hvarshtaAv. humata- hūxta- huuaršta-Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
Hushang/HoshangAv. haošiiaŋha-; Phl. hōšang; NP. hušang, hošangKing in the Shah Nameh who is attributed for discovering fire.

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I

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
ijarPGuj. ijār1. A narrow, fitted cotton trouser worn over the legha by priests when performing higher liturgies. 2. It may also refer to the trousers worn by children during the navjote.
IjasneAv. yasna-; Phl. yasn, yazišn; NP. jašan; PGuj. ijasne, yazašnēYazashne (same as Yasna).
Iraj/Irach/ErachAv. airiiāuua-; Phl. ēriz/ērij; NP. irač, irajBrother of Salm in the Shah Nameh.
Isfahan/EsfahanPhl. spahān; NP. esfahān; Ar. iṣfahānCity in Iran.
Isfandiyar/EsfandiyarAv. spəṇtōδāta-; Phl. spandyād; NP. esfandiyārFrom the Shah Nameh.

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J

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Jadi/Jadav/Jadiv RanaKing of Sanjan when the Parsis first landed there. He allowed them sanctuary if they respected five conditions. He is believed to be the Silhara ruler Vajada Deva, since no king with the name Jadi Rana exists in historical records.
jamoPhl. jāmagPriest’s outer robe, also worn by laymen prior to the twentieth century.
Jamshedi NavrozPhl. jamšēd + nōg rōz; NP. jamšidi + nowruz; PGuj. jamšedi navrozThe Parsi name for the celebration of the vernal equinox.
Jamshid (King) YimaAv. yima- xšaēta-; Phl. jamšēd; NP. jamšidKing in the Shah Nameh and mentioned in the Avesta.
jashanAv. yasna-; Phl. yasn, yazišn; NP. jašan; PGuj. ijasne, yazašnēAn outer ceremony of thanksgiving and praise.
Jashne MehreganPhl. yasn, yazišn + mihrgān; NP. jašan-e mehregānDay of Mehr, month of Mehr, parab.
Jashne SadehNP. jašan-e sādeh40 days after Yalda (the winter solstice).
Jashne TirganPhl. yasn, yazišn + tīrgān; NP. jašan-e tirgānDay of Tir and month of Tir. (See parab)
jaziyeh/jizyaAr. jizyah; NP. jiziyehPoll tax on non-Muslims.
juddinPhl. juddēn; NP. juddinA non-Zoroastrian.

