Anandiruna (Classical Mandaic:ࡏࡍࡃࡉࡓࡅࡍࡀ,romanized: ʿndiruna,lit. 'chamber'[1]) is a temporaryreed hut used duringMandaean priest initiation ceremonies.[2]
The termandiruna orʿndiruna (ʿndruna) literally means 'chamber' and can also be used to refer to awedding chamber or canopy.[3]
Several different priestly texts, including theScroll of Exalted Kingship (Classical Mandaic:Diwan Malkuta ʿLaita)[4] andThe Great Supreme World (Classical Mandaic:Alma Rišaia Rba),[5] need to kept in theandiruna hut during the initiation ceremony, or else the ceremony would be deemed invalid without the presence of the texts.[2]
During thetarmida initiation ceremony, the initiating priest (rba) and the novice stay in theandiruna hut for one entire week without sleeping. The priest and the novice emerge from the hut after the 7 days are completed, and the hut is taken down. Afterwards, the novice undergoes 60 days of seclusion at home.[6]
During the priest initiation ceremony, another reed hut, theškinta, is constructed to the north of the andiruna. It symbolizes theWorld of Light and it covered by a white cloth roof. In contrast, the andiruna has a blue cloth roof to symbolize the color ofRuha. Together, the two adjacent huts symbolize complementary masculine and feminine elements.[6]
The andiruna symbolizes the "female" side, and is associated with the earth (Tibil), laypeople, the left side, silver, and theklila (myrtle wreath).[6] Similarly, in a traditionalPersian house, the women's quarters are known asandirūn.[2]
Theškinta (cognate with the Hebrew wordshekhinah; from theSemitic rootš-k-n, associated with dwellings) symbolizes the "male" side, and is associated with theWorld of Light, priests, the right side, gold, and thetaga (crown).[6]
| Andiruna | Shkinta |
|---|---|
| female | male |
| Tibil | World of Light |
| laypeople | priests |
| left side (smalࡎࡌࡀࡋ) | right side (yaminࡉࡀࡌࡉࡍ) |
| south (timia) | north (girbia) |
| silver (kaspa) | gold (dahba) |
| klila | taga |
