Library
All Collections Home

Bundahishn

The Bundahishn (" Primal Creation") is the central Zoroastrian account of creation, cosmology, and eschatology, written in Middle Persian. It is one of the most important surviving testaments to Zoroastrian literature.|||Middle Persian manuscripts, the oldest dating from the 14th century CE. Two recensions: the Indian Bundahishn and the Iranian (or Greater) Bundahishn.|||Compiled in the 9th century CE, though based on earlier traditions.|||Canonical in Zoroastrianism. Not recognized by any other religious tradition.|||The central Zoroastrian account of creation, cosmology, and eschatology. Describes the conflict between Ohrmazd (Ahura Mazda) and Ahriman (Angra Mainyu).|||Agostini, D. & Thrope, S. The Bundahišn: The Zoroastrian Book of Creation. Oxford University Press, 2020.|||Bahar, M. Bundahishn. Tehran, 1990.|||Bundahishn — Sacred Texts|https://www.sacred-texts.com/zor/sbe05/index.htm|Full public-domain translation.;; Bundahishn — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundahishn|Background and scholarly discussion.|||" In the name of the creator Ohrmazd." — Bundahishn 1:0

Collection: Other Ancient Religious Texts Canon: varies

Canon Status

Canonical in Zoroastrianism. Not recognized by any other religious tradition.

Date & Provenance

Compiled in the 9th century CE, though based on earlier traditions.

Language & Manuscripts

Middle Persian manuscripts, the oldest dating from the 14th century CE. Two recensions: the Indian Bundahishn and the Iranian (or Greater) Bundahishn.

Why It Matters for Study

The central Zoroastrian account of creation, cosmology, and eschatology. Describes the conflict between Ohrmazd (Ahura Mazda) and Ahriman (Angra Mainyu).

" In the name of the creator Ohrmazd." — Bundahishn 1:0

Read the Text & External Resources

Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.

  • " In the name of the creator Ohrmazd." — Bundahishn 1:0 " In the name of the creator Ohrmazd." — Bundahishn 1:0

External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.

Further Reading

Agostini, D. & Thrope, S. The Bundahišn: The Zoroastrian Book of Creation. Oxford University Press, 2020.
Bahar, M. Bundahishn. Tehran, 1990.
Bundahishn — Sacred Texts|https://www.sacred-texts.com/zor/sbe05/index.htm|Full public-domain translation.;; Bundahishn — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundahishn|Background and scholarly discussion.