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K

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Kabehyeh ZartoshtAr. ka‘bah; NP. ka‘beh-ye + zartoštSite near Naqsh-e-Rostam.
Kadmi/KadimiAr. qadīmīLit. old (calendar). One of the three calendar conventions.
Kai Kavad/KobadAv. kauui- kauuāta-; Phl. kay kawād; NP. kay kobādFrom the Shah Nameh.
Kai Kavoos/KavasAv. kauui- usan-; Phl. kay + kāyus; NP. kay kāvus1. Proper name attested in the Avesta. 2. Sasanian King. 3. King in the Shah Nameh.
Kai Khosro/Khosrow/KhushrooAv. kauuihusrauuah-; Phl. kay husraw; NP. kay xosro/xusrow/xušru1. Proper name attested in the Avesta. 2. Sasanian King. 3. King in the Shah Nameh.
karapanAv. karapanTerm for priests during the time of Zarathushtra.
KavehNP. kāvehName of a blacksmith – From the Shah Nameh.
kaviAv. kauuiTerm for tribal rulers during the time of Zarathushtra.
Kayanian/KianianAv. kauui-; Phl. kayThe second mythological dynasty of Iranian kings.
keblaAr. qiblahThe inner sanctorum for the fire.
Kerdir/KartirPhl. kirdīrA powerful priest under several early Sasanian monarchs.
Keresaspa/Garshasp/KersiAv. kərəsāspa-; Phl. kersāsp; NP. garšāspAncient Iranian mythical hero.
Khichdi no DivasPGuj. khichdi1. Lit. “the day of khichdi” (a dish made of rice and lentils cooked together). 2. A day of fun before the main marriage ritual takes place. 3. When the ‘ukardi kukardi’ game is played.
Khodai Namak/NamehPhl. xwadāy nāmagPredecessor of the Shah Nameh.
KhorasanPhl. xwarāsān; NP. xorāsānWhere the sun rests. Name of the region between eastern part of Iran and Afghanistan.
KhordadAv. hauruuatāt-; Phl. hordād; NP. xordādThird month in the Zoroastrian calendar; dedicated to the Amesha Spenta for water. See Haurvatat.
Khordad SalPhl. hordād sāl; NP. xordād sālSixth day of Farvardin month, birthday of Asho Zarathushtra.
KhordadganPhl. hordādgān; NP. xordādgānDay of Khordad and month of Khordad. (See parab)
Khordeh AvestaPhl. xwardag abastāg; NP. xorde avestāSmall Avesta- daily prayer book.
Khorshed/KhorshidAv. huuar- xšaēta-; Phl. xwaršēd; NP. xoršid1. Day of the month. 2. Name of a niayesh (prayer). 3. Yasht dedicated unto the sun.
Khshathra Vairya/Shahrivar/ShehrevarAv. xšaϑra- vairiia-; Phl. šahrewar; NP. šahrivar, šehrevar1. Lit. Desirable Power. 2. Amesha Spenta responsible for metals and the sky. 3. Day of the month 4. Name of a month. (See Shehrevar)
khushnumanAv. xšnūmaine; Phl. (x)šnūmanA prayer or formula of invoking a Divine being.
khwarenahAv. xvarənah-; Phl. xwarrah, farr(ah); NP. farrDivine fortune or glory. (See farr)
Kisseh-i SanjanAr. qiṣṣah; NP. qeṣṣeh-ye sanjānStory of Sanjan; a historical episode narrated as per oral tradition and written by the learned Sanjan priest Bahman Kekobad in Navsari in 1599 CE.
Kurosh/Kourosh/Koresh/CyrusOP. kūru(nom. kūruš); Gr. kūrosFounder of the Achaemenid dynasty, attributed author of the Cyrus cylinder – first Charter of Human Rights.
kushti/koshti/kustiPhl. kustīg; NP. kušti, košti; PGuj. kustiThe sacred woolen cord worn around the waist by initiated Zoroastrians (usually woven from lamb, but can be camel or goat hair), made of 72 threads; tied around the waist over the sudreh after initiation.

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L

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
laganSkr. lagnaParsi term for wedding ceremony.
legha/leghoLoose fitting trousers worn mainly by men, but also worn by children on the navjote day.
lobanAr. lubaanLit. incense, offering to the fire.
LohraspAv. auruuaṯ.aspa-; Phl. arwadasp, luhrāsp; NP. lohrāspKayanian king.
lorkNP. lorkThe festival food of seven kinds of dried fruits, dates, chickpeas and nuts, which are eaten at the end of the gahanbar prayers.

