Daryaman

Daryaman is a term found primarily within the context of Indo-Iranian comparative mythology and linguistics. Specifically, it is theorized to be a Proto-Indo-Iranian or early Indo-Iranian divine entity or concept, often associated with hospitality, friendship, and the proper conduct of social relations and contractual agreements. The etymology of "Daryaman" is linked to concepts of 'firmly bound', 'friend', or 'companion'.

Reconstructions based on Vedic Sanskrit and Avestan sources suggest that Daryaman may have represented a deity who presided over covenants and reciprocal obligations between individuals and groups. In Vedic literature, Daryaman is sometimes invoked alongside other deities associated with contracts, such as Mitra and Varuna. While not a major deity in either the Vedic or Avestan pantheons in later iterations, the lingering presence and etymological roots of the name point to a significant role in earlier stages of Indo-Iranian religious and social thought. The term encapsulates not merely the act of offering hospitality but also the maintenance of trustworthiness and the sanctity of agreements.