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Inti
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:''This article is about the Inca sun god. For the former Peruvian currency, see
inti (currency).''
Image:Inti.jpg thumb|Inti, the Sun God, portrayed within an Inca structure
In
Inca mythology, '''Inti''' was the
sun god, as well a patron deity of
Tahuantinsuyu. His exact origin is not known. The most common story says he is the son of
Viracocha, the god of civilization.
Worship
Because the
Inca religion was based around
nature, the sun was perhaps the most important aspect of life because it provided warmth and light. Inti therefore is also known as the Giver of Life. He was worshipped mostly by
Farming farmers who relied on the sun to receive good harvests. Although he was the second most revered deity after
Viracocha, he received the greatest number of offerings.
Legends and History
He and his wife, Pachamama, the Earth goddess, were generally considered benevolent deities but
Mama Quilla, his sister and the moon goddess, is also considered his wife.
According to an ancient myth, Inti taught his son
Manco Capac and his daughter
Mama Ocllo the
arts of
civilization and they were sent to earth to pass this
knowledge to
mankind. Another legend however states
Manco Capac was the son of Viracocha.
Inti ordered his children to build the
Inca capital where a divine golden wedge they carried with them, would fall to the ground. Incas believed this happened in the city of
Cuzco. The Inca ruler was considered to be the living representative of Inti.
Inti was also known as Apu Punchau, which means "leader [of the] daytime". Inti is represented as a golden disc with a human face. A great golden disk representing Inti was captured by the Spanish
conquistadors in
1571 and was sent to the
Pope via
Spain. It has since been lost.
Inti Raymi
The
festival of
Inti Raymi, which honours the sun-god, now attracts thousands of
tourists each year to
Cuzco, the ancient capital of the
Tahuantinsuyu Inca empire.
The festival of Inti was held during the
winter solstice, which was around
June 24 in the Incan Empire. The festival was held in Cuzco and was attended by the four nations of Tahuantinsuyu. In
Quechua, Inti Raymi, means "resurrection of the sun."
Military captains,
government officials, and the
vassals who attended were dressed in their best
costumes, and carried their best
weapons and
instruments.
Preparation for the festival of
Inti Raymi began with a
Fasting fast of three days, where also during those days there was no fire lit and the people had to refrain from having
Sexual intercourse sex. This festival itself would last nine days, and during this time the people consumed massive amounts of food and drink. There were many sacrifices as well which were all performed on the first day. After the nine days everyone would leave with the permission of the Inca back to their states.
Category:Inca
Category:Inca gods
Category:Solar gods
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