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M

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
maachi/upasayaeniAv. (dāitiiō.)upasaiieni.(bauu-)An offering of a throne to the fire of either 6, 7, or 9 wood pieces.
madhavsaro/madarsaroTree-planting ceremony which marks the start of a wedding’s preparatory celebrations and takes place four days before the wedding. During the ceremony, the families of the bride and the groom independently plant a young tree at their respective family homes.
magus/MagiOP. *magu-; Phl. mow1. In antiquity it referred to a specific type of priest. 2. In the Christian tradition, it was said that Jesus Christ was visited by the Three Magi at his birth.
mahAv. māh-; Phl. māh; NP. māhMoon or month.
Mah BokhtarPhl. māh + bōxtārNiayesh for the moon.
Mahmud Baghda/BegadaMuslim Sultan of Gujarat who attacked Sanjan in 1465 C.E. forcing the Parsis to flee along with Iranshah. (r.1458-1511)
MahrespandAv. aməṣ̌a- spəṇta-; Phl. amahraspand; NP. amešasfand, mahrespand2nd to last day of the month.
Maidyarem gahanbarAv. maiδiiāiriia– + Phl. gāhānbārThe fifth seasonal festival of the year. Mid-year-winter festival, Dec 31 – Jan 4 in the month of Dae in honour of Animals (creation).
MaidyomahAv. maiδiiō.måŋha-; Phl. mēd(y)ōmāhCousin of Zarathushtra, first follower/convert.
Maidyoshahem gahanbarAv. maiδiiōi.šam– + Phl. gāhānbārThe second seasonal festival of the year. Midsummer festival, Jun 29 – Jul 3, month of Tir, in honour of Water (creation).
Maidyozarem gahanbarAv. maiδiiōi.zarəmaiia– + Phl. gāhānbārThe first seasonal festival of the year. Mid-Spring festival, Apr 30 – May 4, month of Ardibehesht, in honour of Sky (creation).
mainyu/menog/minoiOAv. mańiiu-; YAv. mainiiu-; YAv. mainiiauua; Phl. mēnōy; NP. minoy‘Conceptual’ existence – spirit/mentality/mind.
Manouchehr/MinocherAv. manuš.ciϑra-; Phl. manušcihr; NP. manučer, minočerKing from the Shah Nameh.
manthra/mantraAv. mąϑra-; Skt. mantraThought provoking statement/powerful word or prayer. Holy spell, Word of God; the Holy Words of Ahura Mazda revealed by Zarathushtra; the sacred Avestan scriptures, the revelation (den).
martabThe second priestly initiation after navar. It qualifies the candidate to perform higher liturgies and can be done at any age.
Mashya (male) and Mashyaneh/Mashyani (female)Av. maṣ̌iia-, maṣ̌iiānaFirst humans mentioned in the Bundahishn.
mazdayasniAv. māzdaiiasniMazda worshipper, or pertaining to Zoroastrians.
MehrabProper name/Mithraic temple.
MehreganPhl. mihrgān; NP. meh(e)rgānA seasonal celebration in honour of Mithra held in the autumn.
Mithra/Mehr/MeherAv. miϑra-; Phl. mihr; NP. meh(e)r1. Lit. Contract. 2. Male yazata of the contract and light. 3. Day of the month. 4. Name of a month. 5. Name of a niayesh (prayer). 6. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
mobed/moobedOP. *magu-pati-; Phl. mowbed; NP. mobed, mubedOrdained Zoroastrian priest.
mobedyarNP. mobedyārIn modern Iran, they are qualified to undertake certain ceremonies in the absence of priests. They no longer need to be born within the priest caste and can be male or female.
MohrName of a day of the month, whose pronunciation is derived from “maongh”. (See Mah)
monajatAr. munājāt; NP. monājāt; PGuj. monājātDevotional songs in Dari, Persian or Gujarati.
muktadSkr. muktaātman1. Lit. liberated souls. 2. The last ten days of the year when the departed are believed to visit the living. Parsis observe it before Nowruz.

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N

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
naborIt is practiced four days in a month. Is about protecting domestic animals such as cows, chicken, etc. since on these days people do not consume meat.
NahavandNP. nahāvandBattle between Sasanians and Arabs (major victory for the Arabs) which marked the collapse of the Sasanian Empire – 642 C.E. (see Qadisiyya).
nahnAv. snāRitual bath for purification, performed before Sedreh-pooshi/Navjote, wedding and on the fortieth day after giving birth. It may also refer to the period of seclusion after taking the Bareshnum.
najesAr. najisArabic term referring to anything that is impure.
naskAv. naska-; Phl. naskLit. bundle – It refers to the 21 collections of Avestan texts. With only one surviving till date. Believed to be given to Zarathustra by Ahura Mazda.
nasuAv. nasu-; Phl. nasušDead matter.
navarPhl. nāwarFirst grade of ordination as a priest.
navjotePhl. nōg + zōtīh/zādīhThe Gujarati term for initiation. (See also nowzoodi and Sedreh-pooshi).
Neriosang DhavalAv. nairiiō.saŋha-; Phl. nēryōsang1. High Priest from Iran who arrived in Sanjan and approached King Jadav Rana for refuge. 2. It may also refer to the 15th century priest by the same name, responsible for translating a number of texts into Sanskrit.
niayeshPhl. niyāyišnShort devotional prayer to (fire, water, sun, and the moon).
nirangPhl. nērang1. Libation: consecrated bull’s urine used for purification in nahn ceremonies of the navjote, wedding and bareshnum. 2. A powerful, mystical, formulaic prayer (Ardibehest Yasht Nirang, Sarosh Yasht Nirang).
nirang-din/nirangdinPhl. nērang + dēnCeremony to consecrate ‘taro’ (unconsecrated bull’s urine).
noghlNP. noqlCandied nuts.
Nowruz/Norooz/NavrozPhl. nōg rōz; NP. nowruz; PGuj. navrozLit. ‘new day’, This refers to the New Year, which is celebrated by Zoroastrians at the time of the Spring equinox. *Please note that we have listed the most common versions that can be read in English.
Nowzar/NauzerAv. naotara-; Phl. nōdarNinth Peshdadian king, son of Manuchehr.
nowzoodiPhl. nōg + zōtīh/zādīh; NP. nowzudi1. Lit. New life, new birth. 2. Process of becoming of an ordained priest in Iran. (See navjote)

