Bihram Explained

Type:Mandaean
Bihram
Deity Of:Uthra of Baptism
Other Names:Bihram Rabba
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Abode:World of Light
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Equivalent1 Type:Sethian Gnostic
Equivalent1:Micheus, Michar, and Mnesinous

In Mandaeism, Bihram (ࡁࡉࡄࡓࡀࡌ) or Bihram Rabba (ࡁࡉࡄࡓࡀࡌ ࡓࡁࡀ, "Bihram the Great") is an uthra (angel or guardian)[1] who presides over the masbuta, or baptism ritual. Bihram is mentioned in Mandaean texts such as the Qulasta. Many Mandaean masbuta ritual prayers invoke the name of Bihram.[2]

Etymology

The name Bihram may have originally been derived from the Persian name Bahram, in reference to one or several of the Sasanian kings of the third century A.D.[3]

Uthra of baptism

Mandaeans consider Bihram to be the uthra of baptism.[3] Similarly, in Sethianism, Micheus, Michar, and Mnesinous are three heavenly guardian spirits presiding over the baptism of the Living Water (see also Five Seals).[4]

Mandaean name

See also: Mandaean name. Bihram is also a Mandaean male baptismal name (as opposed to Mandaean birth names). Notable Mandaeans with the name include Yahya Bihram. In the colophons of Mandaean texts, the name Bihram is also often mentioned for different priests and copyists of various eras.[5]

In Mandaean scriptures

In chapter 3 of the Mandaean Book of John, Bihram, led by Nbaṭ and the uthras Gubran, Yawar, and Yukabar, helps lead a rebellion against Yushamin and his 21 sons. Yawar kills 12 of Yushamin's sons, while Bihram kills 9 of them.[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen. The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. Oxford University Press. New York. 2002. 0-19-515385-5. 65198443.
  2. Book: Drower, E. S.. The Canonical Prayerbook of the Mandaeans. E. J. Brill. 1959. Leiden.
  3. The story of creation in the Mandaean holy book in the Ginza Rba. Aldihisi. Sabah. 2008. PhD. University College London.
  4. Book: Meyer. Marvin. Marvin Meyer. The Nag Hammadi scriptures. HarperOne. New York. 2007. 978-0-06-162600-5. 124538398.
  5. Buckley. Jorunn Jacobsen. Glimpses of A Life: Yahia Bihram, Mandaean priest. History of Religions. 39. 1999. 32–49. 10.1086/463572. 162137462 .
  6. Book: Gelbert. Carlos. The Teachings of the Mandaean John the Baptist. 9780958034678. Fairfield, NSW, Australia. Living Water Books. 2017. 1000148487.