Ahura Mazda vs Angra Mainyu — The Cosmic Duality

The cosmic duality between Ahura Mazda (Ohrmazd), the Wise Lord, and Angra Mainyu (Ahriman), the Destructive Spirit, constitutes the central axis of Zoroastrian cosmology as proclaimed in Yasna 30.3-6 of the Gathas. This is not a symmetrical dualism: the Bundahishn makes clear that Ohrmazd is omniscient and existed in boundless light, while Ahriman dwells in boundless darkness and is limited by his own ignorance. The struggle between them unfolds across three cosmic ages — the Bundahishn's primordial creation (bundahishn), the period of mixture (Gumezishn), and the final renovation (Wizarishn). Every conscious being, human and divine, must choose a side in this struggle; neutrality is itself a victory for Druj.

Cross-Tradition Resonances