Inti

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Sol de Mayo-Bandera de Argentina

8 Reales, Argentina, 1813 - Bode-Museum - DSC02721

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Pachacuteckoricancha

Inti Raymi

José Bernardo de Tagle Inti

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Inti was the Inca Sun god and one of the most important deities in the Inca pantheon. As the sun god, Inti was considered the ancestor of the Incas, reinforcing the divine right of the Inca rulers, who were believed to be direct descendants of the god. The worship of Inti was central to the Inca religion and played a significant role in the daily lives of the Inca people, influencing their agriculture, calendar, and rituals.

Mythology and Worship

Inti, also known as Apu-Punchau, was part of the Inca mythology that included many gods, but he was especially revered as the provider of warmth, light, and life. Inti was thought to be married to Pachamama, the earth goddess, creating a balance between the earth and the sky. This divine couple was worshipped through various ceremonies and rituals, which were designed to ensure their benevolence towards the Inca people.

The most significant temple dedicated to Inti was the Coricancha (or Qorikancha), located in the Inca capital of Cusco. The Coricancha was not only a religious center but also an astronomical observatory, where priests would observe the sun to predict weather patterns and determine the best times for planting and harvesting.

Festivals and Ceremonies

The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, was the most important ceremony dedicated to Inti. Held at the winter solstice, it celebrated the return of the sun and involved sacrifices, dances, and processions. The Sapa Inca, the emperor, played a central role in the ceremony, embodying the link between Inti and the Inca people. The festival was a time of renewal and purification, and it symbolized the eternal covenant between the sun god and his children on earth.

Role in the Inca Empire

The worship of Inti was closely tied to the political and social structure of the Inca Empire. The Sapa Inca was considered the son of Inti, which legitimized his rule over the vast empire. This divine lineage was a critical element of Inca rule, as it provided a supernatural justification for the expansion of the empire and the subjugation of other peoples.

Inti's influence extended beyond the spiritual realm into the everyday lives of the Inca people. The agricultural practices of the Incas were deeply connected to the sun's movements, and offerings to Inti were made to ensure good harvests. The Inca calendar was also based on the solar cycle, further emphasizing the importance of the sun god in regulating the rhythms of Inca society.

Legacy

The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century led to the suppression of the Inti cult and the forced conversion of the Inca people to Christianity. However, the reverence for the sun and the legacy of Inti have persisted in various forms among the descendants of the Incas. Today, the Inti Raymi is celebrated as a cultural event in Cusco and other parts of Peru, preserving the memory of the Inca civilization and its sun god.