Ab-Zohr

Ab-Zohr is attested in Zoroastrian liturgical tradition as the technical zaothra ('offering') directed to the waters. The rite appears within the Yasna liturgy as the prescribed sacrificial/atonement procedure to give strength to and purify the waters (Aban/Apas); its linguistic forms are attested in Avestan (ap-zaoθra) and Middle Persian (ab-zohr), with the Parsi Gujarati name jōra-mēḷavī ('strengthen') reflecting its functional purpose.

As a rite, Ab-Zohr's 'appearance' is described via its material components and implements: two sequential preparations of parahaoma made from three small haoma twigs, consecrated water, pomegranate twigs and leaves, and in the second preparation milk (cow's milk in Iran; goat's milk in India). Central vessels include a mortar, two bowls, and a pestle; the residue of plant material is dried and burned beside and later in the sacred fire. The completed parahaoma is a consecrated liquid used for libation.

Ab-Zohr functions liturgically to create and consecrate parahaoma, thereby symbolically combining plant life (pomegranate sap), animal life (milk), and the strengthening/healing properties of haoma with consecrated water. Its ritual efficacy is described as purifying and compensating the waters for damage caused by human actions (e.g., Yasna 68.1). The rite also produces social effects: distribution of parahaoma to attendants, infants, the dying, and pouring at tree roots, linking the liturgy to communal blessing and healing. It is not described as a sentient agent.