Vanant

Vanant is the Avestan language name of a minor Zoroastrian divinity. The name literally means "conqueror", but in Zoroastrian tradition Vanant is the hypostasis of the "star of the west", variously identified with Altair or Shaula.

Vanant may have its origins in the Sumero-Akkadian Vanand, perhaps incorporated in the Zoroastrian pantheon as a consequence of the close relations between Iran and Babylon during the late Achaemenid era.

Vanant has no calendrical dedication (see Zoroastrian calendar), but is invoked together with the other astral divinities on the second and third days of the month. From amongst the hymns invoking divinities, "Yasht" 21 is dedicated to Vanant. The divinity is also invoked in the hymn dedicated to Tishtrya, another star "yazata" for whom Vanant is a constant companion.

In Zoroastrian tradition Vanant is considered to a guardian of goodness. An invocation of the "Vanant Yasht" is believed to be a potent remedy for fighting evil.

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