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O

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
OhrmazdAv. ahura- mazdā-; Phl. ohrmazd; NP. hormazd; PGuj. hormuzdSee Ahura Mazda, Hormuzd.
OrdibeheshtganPhl. ardwahištgān; NP. ordibeheštgānMonthly celebration: day of Ordibehesht and month of Ordibehesht. See Ardibehesht/Asha Vahishta.

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P

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
padanAv. paiti.dāna-; Phl. padāmMouth covering worn by priest before the fire.
padyabAv. paiti. ap-; Phl. padyābWashing of hands and face.
pagriHindi pagṛīTurban worn primarily by priests.
PahlaviPhl. pahlawīgMiddle Persian language and script, used by the Sasanians for official inscriptions, and literature, including Zoroastrian texts. Zoroastrian books continued to be written in Pahlavi into the 10th century C.E.
paidustThe Zoroastrian funeral ceremony.
Paitishahem gahanbarAv. paitiš.hahiia- + Phl. gāhānbārThe third seasonal festival of the year. Mid-Spring festival, Apr 30 – May 4, month of Shehrevar, in honour of Earth (creation).
paivandPhl. paywandRitual connection between priests and family members during a funeral, usually in the form of holding each other’s clothing or a shared handkerchief.
panchayetSkt. pañcaGoverning body of 5 trustees appointed/elected e.g. Bombay Parsi Panchayet (BPP).
panthakPGuj. pantha1. Lit. sector, group, or denomination, the leader of which is known as a panthaki or head priest (not to be confused with high priest or dastur). 2. Jurisdiction of a Parsi priest.
parabPGuj. parva1. Lit. holiday or festival. 2. Used to refer to occasions when the Yazata/Ameshaspand of the day and month are the same. Its literal corresponding Pahlavi term is jashan.
Parsi/ParseeOP. pārsa-; Phl. pārsīgA Zoroastrian who is descended from those who left Iran around the 9th or 10th century CE, to settle in north-west India.
Patet PashemaniAv. paitita-; Phl. patit + pašēmānīhPrayer of repentance.
PatetiPhl. patitīgObserved on the eve of the Zoroastrian New Year (time of repentance and reflection).
patlo1. Gujarati term for a wooden platform 3-4 inches high used to stand on during Sagan (blessings). 2. Used by the child/initiate to stand on during the navjote ceremony.
paviPhl. pad + ābConsecrated area for ceremonies in the fire temple marked by a groove/furrow in the floor. It usually remarks the boundary of the Kebla or Urvish Gah and also serves as a means of draining the water used in washing the ritual areas.
payman-e-dinPhl. paymān + dēnOne of the kushti prayers.
Pazand/PazendPhl. pāzandMiddle Persian texts transcribed into Avestan script (Pahlavi written in Avestan alphabet).
Peshdadian/PishdadianPhl. pēš + dādThe first mythological dynasty of Iranian kings in the Shah Nameh.
Pir-e-HerishPhl. pīrShrines in Iran.
Pir-e-NarakiPhl. pīrShrines in Iran.
Pir-e-SabzPhl. pīrShrines in Iran.
porsehNP. porsehDeath ceremony/memorial service.
PourdavoudFirst one to translate the Avesta and Gathas into Modern Persian. Iranian professor of Linguistics.
Pouruchista/PouruchistiAv. pourucištāZarathushtra’s youngest daughter, wife of Jamasp.
PourushaspaAv. pourušaspaFather of Zarathushtra.

