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Saoshyant ("future benefactor"; MPers., sōshans) is an Avestan language term for a figure of Zoroastrian eschatology that assists the righteous during the final renovation of the world. The word literally means "one who brings benefit."
In common usage, this term refers to a future savior or Messiah-like figure, who will spread divine truth and lead humanity in the final battle against the forces of evil. It is speculated that this Zoroastrian belief in a Saoshyant influenced the Jewish — and later Christian — belief in a Messiah.
In the Gathas, the most sacred hymns of Zoroastrianism and believed to have been composed by Zoroaster himself, the term is used to refer to the prophet's own mission and to his community of followers, who "bring benefit" to humanity. Later Zoroastrian tradition envisions three future Saoshyants, who will restore order when the world has fallen into chaos. These will be born of virgins from the miraculously preserved seed of the prophet Zoroaster himself. The last Saoshyant will bring about the final judgement of humanity and will secure the harmony of the world.
In some cases, this term is used as a plural, saoshyans, to refer to religious leaders. In Iran and India Zoroastrians (and others), still use this name for males.
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