Mandi (Mandaeism)

Mandaean Beth Manda (Mashkhanna) in Baghdad, 2024

A mandi, mashkhanna[1] (ࡌࡀࡔࡊࡍࡀ maškna),[2] or beth manda (beit manda, ࡁࡉࡕ ࡌࡀࡍࡃࡀ bit manda, 'house of knowledge'; also bimanda[3]), is a Mandaean building that serves as a community center and place of worship. A mandi is traditionally built on the banks of a yardna, or flowing river.

Although mandis are traditionally "cult-huts" made of straw, bamboo, and mud that are built by the river,[4] nowadays mandis can also be modern buildings that serve as community houses and local administrative centers. A mandi typically holds weekly worship services, weddings, and many other important events and rituals.[2]

  1. ^ Secunda, Shai; Fine, Steven (2012). Shoshannat Yaakov. Brill. p. 345. ISBN 978-90-04-23544-1.
  2. ^ a b Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515385-5. OCLC 65198443.
  3. ^ Drower, E. S. (1960). The secret Adam: a study of Nasoraean gnosis. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
  4. ^ Drower, E. S. 1960. The Secret Adam: A Study of Nasoraean Gnosis. Oxford: Clarendon Press.