DAEVA Meaning and
Definition
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Daeva is a term of Persian origin, primarily found in Zoroastrianism, which refers to evil spirits or demons. In ancient Persian belief systems, these entities were considered to be malevolent supernatural beings that opposed the forces of good and sought to corrupt individuals and undermine order in the world. The concept of daeva is closely associated with Ahriman, the principle of evil in Zoroastrianism.
Derived from the Avestan language, the term "daeva" originally referred to "gods" or "celestial spirits" before evolving into its negative connotation. In Zoroastrian texts and mythology, the daevas are often depicted as agents of chaos, representing temptation, destruction, and deceit. They were believed to inhabit desolate and impure locations, such as mountains, caves, and waste lands.
Furthermore, their association with dark forces and practices made them subjects of fear and disdain within the Zoroastrian community. Zoroastrian priests and followers were constantly encouraged to resist and protect themselves from the influence of these malevolent spirits through righteous thoughts, words, and actions.
Although the concept of daeva has its roots in ancient Persian religion and mythology, its influence has extended to various other cultures and belief systems. In modern usage, the term "daeva" is sometimes employed in a broader sense to describe any malevolent supernatural being or demon across different spiritual traditions, particularly those originating from the Middle East and South Asia.
Common Misspellings for DAEVA
- xaeva
- dzeva
- dqeva
- da4va
- da3va
- daevz
- daevw
- daevq
- sdaeva
- dsaeva
- xdaeva
- dxaeva
- cdaeva
- dcaeva
- fdaeva
- dfaeva
- rdaeva
- draeva
- edaeva
- deaeva
Etymology of DAEVA
The word "daeva" originates from ancient Persian, specifically from the Avestan language. In Avestan, the term "daevo" (later "daeva") referred to an evil supernatural being or deity. These creatures were considered to be malevolent and opposed to the righteous principles of righteousness (asha) and order (arta) in Zoroastrianism. In later Persian and Persian-influenced languages, such as Middle Persian and Persian, the term "daeva" came to denote demons or evil spirits. It is worth noting that in modern Persian, the word has shifted to "div" which means "demon".
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