Inti was the Inca god of the sun and the patron deity of the Inca Empire, which was centered in present-day Peru. Here are detailed aspects of Inti:
Inti was considered the father of the Inca people and was believed to be the direct ancestor of the Sapa Inca, the emperor of the Inca Empire. His worship was central to the Inca religion, with many festivals and rituals dedicated to him, particularly during the winter solstice when the sun was at its weakest.
The most famous temple dedicated to Inti was the Coricancha or the "Golden Enclosure" in Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire. This temple was adorned with gold, symbolizing the sun's rays, and was considered the religious center of the empire.
One of the most significant festivals was Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, which was held during the June solstice to celebrate the New Year and to honor Inti. During this festival, the Sapa Inca would offer sacrifices and engage in various ceremonies to ensure a bountiful harvest and the well-being of the empire.
According to Inca mythology, Inti sent his children, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, to Earth to establish the Inca civilization. They emerged from Lake Titicaca with a golden staff, and where the staff sank into the ground was where they were to found the city of Cuzco.
Inti was often depicted as a golden disk with rays and a human face. His image was also represented on Inca textiles, pottery, and in various other forms of art, always showcasing his importance in Inca culture.
Despite the Spanish conquest and the forced conversion of the Inca people to Christianity, the legacy of Inti persists in the cultural memory and festivals of the Andean peoples. The Inti Raymi festival continues to be celebrated, though now it has syncretized elements of both indigenous and Christian traditions.