When we think of the Inca Empire, majestic constructions such as Machu Picchu quickly come to mind. But behind their architectural grandeur and amazing social organization, the Incas were also a deeply spiritual people. Their religion, a complex belief system that combined nature, the gods and the Andean cosmovision, influenced every aspect of their daily life. In this article, we invite you to delve into the mysteries and symbols of the Inca religion, to discover their most venerated gods and to understand how the connection with the cosmos was the fundamental cornerstone of their civilization.
The Inca Religion: A Journey to the Spiritual Heart of the Andean Empire
The Incas practiced polytheism, which means that they worshipped multiple gods at the same time. Although it is believed that the sun god, was the most revered, there were also other important deities, such as Mama Killa, the moon goddess; Illapa, the thunder god; and Pachamama, Mother earth. The Incas believed that their gods could directly intervene in their lives and communicate with them. To maintain the balance of nature, they made sacrifices, offering animals and valuable objects to honor and please them.
In addition, the Inca religion attributed great importance to respect for the ancestors. They believed that their ancestors had a special connection with the gods and could intercede for them, guiding their destiny by speaking on their behalf.
Reciprocity was a fundamental principle in Inca religion. They believed that by showing respect and worshipping the gods, they would receive their favor and protection in return. This notion of reciprocity was essential in all aspects of their daily lives.
The Inca Cosmovision: A Connection with Nature and the Cosmos
The Inca cosmovision was a reflection of their deep connection with the natural world. The Incas considered the sun, the moon, the mountains and water as sacred entities that controlled the cycle of life. Their religion was based on the belief that everything in the universe was interconnected, and that the cosmic balance had to be maintained through rituals and offerings.
The Sun: The Supreme God?
The sun, or Inti in Quechua, has traditionally been considered the supreme god of the Incas. This idea comes mainly from the interpretation made by the Spaniards during colonial times, who, not fully understanding the Inca cosmovision, attributed to the sun a central and absolute role in their religion. According to this vision, the sun was seen as the most powerful deity, and it was thought that the Inca emperor, the Sapa Inca, was his direct son, which reinforced the idea of his supremacy.
However, there are theories that suggest that this interpretation may be wrong. Some scholars believe that while the sun was undoubtedly a deity of great relevance to the Incas it was not neccessarily the main god, but a central element linked to agriculture and astronomy.
For the Incas, the sun was fundamental as it provided the light and heat necessary for the cultivation of food for the entire population, especially corn, which was the basis of their diet. In addition the sun was essential element venerated for crop planning, since the Incas followed an agricultural calendar based on its movement across the sky.
Other deities such as Pachamama, Mother Earth, and Illapa, the god of thunder and rain, could also played equally crucial roles in the daily life of the Incas, especially in agriculture and community organization.
In short, although the sun (Inti) was a key deity for the Incas, it was not necessarily consider the supreme god . The Spanish interpretation, which based its understanding on their own religious frameworks, may have exaggerated the centrality of Inti in Inca religion For the Incas, the sun was, in many ways, a vital and essential element, but not necessarily the main god within their complex belief system.
Inca rituals and Ceremonies
Inca rituals and ceremonies played a fundamental role in the daily life of the Inca Empire. These practices were much more than simple religious acts: they were deeply involved in all aspects of Inca society, from the social and political to the spiritual. Rituals served as a means of maintaining cosmic balance, maintaining the prosperity of the empire and honoring the gods and forces of nature that ruled their world. Each ritual and ceremony had a specific purpose and was performed at specific times, such as the beginning of the harvest, the solstices or the arrival of the rainy season.
For the Incas, religion was not only practiced at special times, but was present in all aspects of their daily lives. The Incas believed that maintaining a harmonious relationship with the gods and nature was essential to ensure the fertility of the land, the protection of the villages and the stability of the empire. Therefore, offerings and sacrifices were constantly practiced to reflect this deep devotion. These offerings could be as simple as a little corn or chicha (a sacred drink made from corn), or as elaborate as animal sacrifices specially black llamas or, in more extreme cases, human sacrifices (children).
The most important Gods of the Incas
The Incas worshipped numerous gods, and polytheism was a fundamental characteristic of their belief system. Below you will discover the most important gods that stood out for the Incas:
The Sun:
The sun god, was considered one of the most revered beings, as the sun was seen as the source of life, energy and heat, essential for agriculture and the survival of Andean civilization. According to historians, the Incas believed that the sun was the ancestor of the Inca emperors, who were considered their direct descendants. For this reason, the cult of the sun not only had a religious significance, but also a political one, since the Inca “the emperor” was seen as the “Son of the Sun”.
Wiracocha:
It is believed that Wiracocha would have been venerated as the supreme god by the Inca people throughout their vast empire. He was depicted by the Incas as an old man, with long hair and wearing a cape made of llama skin, symbolizing his wisdom and divine power. The Incas believed that Viracocha had created everything that existed, including the world, human beings, animals and the fundamental elements of nature. In addition, he was attributed with the ability to have brought light and brightness to the world, which represented the beginning of order and life on earth.
