The ten incarnations

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Dear list,

Here is the Iranian counterpart of ten incarnations of Verethraghna:

(from Warharan Yasht of Khorda Avesta)

 

1. First coming: Wind

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him first, running in

the shape of a strong, beautiful wind, made by Mazda; he bore

the good Glory, made by Mazda, the Glory made by Mazda, that is

both health and strength..." 14.2

 

2. Second coming: Bull

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the second time,

running in the shape of a beautiful bull, with yellow ears and

golden horns; upon whose horns floated the well-shapen Strength,

and Victory, beautiful of form..." 14.7

 

3. Third coming: Horse

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the third time, running

in the shape of a white, beautiful horse, with yellow ears and

a golden caparison; upon whose forehead floated the well-shapen

Strength, and Victory, beautiful of form..." 14.9

 

4. Fourth coming: Camel

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the fourth time,

running in the shape of a burden-bearing camel, sharp-toothed,

swift ...., stamping forwards, long-haired, and living in the

abodes of men..." 14.11

 

5. Fifth coming: Boar

"...'Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the fifth time,

running in the shape of a boar, opposing the foes, a sharp-toothed

he-boar, a sharp-jawed boar, that kills at one stroke, pursuing,

wrathful, with a dripping face, strong, and swift to run, and

rushing all around..." 14.15

 

6. Sixth coming: 15 year old young boy

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the sixth time, running

in the shape of a beautiful youth of fifteen, shining, clear-eyed,

thin-heeled...." 14.17

 

7. Seventh coming: Raven

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the seventh time,

running in the shape of a raven that ... below and ... above,

and that is the swiftest of all birds, the lightest of the flying

creatures..." 14.19

 

8. Eight coming: Ram

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the eighth time,

running in the shape of a wild, beautiful ram, with horns bent

round..." 14.23

 

9. Ninth coming: Buck

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the ninth time, running

in the shape of a beautiful, fighting buck, with sharp horns.

Thus did Verethraghna come, bearing the good Glory made by Mazda,

the Glory made by Mazda...." 14.25

 

10. Tenth coming: Man with sword of golden blad

"...Verethraghna, made by Ahura, came to him the tenth time, running

in the shape of a man, bright and beautiful, made by Mazda: he

held a sword with a golden blade, inlaid with all sorts of

ornaments..." 14.27

 

Regards,

Kasturi Rangan .K