Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta: good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
Awaiting review by a scholar of this tradition. Original texts are public domain; the plain meanings and notes are written by IndiaDigital and are being checked. We describe what each tradition teaches, in its own terms, and never rank faiths. Report a correction
About these prayers
The sacred texts of Zoroastrians are gathered in the Avesta, written in the ancient Avestan language. At its heart are the Gathas, seventeen hymns that Zoroastrians believe were composed by the prophet Zarathushtra himself. For daily prayer, Zoroastrians use the Khordeh Avesta, the 'little Avesta', a prayer book of short prayers drawn from the larger scriptures. Prayers are recited in Avestan, usually in front of a fire or a lamp as a symbol of light, and several of them are said while untying and retying the kusti, the sacred cord worn around the waist. The faith is often summed up in three words, Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta: good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
Ashem Vohu
One of the shortest and most frequently said Zoroastrian prayers. It is recited many times a day: on waking, before meals, during the kusti ritual, and at the close of longer prayers. Children often learn it first.
The prayer praises Asha, the divine order of truth and righteousness. In simple terms it says: Asha is good, it is the best; happiness comes to the one who is righteous for the sake of the best righteousness. Zoroastrians understand it as a reminder that doing right because it is right, and not for reward, brings true happiness. Translations vary in wording, but this core sense is widely shared.
ashem / asha
truth, righteousness, the right order of the world
vohu
good
vahishtem
best, highest
asti
is
ushta
happiness, well-being
ahmai
to him, to that person
Yatha Ahu Vairyo (Ahunavar)
Considered by Zoroastrians the most sacred of their short prayers, also called the Ahunavar or Ahuna Vairya. It is recited daily, often several times, during the kusti ritual and at the start of many prayers, and is believed to give strength against evil.
Renderings of this prayer differ greatly among scholars, because its ancient grammar is compact and can be read in more than one way. A simple, widely accepted sense is: just as the Lord is the one to be chosen, so too is the spiritual guide chosen for the sake of righteousness. The gifts of the Good Mind belong to those who work for Mazda in the world, and the power of Ahura is given to the one who protects and cares for the poor. Zoroastrians understand it as joining right choice, good thinking, good action and care for the needy.
ahu
lord, master (also: existence, life)
vairyo
to be chosen, worthy of choice
ratu
spiritual guide, judge, right measure
vohu manah (vangheush manangho)
Good Mind, good thinking
shyaothana
deeds, actions
mazda
wise; part of the name Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord
khshathra
power, rule, sovereignty
drigu
the poor, the needy
Airyema Ishyo
A short prayer from the Yasna (Yasna 54.1), counted among the most important Avestan prayers. It is recited in daily prayers and is also said at weddings and other joyful occasions, as a prayer for healing, friendship and blessing.
The prayer calls on Airyaman, the spirit of friendship and fellowship, to come and bring help and joy to the men and women who follow Zarathushtra, and support to the Good Mind. It asks that every soul which chooses the good may receive its due reward. It then asks for the blessing of Asha, the reward of righteousness that Ahura Mazda has measured out. Zoroastrians see it as a prayer for healing, community and the coming of goodness in the world.
airyaman (airyema)
friendship, fellowship; a divine being of healing and community
ishyo
longed for, desired
rafedhra
support, help, joy
nar / nairi
man / woman
daena
inner self, conscience, religion
mizhda
reward
ashi
blessing, recompense
ahura mazda
the Wise Lord, God in Zoroastrian belief
Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta
Not a separate prayer so much as the moral heart of the faith in three words. The phrase in the form 'humatanãm hukhtanãm hvarshtanãm' appears in the Yasna (Yasna 35.2), and the three words are taught to every Zoroastrian child as the rule for daily life.
The three words mean good thoughts, good words and good deeds. The second line is the same idea in the form found in the Yasna, meaning 'of good thoughts, of good words, of good deeds', part of a passage in which worshippers say they praise and hold to all that is well thought, well spoken and well done. Zoroastrians believe that every person is free to choose, and that choosing good in mind, speech and action is how one takes the side of Asha. The three are seen as linked: a good thought should lead to a good word, and a good word to a good deed.
hu
good, well (prefix)
humata
good thought, well thought
hukhta
good word, well spoken
hvarshta
good deed, well done
With respect
Zoroastrians say their prayers in Avestan, the ancient language of their scriptures, which they hold sacred. The sound of the words as recited is itself considered meaningful, so the prayers are learned and said in the original even by those who do not know the language.
Fire is honoured as a symbol of purity, light and the presence of Ahura Mazda. Zoroastrians pray in its presence but do not worship fire itself, so calling them 'fire worshippers' is a misunderstanding.
Fire temples (agiaries and atash behrams) in India are generally open only to Zoroastrians. Visitors are asked to respect this custom and learn about the faith through books, museums, public events and the community's own guidance.
The Roman, Gujarati and Devanagari texts and the meanings given here are for understanding only. They are not a replacement for the prayers as taught by a mobed (priest) or within a Zoroastrian family, where correct pronunciation and practice are passed on.
Quick quiz
Which idea is at the centre of the Ashem Vohu prayer?
What is another name for the Yatha Ahu Vairyo prayer?
In the Yatha Ahu Vairyo, to whom is the power of Ahura said to be given?
Airyaman, called upon in the Airyema Ishyo, is linked with what?
What do Humata, Hukhta and Hvarshta mean?
What is the Khordeh Avesta?
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Avestan prayers in the Roman spelling of Parsi prayer books, with Gujarati and Devanagari renderings and plain meanings by IndiaDigital, awaiting review by a Zoroastrian scholar or dastur. Avestan is never read aloud by a machine voice.
Corrections from members of every tradition are welcome at support@indiadigital.org. Last checked: .