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Q

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Qadisiyya BattleAlong with Nahavand, these were the two definitive battles that ended Sasanian rule in Iran and the start of the Islamic Invasion.

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R

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
RamAv. rāman-; Phl. rām1. Lit. Peace. 2. Name of a yazata. 3. Day of the month. 4. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
Rapithwan gah/gehAv. rapiϑβā- + Phl. gāhSecond watch of the day, from noon till 3:00 p.m. Also a ceremony and celebration on Ardibehesht roz and Farvardin mah.
RashneAv. rašnu-; Phl. rašn1. Lit. Right order. 2. Day of the month. 3. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta.
ratuAv. ratu-; Phl. radReligious teacher/leader. Also used to refer to Divine beings as spiritual lords in Avestan literature.
revayat/rivayatsAr. rivāyat; NP. revāyatLit. instruction – the Persian Revayats were communications concerning the religion sent from Iranian Zoroastrians to Parsis between the late 15th and late 18th centuries.
Rostam/RustamNP. rostamAn eastern Iranian heroic figure, whose stories appear in the Shah Nameh. Iranian male name.
roz/roj/ruzAv. raocah-; Phl. rōz; NP. ruz; PGuj. ruj, rojDay.
RudabehNP. rudābehMother of Rostam in the Shah Nameh.
ruvan/ravanAv. uruuan-; Phl. ruwān; NP. ravānLit. Soul. (See urvan)

