Tarwan

In Mandaeism, Tarwan (Classical Mandaic: ࡕࡀࡓࡅࡀࡍ, romanized: Taruan, Modern Mandaic pronunciation: [tarˈwɑn]) is a section of the World of Light that is typically described as a "pure land."

The "land of Tarwan" is mentioned in Qulasta prayers 190 and 379 and Right Ginza 15.17, while "pure Tarwan" (taruan dakita), or sometimes "the pure land of Tarwan," is mentioned as a heavenly place in Right Ginza 15.2, 15.8, 15.16, and 16.1.^[1] "Tarwan-Nhura" (Tarwan of Light) is mentioned in Qulasta prayers 4 and 25.^[2]

Etymology

The etymology of Tarwan is obscure. Gelbert (2005) suggests a connection with Parvaim, a mythical land mentioned in 2 Chronicles 3:6 as a source of gold.^[3]

As an uthra

Tarwan is also the name of an uthra who is usually mentioned together with Tar. The duo Tar and Tarwan is mentioned in prayers such as the Asut Malkia (Qulasta prayer 105).^[2]

As an uthra, Tarwan is also mentioned in Right Ginza 8.^[1]

As a heavenly tree

In Alma Rišaia Rba (DC 41), Tarwan is the name given to one of the heavenly trees.^[4]

See also

• Mandaean cosmology
• Mshunia Kushta
• Pure land in Buddhism
• Pure Land Buddhism