Editing Zoroastrianism (section)

=== Yazata ===
{{Main|Yazatas}}
The [[Yazata]] (Avestan: 𐬫𐬀𐬰𐬀𐬙𐬀) are divine beings worshiped by song and sacrifice in Zoroastrianism, in accordance with the [[Avesta]]. The word '[[Yazatas|Yazata']] is derived from 'Yazdan', the Old Persian word for 'god',<ref name="Büchner 1934">{{harvnb|Büchner|1934|p=1161}}.</ref> and literally means "divinity worthy of worship or veneration". As a concept, it also contains a wide range of other meanings; though generally signifying (or used as an epithet of) a divinity.<ref>{{harvnb|Boyce|2001|p=xxi}}.</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Geiger|1885|p=xlix}}.</ref>

The origins of [[Yazata]] are varied, with many also being featured as gods in [[List of Hindu deities|Hinduism]], or other [[Iran]]ian religions. In modern Zoroastrianism, the Yazata are considered holy emanations of the creator, always devoted to him and obey the will of [[Ahura Mazda]]. While subject to repression by the [[Islamic Caliphate]], the [[Yazata]] were often framed as "[[angel]]s" to counter accusation of [[Shirk (Islam)|polytheism]] (''shirk'').{{sfn|Boyce|2001|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=a6gbxVfjtUEC&pg=PA157 157]}} According to the [[Avesta]] The [[Yazata]] assist [[Ahura Mazda]] in his battle against the evil spirit, and are hypostases of moral or physical aspects of creation. The yazatas collectively are {{qi|the good powers under Ahura Mazda}}, who is {{qi|the greatest of the yazatas}}.<ref name="Büchner 1934" />

==== Notable Yazata ====
* [[Ahura Mazda]]
* [[Mitra]] or [[Mithra]]
* [[Anahita]] – formerly an Iranian water goddess
* Ātar (Fire)
* [[Rashnu]], one of the three judges who pass judgment on the souls of people after death
* [[Sraosha]] or Srōsh
* [[Verethragna]] – who may be the Vedic god [[Indra]]

==== Amesha Spentas ====
Yazatas are further divided into Amesha Spentas, their "ham-kar" or "Collaborators" who are Lower Ranking divinities,<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.academia.edu/26226687 |title=The Amesha spentas and their helpers: The Zoroastrian ham-kars |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317095624/https://www.academia.edu/26226687/The_Amesha_spentas_and_their_helpers_the_Zoroastrian_ham_kars |url-status=live |last1=Raffaelli |first1=Enrico G. }}</ref> and also certain healing plants, primordial creatures, the fravashis of the dead, and certain prayers that are themselves considered holy.

The Amesha Spentas and their "ham-kar" or "collaborator" Yazatas are as follows:
* [[Vohu Manah]] + Mah / Geush Urvan / Ram
* [[Asha Vahishta]] + Atar / Sraosha / Verethraghna
* [[Kshatra Vairya]] + Khwar / Mithra / Asman / Anaghran
* [[Spenta Armaiti]] + Ap / Daena / Ashi / Manthra Spenta
* [[Haurvatat]] + Tishtriya / Fravashi / Vata
* [[Ameretat]] + Rashnu / Arshtat / Zamyad<ref name="auto1"/>