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S

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
sabzehPhl. sabz; NP. sabz(i), sabzehGreen (vegetables/herbs) – sprouted greens for Nowruz table.
saganPGuj. shagunWhen the candidate is made to wear a garland, tilli, and given gifts of money. It is usually done on a raised platform known as a patlo and is performed by a priest or close family members for navjotes, weddings, birthdays and special occasions.
sal/varsiPhl. sāl; NP. sāl; Skr. varṣaThe one year death anniversary prayers.
Salm/SaamPhl. salm1. Son of Nariman in the Shah Nameh 2. Iranian male name.
saoshyantAv. saošiiaṇtA person who brings benefit to the world (Literal translation). In Zoroastrian mythology, the Saoshyant is a succession of three people, who will aid in the final defeat of evil and the renovation of the world at the end of time.
sapaatParsi Gujarati term for closed-toe, leather slippers worn by both priests and laity. Decorated ones are worn by children on the navjote.
Sarosh vajPhl. srōš wāz; NP. soruš bāj; PGuj. saroš vājPrayer to untie the koshti in the Kadimi/Irani tradition.
Sarosh Yasht HadokhtPhl. srōš yašt hādōxtOne of the two yashts devoted to Sarosh, named after the Hadokt.
Sasanian/SassanianPhl. sāsānLast pre-Islamic, Iranian dynasty.
satum/stoomAv. staoma-, staomi-; Phl. stōm; NP; stum; PGuj. satumSee stom.
Sedreh-pooshiNP. sudreh pušidan; PGuj. sedre-pūšīThe Persian term for initiation. (See navjote)
sesA round metallic tray with auspicious items used on joyous occasions. It usually contains a container for the vermillion paste, rose water and cone known as the soparo. It may also contain a coconut, and garland.
setayeshPhl. stāyišn; NP. setāyešPrayers of offerings and adoration.
Shah NamehNP. šāh nāmehIranian national epic, composed by Ferdowsi, late 10th-early 11th century C.E.
Shahrivar/ShehrevarAv. xšaϑra- vairiia-; Phl. šahrewar; NP. šahrivar1. Amesha Spenta responsible for metals and the sky. 2. Day of the month 3. Name of a month.
ShahrivarganPhl. šahrewargān; NP. šahrivargānMonthly celebration: day of Shahrivar and month of Shahrivar.
ShapurPhl. šābuhr; NP. šāpurSasanian King, common male name.
Shenshai/ShahanshahiPhl. šāhān šāh1. Lit. of the King of kings. 2. One of the three calendar conventions most commonly followed by the Parsi community.
SiamakAv. siiāmaka-; Phl. syāmak; NP. siyāmakSon of Gayomard (Kayomars) in the Shah Nameh.
SimorghAv. saēna- mərəγa-; Phl. sēn murw; NP. simorγMythical bird in the Shah Nameh.
Siroja/See roozeh/Sirozeh/DisiPhl. sīh rōzag; NP. siruzeh/sirozeh/sirojahOne of the prayers in the death ceremonies performed on the thirtieth day after passing.
Siroja/Sirozeh YashtPhl. sīh rōzag + yašt; NP. siruzeh/sirozeh/sirojah + yaštPrayer unto the thirty-three yazatas.
SistanOP. sakastāna-; Phl. sagestān; NP. sistānProvince of Iran.
Siyavaksh/SiyavushAv. siiāuuaršan-; Phl. s(i)yāwaxš; NP. siyāvušHeroic figure in the Shah Nameh.
Sizdeh BedarNP. sizdeh be-dar1. 13th day after Nowruz. 2. In Iran, families go on picnics and also throw the sabzi from the Haft Seen table into a body of water. 3. Some say this is a day of practical jokes and the origin of April Fool’s Day.
SohrabNP. sohrābSon of Rostam in the Shah Nameh.
Spendarmad/SependarmazdAv. (spəṇtā-) ārmaiti-; Phl. spandarmad; NP. aspandarmad, asfandarmad(See Armaiti)
Spendarmazgan/SependarmazganAv. (spəṇtā-) ārmaiti-; Phl. spandarmad; NP. aspandarmad, asfandarmadCelebration of Spendarmad roz and mah; parab related to Spenta Armaiti. (See Armaiti)
spentaAv. spəṇta‘Bringing increase’.
Spenta Armaiti/Spendarmazd/
Esfandarmad
Av. (spəṇtā-) ārmaiti-; Phl. spandarmad; NP. aspandarmad, asfandarmad1. The Avestan noun Spenta Armaiti has been translated to ‘serenity’ and ‘right-mindedness.’ 2. It is the name of one of the seven Amesha Spentas. 3. Day of the month. 4. Name of a month.
Spenta MainyuAv. spəṇta- mainiiu-1. Lit. Beneficent inspiration/spirit. 2. One of the Amesha Spentas connected to humans (creation) 3. Known in opposition to Angra Mainyu.
Spentamainyush/SpentomadAv. spəṇtāmainiiu-; Phl. spandamen(See Spentomad Gatha)
Spentomad GathaAv. spəṇtāmainiiu- gāϑā-; Phl. spandamen gāhThe third Gatha. Yasna Chapters 47-50.
Spitaman/EspantamanOAv. spitāma-; YAv. spitama-; Phl. spitāmānFamily name of Zarathushtra.
Sraosha/Sorosh/Srosh/ Soroush*/SaroshAv. sraoša-; Phl. srōš; NP. soruš; PGuj. saroš1. Lit. readiness to listen. 2. Day of the month. 3. Name of a yazata. (The writing of Soroush is due to the French influence of spelling /oo/ with <ou>)
Staot(a) YasnaAv. staota- yesniia-1. Lit. to praise. 2. Refers to the Staot or ‘revered’ section of the Yasna starting with Ha 55.
stomAv. staoma-, staomi-; Phl. stōm; NP; stum; PGuj. satumPrayer recited over meals in honour of the dead.
sudreh/sedrehLat. sudarium?The sacred cotton shirt worn by initiated Zoroastrians.
sukhadSkr. sukhad1. Lit. giving pleasure 2. Fragrant, tropical softwood (usually sandalwood) used as a ritual offering.
supra nu murat/ni reetPGuj. supra1. Lit. winnowing basket. 2. A ceremony to make and apply turmeric paste on the couple the day before the wedding. Four married women perform a winnowing ritual of auspicious items in four baskets, exchanging them in a circle around a mortar and pestle while singing. The metal mortar and pestle is used to make the turmeric paste applied on the bride or groom.

