Definition: Avesta refers to the holy scriptures of Zoroastrianism or Mazdaism. The language of the Avesta is Avestan. Hinnells says the extant Avesta is one-quarter of the original. Most was destroyed by Alexander the Great when he burned Perspolis in 331 B.C., according to the Oxford World Encyclopedia. Reconstruction attempts have been made based on 9th century A.D. and later Pahlavi texts, which teach about the virgin birth of a savior (sosyant), a descendant of Zoroaster.
Source:
- "Zoroastrian Saviour Imagery and Its Influence on the New Testament"
John. R. Hinnells.
Numen, Vol. 16, Fasc. 3 (Dec., 1969), pp. 161-185. - Zoroastrian Glossary
Also Known As: Zend-Avesta
Examples:
The Avesta includes the Gathas, which originated with Zoroaster, as well as Yashts, Yasna, and Vendidad, and prayers.
Source
