Sudreh and Kusti

Sudreh and Kusti

The Sudreh and Kusti is an integral part of a Zoroastrian. The word Sudreh is translated to the ‘Good Path’. Sud is Good and Reh is Path. Sudrehs are white in colour to signify purity and is made of mulmul material.

There are nine aspects of Sudrehs. Number 9 is widely known as a religious number. The Girdo is located at the nape. Girdo signifies the burden of past life, actions and punishments. The Girebaan is on the front by the chest. The Girebaan stores our deeds.

 

There are two Tiris on all Sudrehs. One is a Triangular Tiri and the second is a Straight Tiri. Triangular Tiri indicates “Humata, Hukhta and Huvarshta” being “Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds”. The Straight Tiri indicates religious direction that Zoroastrians need to follow and reminds us of our purpose.  The two sleeves indicate good against evil forces.

 

The Kusti is made of wool and is worn on the Sudreh. Kustis are made of 72 strands reflecting the number of chapters in the Yasna.

The 72 strands are spilt into 6 sections. There are six Amesha Spentas which are Bahman, Ardibehesht, Shehrevar, Spendarmad, Khordad and Amardad. Each of the six sections have 12 strands (72/12). There are 12 words in an Ashem Vohu which is the prayer of righteousness for the sake of righteousness.

There are three tassels on each rear side of the kusti. The three tassels reflect “Humata, Hukhta and Huvarshta” being “Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds”. The tassels indicate the six Gahambars. Six Gahambars are Maediozarem, Maedioshahem, Paeteshahem, Ayathrem, Maediarem and Hamaspethmaedaem. The 24 strands in each tassel reflect the number of chapters in the Visperad.