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Glite Dictionary
Zurvan

Zurvan

1 9.9
A god in Zoroastrianism who represents time and fate and is seen as creator in one tradition of the religion
  • proper noun
  • Literature
: Zurvan
  • Devotees of Zoroastrianism have different interpretations of Zurvan, sometimes viewing him as central to their beliefs.

Examples

  • The Zurvanite tradition posits that Zurvan is the ultimate creator, distinct from other deities in Zoroastrianism.

  • In Zoroastrianism, Zurvan is considered the god of time, embodying fate and the creation of the universe.

  • The writings of Zarathustra were altered to omit references to Zurvan and instead used to emphasize the belief that Ahura Mazda (the Living Spirit) was the One God.

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Surface Forms

Zurvan main

Etymology

The word Zurvan comes from an old Iranian word meaning 'time'. So in some Zoroastrian stories he is the god of 'time' and 'fate', like a slow river of time that shapes the world and people's destiny.