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T

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Tahmuras/Tehmures/TehmuraspAv. taxma- urupiKing from the Shah Nameh.
Takht-e Jamshid/ParsehNP. taxt-e jamšidName of Persepolis in Persian.
TandorostiPhl. tan + drustīhPrayer of well-being and good health.
Tansar/TosarPhl. tansar/tōsarHigh priest under the Sasanian king, Ardashir I.
Taq-e-BustanNP. ṭāq-e bostānSasanian monument.
Tehran/TeheranNP. tehrānModern capital of Iran.
tilliSkr. tilaka1. Lit. mark. 2. A red line/dot made on the forehead with ‘kumkum’ (vermillion paste) on joyous occasions.
Tirgan/TiranganPhl. tīrgān; NP. tir(an)gānFestival dedicated to Tishtriya, held in midsummer (parab).
Tishtriya/TirAv. tištriia-; Phl. tištar/tīr; NP. tir1. Water, rain, fertility. 2. Name of a yazata. 3. Day of the month. 4. Name of one of the Yashts in the Avesta. – associated with the star Sirius (Tishtriya).
Toor/TurAv. tūra-; Phl. tūr; NP. turBrother of Salm in the Shah Nameh.
topiPGuj. topi1. Lit. hat/cap. 2. A velvet or cotton cap that covers all the hair. Worn by children/adults while reciting prayers or when attending religious ceremonies and rituals.
toranSkr. toraṇaA flower or bead garland used to adorn doorways and entrances.

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U

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
UdvadaPGuj. udvāḍāA village in Gujarat which is the seat of the Iranshah Atash Behram.
upasayaeniAv. (dāitiiō.)upasaiieni.(bauu-)An offering of a throne to the fire of either 6, 7, or 9 wood pieces. (See maachi)
urvanAv. uruuan-; Phl. ruwānSoul, spirit; one of the immortal constituents of a human, responsible for good and bad actions performed in the material world.
Ushahin gah/gehAv. ušahina- + gāϑā-; Phl. ušahin gāhThe fifth/last watch of the day, from midnight till sun-rise.
Ushtavaiti/UshtavadAv. uštauuaitī-; Phl. uštawadSecond Gatha. Yasna Chapters 43-46.
uthamnaPGuj. uthamnā1. Lit. meaning to get up, to leave. (in reference to the soul leaving the corporeal world.) 2. Ceremony performed on the 3rd day after death (afternoon and midnight).
Uziran gah/gehAv. uzaiieirina- + gāϑā-; Phl. uzērin gāhThird watch of the day, from 3:00 p.m. till sunset.

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V

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Vahishtoishti/VahishtoishtOAv. vahištōišti-; Phl. wahištōištFifth Gatha. Yasna Chapter 53.
Vahram/VerethraghnaAv. vərəϑraγna-; Phl. wahrām, warahrān; NP. bahram, behram(See Bahram)
varadhpatra/varadh patraLit. a letter (seeking blessings) of the ancestors. On the 3rd day of the marriage festivities, a satum and baj are performed in memory of the departed ancestors to seek their blessings on the occasion of the marriage which is to be performed the following day.
varasyo/varasyajiPhl. waras; PGuj. varasyōConsecrated albino bull.
Vidaevo data/Vendidad/ Videvdad/VidevdatAv. vīdaēuua- dāta-; Phl. wīdēwdād, juddēwdād; NP. vendidādLiterally meaning The Laws Against Evil. It is a later Avestan text used in higher liturgy.
Vishtaspa/GushtaspAv. vīštāspa-; Phl. wīštāsp; NP. guštāsp, goštāsbKayanian king in the time of Zarathushtra.
Visparatu/VisperadAv. vīspa- ratu-; Phl. wīsp(e)rad; NP. visperad1. One of the books of the Avesta. 2. A high liturgical service dedicated to Ahura Mazda.
Vohu ManahAv. vohu- manah-; Phl. wahman; NP. bahmanGood mind – one of the Amesha Spentas. (See Bahman)
VohukhshathraAv. vohu.xšaϑra-Fourth Gatha. Yasna chapter 51.

