In Mandaeism, Tarwan (, ) 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 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.
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.
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).
Another pair of uthras,
Sar and Sarwan, has names that rhyme with Tar and Tarwan; this duo is mentioned in
Qulasta prayers ,
Asut Malkia, , and 378,
and
Right Ginza 5.1, 8, and 17.1.
As an uthra, Tarwan is also mentioned in Right Ginza 8.
As a heavenly tree
In
Alma RiĊĦaia Rba (DC 41), Tarwan is the name given to one of the heavenly trees.
See also
