Abatur is an Uthra and the second of three subservient emanations created by the Mandaean God Hayyi Rabbi in the Mandaean religion. His name translates as the “father of the Uthras”, the Mandaean name for angels or guardians. His usual epithet is the Ancient (Atiga) and he is also called the deeply hidden and guarded. He is described as being the son of the first emanation, or Yoshamin. He is also described as being the angel of Polaris.
Image of Abatur from Diwan Abatur
Illustration of Abatur at the scales from Diwan Abatur
Mandaeism, sometimes also known as Nasoraeanism or Sabianism, is a Gnostic, monotheistic and ethnic religion with Greek, Iranian, and Jewish influences. Its adherents, the Mandaeans, revere Adam, Abel, Seth, Enos, Noah, Shem, Aram, and especially John the Baptist. Mandaeans consider Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem and John the Baptist prophets, with Adam being the founder of the religion and John being the greatest and final prophet.
A copy of the Ginza Rabba in Arabic translation
Mandaic incantation bowl from Southern Mesopotamia c. 200–600 CE – Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada
An 18th-century Scroll of Abatur in the Bodleian Library, Oxford
Image of Abatur from Diwan Abatur