Bihram
Uthra of baptism in Mandaeism
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In Mandaeism, Bihram (Classical Mandaic: ࡁࡉࡄࡓࡀࡌ, Modern Mandaic pronunciation: [bɑhˈrɑm]) or Bihram Rabba (Classical Mandaic: ࡁࡉࡄࡓࡀࡌ ࡓࡁࡀ, "Bihram the Great") is an uthra (angel or guardian)[1]: 8 who presides over the masbuta, or baptism ritual.[2] Bihram is mentioned in Mandaean texts such as the Qulasta. Many Mandaean masbuta ritual prayers invoke the name of Bihram.[3]
| Bihram | |
|---|---|
Uthra of Baptism | |
Bihram in the Scroll of Abatur (DC 8) | |
| Other names | Bihram Rabba |
| Abode | World of Light |
| Equivalents | |
| Sethian Gnostic | Micheus, Michar, and Mnesinous |
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.[2]
Uthra of baptism
Mandaeans consider Bihram to be the uthra of baptism.[2] 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
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
See also
- List of angels in theology
- Bahram (name)
- Bahrām I, r. 273-276
- Bahrām II, r. 276-293
- Bahrām III, r. 293
- Vahrām
- Micheus, Michar, and Mnesinous in Sethianism