Religious Studies of the Incan Empire
Religious Studies of the Inca Empire The Inca Empire was located in South America in an area we now call Peru. The Incas reigned from about 1000 AD to 1483 AD. The Incas believed in many deities. They believe there was a creator of all things and the sun was their most powerful god. The Incas built great temples for worship of the sun god. They gave great importance to the immortality of the soul and other secrets of nature. The Incan religion was organized to be practical. It was comprised of many officials such as high priests, high priestesses, priests and the Chosen Women. The religion complemented economic and social policies that reflected Inca power. The Inca individual was to insure his or her well being by carefully carrying out all rituals and everyday worship. This was for the well being of all environmental forces and powers. Any bad thing that happened to an individual whether it was physical or economical was seen as punishment by the supernatural forces. They believed it was because there was a lack of attention or because of a wrongdoing on their part. Viracocha, the creator, was both the mother and father of the Sun and Moon. Veracocha was also referred to by Pachacuti Yamqui as 'The Real Sun'.
The priestesses were sworn to a life of chastity unlike the high priests that were allowed to marry. The most important ceremonies and festivals were Inti Raymi, 'Feast of the Sun', took place during the winter solstice in June where great sacrifices were made and offered to the Sun. The bigger the field the more important it was to worship her and respect her. The Priests and Priestesses were of great importance to the management of the temples. The Sun was their most worshiped god. (Burr Cartwright Brundage, 1963;53). The men were responsible for cleansing the city of sickness. The Inca people were very spiritual. There were many Temples built for the Sun by the government throughout the empire. Four llamas were sacrificed than feasting and dancing would follow for several days. They would have rituals for different occasions and sacrifices for upcoming events. They would have public feasts and was always a great celebration. She was asked to protect and fertilize the fields. The stars were viewed as the children of the Sun and Moon.
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