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W

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
weh denAv. vaŋuhī- daēnā-; Phl. weh dēn(ān); NP. behdin(ān)Good religion – see behdin.

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X

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
xarenahAv. xvarənah-; Phl. xwarrah, farr(ah); NP. farr(See khwarenah)
XerxesAv. xšayaṛšanAchaemenid king.

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Y

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Yalda/Shab-e ChellehSyr. yaldā; NP. šab-e čellehWinter solstice celebration.
yashtAv. yešti-/yašta-; Phl. yaštA hymn of praise to one or a group of the yazatas (young Avestan hymns to the yazatas).
YasnaAv. yasna-; Phl. yasn, yazišn; NP. jašan; PGuj. ijasne, yazašnēLit. reverance. Term used for the liturgy and its Avestan text.
Yatha Ahu VairyoOAv. yaϑā. ahū. vairiiō.See Ahunavar.
Yazashne/ijashniAv. yasna-; Phl. yasn, yazišn; NP. jašan; PGuj. ijasne, yazašnēThe foremost inner liturgy in which haoma is pounded during the recitation of the 72 chapters of the text. (See Yasna)
yazata/yazad/izad/yazadAv. yazata-; Phl. yazd; NP. yazad, izadBeing worthy of reverence.
YazdAv. yazata-; Phl. yazd; NP. yazad, izadA city in Iran which is a Zoroastrian stronghold.
YazdegardPhl. yazdgirdOne of several Sasanian kings.
Yenghe HatamAv. yeŋ́hē. hātąm.One of the oldest prayers along with Yatha Ahu Vairyo & Ashem Vohu.

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Z

OAv. – Old Avestan, Av. – Avestan, OP. – Old Persian, Phl. – Pahlavi (Middle Persian), NP. – New Persian (Modern Persian “Farsi”), PGuj. – Parsi Gujarati, Skr. – Sanskrit, Ar. – Arabic, Lat. – Latin

EntriesEtymologyDefinitions
Zahak/ZohakAv. aži- dahāka-; Phl. azdahāg; NP. aždahā, zahhākEvil king in ancient Iranian myth and Shah Nameh.
ZalAv. zairiiaṇc-?From the Shah Nameh.
ZamyadAv. zam- + yazata-; Phl. zāmyād1. Day of the month. 2. Yasht associated with mountains and the topography of Iran.
Zand/Zend AvestaAv. zaiṇti-; Phl. zand + abastāg, abestāgZand exegesis, commentary on the Avesta. Earlier, the term was mistakenly used in reference to the Avestan language and texts alone.
zaotarAv. zaotar-; Phl. zōt1. Lit. one who pours. 2. Chief priest in a ceremony.
zaothra/zohrAv. zaoϑra-; Phl. zōhrLibation during the Yasna ceremony.
ZarathushtraAv. zaraϑuštra-; Phl. zardu(x)štThe name of the Iranian prophet; founder of Zoroastrianism.
Zarthoshti/Zarathushti/ZardushtiAv. zaraϑuštri-; Phl. zardušt; NP. zartošti, zarduštiFollower of Zarathushtra.
Zartosht-no-disoPGuj. dis1. Lit. death. 2. Zarathushtra’s death anniversary (Dae mah, Khorshed roj/roz).

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FEZANA represents a diverse and growing Zarathushti community in North America.

Guided by the blessings of AHURA MAZDA and the teachings of our Prophet Zarathushtra; the Federation was founded in 1987 It serves as the coordinating body for 26 Zoroastrian Associations and 14 Corresponding Groups in the United States and Canada.

The activities of FEZANA are conducted in a spirit of mutual respect, co-operation and unity amongst all Member associations, and with due regard for the principles of GOODNESS, TRUTH, REASON, BENEVOLENCE, IMPLICIT TRUST and CHARITY towards all Mankind.

:+: Baname Khoda Kshnothro Ahura Mazda