Wiracocha occupied a crucial place in the Inca cosmovision. The Incas relied on one day he would return to restore peace and prosperity to the world, bringing with him a spiritual and material rebirth.
Mother Earth:
Pachamama, aslo known as Mother Earth, was also one of the most revered deities by the Incas. For them, she represented the source of all life on Earth, an omnipotent female figure. Pachamama was not only seen as the provider of nature, but also as the force that connected all living beings, providing the energy and resources necessary for the survival of humanity.
The Incas believed that if they treated Mother Earth with respect and gratitude, she would in turn grant them everything they needed to be prosperous. The relationship with her was reciprocal. Over time, this belief was reflected in the great ceremonies held in her honor, as well as in the temples and sacred places dedicated to her worship, which were located throughout the Inca empire.
Mountains (Apus):
It is believed that the Apus were also considered gods, they were spirits of the mountains and occupied a fundamental place in the Inca religion. The Incas believed that each mountain had a protective spirit that directly influenced the wellbeing of nearby communities. These powerful spirits not only provided protection but were also in charge of maintaining balance and harmony between the earth, the gods and human beings.
The cult of the spirits of the mountains was an integral part of the Andean cosmovision, and was maintained throughout the Inca empire. The mountains, as places of contact between the earthly and the divine, continued to be revered long after the fall of the Inca empire, and even today in many communities in Peru, the Apus continue to be invoked to guarantee peace, prosperity and protection of the land.
IMPORTANT: In addition to the main gods such as Sun, Wiracocha, the Apus and Pachamama, the Incas worshipped other important deities, such as Mama Killa, the goddess of the moon, linked to fertility, Mama Cocha, the goddess of the sea, protector of fishermen, Illapa, the god of thunder and weather, Kuychi, the god of rainbows and fertility, associated with the rains and Chaska, the spirit of the stars, revered for his power and guidance. Each of these gods played an essential role in daily life, from agriculture to community protection.
Sacred Animals in Inca Religion
Animals also played a symbolic and sacred role in the Inca religion, associated with various deities and elements of nature. These animals were not only respected, but were also considered spiritual protectors and carriers of divine energies.
The llama:
The llama was the most emblematic animal of the Inca Empire, used both as pack animal and food. In addition, it was associated as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The llama also played an important role in rituals, specially for sacrifices to ensure good harvests.
The condor:
The condor, a majestic bird of the Andes, was considered a symbol of power and wisdom, associated with the sun god. Its high flight represented the connection with their gods and the upper world in the Inca comosvision and it was venerated as a spiritual messenger. In ceremonies, the condor was often included as a symbol of the relationship between humans and the divine.
The puma:
The puma, along with the condor and the snake, formed part of the trilogy, it was considered a sacred animal that represented the three worlds of the Inca cosmovision.The puma was considered a symbol of strength and authority, and was associated with warriors and nobility.
The serpent:
The serpent also had a deep spiritual meaning, representing the lower world in the Inca cosmovision, the depths of the earth and the water elements. It was a symbol of renewal, transformation and fertility. In Inca mythology, the serpent was often related to the cosmic forces that maintained the balance of the universe.
The Three Andean Worlds in the Inca Cosmovision
In the Andean cosmovision, especially in the Inca religion, the Incas believed that the universe was divided into three interconnected worlds: Hanan Pacha, Kay Pacha and Ukhu Pacha. Each of these worlds represented different levels of existence and was associated with spiritual, natural and cosmic aspects.
1)Hanan Pacha (The Upper World)
The Hanan Pacha was the upper or celestial world in the Inca religion, a world associated with the gods and spirits. This world represented the sky, the stars and everything related to the divine. This level was inhabited by the most powerful deities. It was also associated with cosmic forces and spiritual ancestors who could influence earthly events.
2)Kay Pacha (The Earthly World)
The Kay Pacha is the earthly world, the world in which humans, animals, plants and all natural elements exist and interact. This world represents daily life, the cycle of nature, and all that is found on Earth. It is the world of human actions, work, agriculture, creation and death.
3)Ukhu Pacha (The Lower World)
The Ukhu Pacha was the lower world, a plane associated with the afterlife, the spiritual world and the fertility of the earth. This world represented the underworld and was believed to be the place of the ancestors and the souls of the dead. Although associated with the dark and subway, the Ukhu Pacha was not necessarily a negative place; rather, it was a world of transformation and renewal.
IMPORTANT: In the Inca religion, these three worlds were profoundly interconnected, the Incas believed that everything in the universe was in constant interaction, and what happened in one world affected the others. For example, rituals and offerings made at the Kay Pacha influenced also in the protection of their ancestors of the Hanan Pacha, while offerings to the Ukhu Pacha served to ensure the fertility of the earth and the cyclical renewal of life.
Conclusion: Inca Religion
Today, although the Inca Empire no longer exists, many of these beliefs and practices are still alive in Andean communities in Peru. Respect for nature, the veneration of protective spirits and the connection with the three worlds continue to be a fundamental pillar in the lives of many local peoples. the Inca religion, with its rich tradition of rituals and spiritual beliefs, remains a window into one of the most fascinating and profound cultures of pre-Columbian history.
