The Inca civilization, one of the most renowned in South America, was built on top of what was once the largest empire in pre-Colombian history. How did the Incas get to be so powerful? A major part of it came from their culture and religion. The Incas had many gods that they worshipped and at times feared. This article will explore the lives and stories of some of these gods, as well as how people interacted with them in daily life. Let’s get started!
What were the main gods of the Incas?
The main gods of the Incas are as follows:
Viracocha. A god previous to the Inca world because it was known from time immemorial. Inti. In addition to being Viraocha’s traveling companion, he was the Sun god. Pacha Mama. Pachacamac. Mama Cocha. Mama Coca. Supay. Mama Quilla.
What did Incas believe in?
The incas believe in three kingdoms, hanan pacha, kay pacha and uku pacha. Hanan pacha is the kingdom of the living, kay pacha is the realm of the ancestors and uku pacha is land of death. This was a very important belief for the incas as it helped them understand their world as well as how they were all interconnected.
What are the Incas known for?
The Incas are known for their empire, which is one of the largest and most powerful in pre-Columbian America. The empire was one of many that developed at this time in history as a result of trade routes and local specialization. What sets them apart from other civilizations is their legacy: they are known for building amazing structures, like Machu Picchu, with little to no written text.
What kind of temples did the Incas build?
The best-known Inca temples are those of Machu Picchu, which were built to house religious ceremonies in honor of the Pachamama. Other sacred areas such as Sacsayhuaman, outside Cusco, are also noted for their interesting geometry. The Quechua word Sacsayhuaman means stone with many corners. These sites served as a focal point for ceremonies and celebrations honoring Inti (the god of agriculture), Viracocha (the creator), and Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Inca Gods and Goddesses
The main gods and goddesses of the Inca religion are: Viraocha, Inti, Pacha Mama, Pachacamac, Mama Cocha, Mama Coca, Supay and Mama Quilla. Viracocha is a god previous to the Incas because he was known from time immemorial. He is usually depicted as bearded and wearing a conical hat. Inti is Sun god who travels with Viracocha.
Who was Viracocha?
Viracocha is a pre-Incan god. He is depicted as a bearded man dressed in white robes, wearing sandals and carrying a staff of power. He was known from time immemorial as he was worshipped by numerous civilizations before the Incas came to be. He was also Viraocha’s traveling companion, and it is said that he created humanity out of clay.
What Was Inti?
Inti is a sun god. His name means son and he is one of two solar deities worshipped by the ancient Incas. Inti was believed to be the son of Viracocha, a creator god who lived deep in Lake Titicaca with his sister, Mama Killa. One day, while playing in a garden near his home, Inti touched some flowers with his hands.
How About Pacha Mama?
Pacha Mama was an important goddess in the Inca world. She is known as Mother Earth, and she had many children, including Inti, Viracocha and Pachacamac. The most important mountain in their universe was called Apu Cocha and she resided there with her children.
What About Supay and Mama Coca?
Supay was one of the main gods in the Inca pantheon. While he is not as well-known as other deities like Viracocha, Pachamama, or Inti, Supay was still a very important god to the people of ancient Peru. He is depicted in artwork and architecture as an old man with a cane who wore a hat made from llama skin and carried a mummified human head on his shoulder.
How about Quilla or Killa Mami?
Quilla is a goddess of the moon and stars. Her name means full moon in Quechua and she is one of only three female deities to be honored by the ancient Incas. Killa Mami, which means mother earth, was worshiped as a fertility goddess who granted abundance and prosperity to her followers.
