The Avesta
The Avesta is the central sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster. Written in Avestan language, it contains hymns, prayers, laws, and teachings on the eternal struggle between good and evil, divine wisdom, and the path to spiritual purity. Read the Avesta free on Religions.app with parallel passages from other world religions.
Books of the Avesta
Each book contains teachings on virtue, cosmology, ritual, and the path to spiritual enlightenment in Zoroastrian tradition.
What is the Avesta?
The Avesta is the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest major religions. Originally transmitted orally, it was eventually written down in Avestan script. The Avesta comprises several main sections: the Yasna (liturgical prayers), the Yashts (hymns to various divine beings), the Visperad (prayers to all the protectors), the Vendidad (laws and rituals), and the Gathas (hymns attributed to Zoroaster himself).
Central to the Avesta is the dualistic cosmology of Zoroastrianism, which emphasizes the eternal conflict between Ahura Mazda (the wise lord of good) and Ahriman (the spirit of evil). The text teaches that humans have free will to choose between good (asha/righteousness) and evil (druj/falsehood), and that through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, one can contribute to the triumph of good.
The Avesta has profoundly influenced major world religions and philosophies. Its themes of monotheism, eschatology, divine judgment, heaven and hell, and the ultimate restoration of the world echo throughout Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For Zoroastrians, the Avesta remains the authoritative guide to spiritual practice, ethics, and communion with the divine.
Compare with Other Sacred Texts
Explore parallels between the Avesta and texts from other traditions. Discover shared wisdom on good and evil, divine judgment, and the path to spiritual purity.
View ComparisonsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Avesta?
The Avesta is the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster. It contains hymns, prayers, laws, and teachings on the cosmic struggle between good and evil, divine wisdom, and the path to spiritual purity and enlightenment.
Who wrote the Avesta?
The Avesta is traditionally attributed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra), who is believed to have lived sometime between the 15th and 6th centuries BCE in ancient Persia. The texts were originally transmitted orally and eventually written down in Avestan script. The Gathas, the oldest and most sacred hymns, are attributed directly to Zoroaster himself.
What religion uses the Avesta?
The Avesta is the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest major religions. Zoroastrianism was once the dominant religion of the Persian Empire and influenced many other world religions. Today, Zoroastrians—both in diaspora communities and in Iran—continue to reverence and study the Avesta as their most authoritative spiritual text.