Dahmān Āfrīn and Srōš: Analyzing a Connection

Abstract

Abstract This article investigates the theme, known from two passages of Pahlavi literature (Šāyist nē Šāyist 13.43 and Dēnkard 9.22.1), of the multiple comings of the deities Dahmān Āfrīn and Srōš to the world at night in order to give it increase. The article highlights that this theme reflects some characteristics of the Dahmā Āfriti prayer (which Dahmān Āfrīn personifies), and of the deity Sraoša (of whom Srōš is the equivalent) according to the Avestan tradition. Furthermore, the article highlights that this theme also reflects certain characteristics of the Dahmā Āfriti and of Srōš, as well as of the deity Dahmān Āfrīn, in the Zoroastrian tradition of the Sasanian to early Islamic times. The article analyzes these characteristics, and proposes some considerations on the relationship between Dahmān Āfrīn and Srōš. It also points out that a connection between Dahmān Āfrīn and Srōš is preserved in modern and contemporary Zoroastrian rituals.