Varuna (Iranian deity)

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Varuna is an Iranian deity who is worshiped in the Avesta and in Zoroastrian mythology with the nickname "Apam Napat" ("grandson of the waters") and, along with Mithra, is one of the highest deities in early Iranian religious history. Both are given the name "Ahura" ("Lord") in Avestan . Varuna is considered the personification of truth. As Varuna's abode, we encounter the sea Vourukasha ( Vouru.kaša , Avestisch) corresponding to the sea Farāxkart in the Pahlavi literature.

The figure of Ahura Mazda appears to be superior to the couple Mithra and Varuna early on , which has a leading and dominant effect on their actions. In connection with Varuna Apam Napat the figure Xwarenah (Avestian; Pahlavi Xwarrah , Neupersisch Farr ; glory, splendor ) appears, who as "God-given glory" or "God's grace" leaves those who leave the path of truth.

In the Achaemenid epoch, under Artaxerxes II at the latest, the deity Ardvi Sura Anahita appeared as one of the three highest and most revered deities alongside Mithra and Ahura Mazda, while Varuna was comparatively in the background. However, Varuna is still venerated today by the Zoroastrian clergy and retains its place in ritual and prayer.

Varuna as the Indian deity of the same name has a different shape and function .

See also

literature

  • A Concise Pahlavi Dictionary . DN MacKenzie. Routledge Curzon, 2005.
  • Avesta. Translation of the text . Jalil Doostkhah. Morvarid, 1996.
  • Encyclopaedia of Ancient Iran . Hashem-e Razi, Tehran, Sokhan, 2002.
  • Zoroastrians. Their Religious Beliefs and Practices . Mary Boyce . Routledge, 2008.