Inca Religion: Gods and Worship

The Gateway of the Sun is a sculpture made from andesite store made into an arch with an opening shaped like a door at the base. Above the opening is a carved image of Viracocha, the Inca Creator god. There are other repeated carvings on the stone as well of winged angels or demons, which could be representations of other gods in the Inca religion. This sculpture was an entrance to Kalasasaya, a sacred precinct, in 300 CE. Kalasasaya was part of the sacred center of Tiwanaku, Bolivia. 

Viacocha was the main entity in the Inca religion. As the Creator god, he created the heavens and the earth and taught civilization to his followers. He also created the other Inca deities such as the ones that controlled the Sun and the Moon. The Sun god, Inti, was also an important aspect of the Inca religion as the Inca believed he was the leader of empire and conquest. Each god had its own temple or altar, depending on how important it was to the Inca. For example, the Moon goddess (Mama Kilya) had her own temple, but the earth goddess (Pachamama) had an altar. 

Overall, religion was an important aspect of Inca culture and domestic life. There was no separation from the actions of the Inca and religion. Temples were built for their religion and were put in the capital of Bolivia. They prayed and made offerings to their gods because they believed that was the only way their civilization would survive. Their decisions were based on their religion with traditions and practices, so it was important for every structure in their lives.