ASUTA
The Journal for the Study and Research into the
Mandaean Culture, Religion, and Language.

        Volume 8                                  Special Issue                                           Online edition

Miriai
The Religion Personified

       RESEARCH DONE BY AJAE                                                              COPYRIGHT 2000

Mary in Mandaean Literature

Now just because the above examples of Miriai are not indicative of Mary or Mary Magdalene of the New Testament, this does not mean Mary is not mentioned in Mandaean literature.  Mary is mention but almost always in the negative sense.  In the Haran Gawaita her name is used both as Mary and as Miriam.  But in both cases they refer to Mary the mother of Jesus.

"… there was created something which was not placed in the womb of Mary , a daughter of Moses. It was hidden in her womb for nine months and bewitched her until the nine months were fulfilled and she was in labour and brought forth a messiah.

“… it will come to pass that the false Messiah, son of Miriam…”

In the Book of John Mary is mentioned as the mother of Jesus by the name Miriam.

“Who told Yeshu Messiah, son of Miryam…”

Once again there is no indication of Mary or Miriam being equal to Miriai.  We see do see Mary and the name Miriai connected in one place.  In the Diwan Abathur there is a picture of Miriai.  The description next to the picture is:

“This is the likeness of Miriai that standeth before Ruha.”

Since the Diwan Abathur describes those what happens to those who go against the strict Mandaean tenets of purity and faithfulness, Miriai cannot be our Mandaean “religion” Miriai but rather Mary the mother of Jesus.

Introduction

Miriai from the Book of John
Miriai leaves Judaism
Miriai becomes a “Vine”
Miriai becomes a Mandaean Priest

The Prayers
#149
#162

A little Miriai here and there

Mary in Mandaean Literature

Conclusion

References