Everything about Inti totally explained
According to the
Inca mythology,
Inti was the
sun god, as well a patron deity of
Tahuantinsuyu. His exact origin isn't known. The most common story says he's 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
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. The
Sapa Inca, as ruler of the people, claimed divine heritage and direct descent from the Sun.
Legends and History
He and his wife,
Pachamama, the Earth goddess, were generally considered benevolent deities.
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.
Willaq Umu was the High Priest of the Sun (Inti).the Inca's believed that tuhe sapa inca was the living son of inti the son god. His position placed him as the second most powerful pearson in the kingdom. He was directly underneath the Sapa Inca, and they were often brothers.
Inti was also known as Apu Punchau, which means "leader [ofthe] 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 honors the sun-god, now attracts thousands of tourists each year to
Cuzco, the ancient capital of the
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 sectors of Tahuantinsuyu. In
Quechua, Inti Raimi, means "resurrection of the sun" or "the way/path 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
fast of three days, where also during those days there was no fire lit and the people refrained from sexual intercourse. 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.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Inti'.
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