The Vendīdād
Anonymous
Zoroastrian
5:01 h
The Holy Book of Zoroastrianism is called the Zend Avesta. The Zend is the commentary on the teaching and the Avesta is the original teaching in the Holy book. Besides the Avesta, there are Yashts - smaller books for Prayer, often to a specific being. Other books included are the Afringan, Nyayish, Gah and Sirozah which partially contain some scriptures of the lost 14th and 21st Nasks (Lost books). Other teachings are the Yasna which means sacrifice and contains prayers for sacrificial rituals; the Visperad is a collection of doctrines that are used for exorcism and religious law. The Visperad also includes cosmological, historical and eschatological material.

Vendīdād.

Fargard I.

Ahura Mazda spake unto Spitama Zarathustra, saying:

I have made every land dear to its dwellers, even though it had no charms whatever in it had I not made every land dear to its dwellers, even though it had no charms whatever in it, then the whole living world would have invaded the Airyana Vaêgô.

The first of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was the Airyana Vaêgô, by the good river Dâitya.

Thereupon came Angra Mainyu, who is all death, and he counter-created by his witchcraft the serpent in the river and winter, a work of the Daêvas.

There are ten winter months there, two summer months; and those are cold for the waters, cold for the earth, cold for the trees. Winter falls there, with the worst of its plagues.

The second of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was the plains in Sughdha.

Thereupon came Angra Mainyu, who is all death, and he counter-created by his witchcraft the fly Skaitya, which brings death to the cattle.

The third of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was the strong, holy Môuru.

Thereupon came Angra Mainyu, who is all death, and he counter-created by his witchcraft sinful lusts.

The fourth of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was the beautiful Bâkhdhi with high-lifted banners.

Thereupon came Angra Mainyu, who is all death, and he counter-created by his witchcraft the Bravara.

The fifth of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was Nisâya, that lies between Môuru and Bâkhdhi.

Thereupon came Angra Mainyu, who is all death, and he counter-created by his witchcraft the sin of unbelief.

The sixth of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was Harôyu with its lake.

Thereupon came Angra Mainyu, who is all death, and he counter-created by his witchcraft the stained mosquito.

The seventh of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was Vaêkereta, of the evil shadows.

Thereupon came Angra Mainyu, who is all death, and he counter-created by his witchcraft the Pairika Knãthaiti, who clave unto Keresâspa.

The eighth of the good lands and countries which I, Ahura Mazda, created, was Urva of the rich pastures.