VÃÂyu-VÃÂta (or VÃÂta-VÃÂyu; , ) is the Avestan name of a dual-natured Zoroastrian deity of the wind (VÃÂyu) and of the atmosphere (VÃÂta). The names are also used independently of one another, with 'VÃÂyu' occurring more frequently than 'VÃÂta', but even when used independently still representing the other aspect.
The entity is simultaneously angelic and demonic, that is, depending on the circumstances, either yazata - "worthy of worship" - or daeva, which in Zoroastrian tradition is a demon. Scripture frequently applies the epithet "good" when speaking of one or the other in a positive context.
In Zurvanism (Zurvanite Zoroastrianism, a now-extinct form of Zoroastrianism), VÃÂta-VÃÂyu represented two facets of the quaternary Zurvan. In this arrangement, VÃÂta-VÃÂyu represented "space" while the other two facets represent "time."
VÃÂyu-VÃÂta has Indo-Iranian roots and has the same name in historical Vedic religion.
Both the words VÃÂta and VÃÂyu have almost identical meanings in Sanskrit or Vedic traditions. Although there is no god representing VÃÂta, there is the god VÃÂyu representing air. The word VÃÂta is still used today in many Indian languages to denote atmosphere. Atmosphere in many Indian languages (such as Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Sanskrit, etc.) is called VÃÂtÃÂvaraá¹Âa (); which is made of two words, VÃÂta (, ) and ÃÂvaraá¹Âa (, ).