Aganzibra (singular form inClassical Mandaic:ࡂࡀࡍࡆࡉࡁࡓࡀ,Modern Mandaic pronunciation:ganzewrā;[1] plural form inClassical Mandaic:ࡂࡀࡍࡆࡉࡁࡓࡉࡀganzibria, literally 'treasurer' inMandaic;Persian:گنزورا) is ahigh priest inMandaeism.Tarmidas, or junior priests, rank below the ganzibras.[2]
Symbolically, ganzibras are considered to beuthras on earth (Tibil). Their responsibilities include performingmasbuta,masiqta,wedding ceremonies, and other rituals, all of which can only be performed by priests. They must prepare their own food to maintain ritual purity.[3] Ganzibra priests are also prohibited from consuming stimulants such as wine, tobacco, and coffee.[4]
The ganzibras go through an elaborate set of initiation rituals that are separate from those performed for thetarmidas.[3] According to Drower (1937), a ganzibra can only be initiated immediately before the death of a pious member of the Mandaean community. Two ganzibras and twoshgandas are required to perform the initiation.[4]
Thebukra is the firstmasiqta performed by a ganzibra priest just after ordination.[5]
Theʿngirta (lit. 'message'; also refers toQulasta prayers 73–74) is a ceremony used to inform the World of Light about the ordination of a ganzibra.[1]: 214
A ganzibra qualifies to become arishama after he initiates five priests.[1]: 18
InRight Ginza 15.7, 15.8, 16.1, and 17.1, theuthraYura is mentioned asYura Rba Ganzibra, or "Great Yura the Ganzibra."[6]
Notableganzibria include:
