Mambuha

In Mandaeism, mambuha (Classical Mandaic: ࡌࡀࡌࡁࡅࡄࡀ, Modern Mandaic pronunciation: [mamˈbuha]), sometimes spelled mambuga (Classical Mandaic: ࡌࡀࡌࡁࡅࡂࡀ), is sacramental drinking water used in rituals such as the masbuta (baptism).^[1][2]

Sheikh Salah Choheili blessing the mambuha contained in a qanina (glass bottle) during the 2014 Parwanaya in Sydney, Australia

Qanina (ritual glass bottle) used for holding mambuha at Wallacia Mandi during Parwanaya 2025

The mambuha can be served in a kapta (pronounced kafta), a shallow brass drinking bowl^[3] that is 11 inches or less in perimeter, or in a qanina (glass bottle).^[4]

Traditionally, mambuha is taken directly from the yardna (river, i.e. the Euphrates, Tigris, or Karun rivers), but the Mandaean diaspora often uses treated tap water.

Prayers

Various prayers in the Qulasta, including prayers 33, 44, 45, 60, and 82, are recited during the drinking of the mambuha.^[5]

See also

• Halalta (rinsing water)
• Holy water
• Holy water in Eastern Christianity