- Legend of the Flight of the Condor
- The mystery of the stones
- The Ascension Legend
- Inca legends about Intihuatana
- Legend of the Oracle of Intihuatana
Legend of the Flight of the Condor
According to a local legend, Machu Picchu was created by the Inca god Viracocha, who turned rocks and mountains into a fortress to provide a safe place for his people. A condor would have flown over the area, letting its wings touch the rocks, and where it touched, Machu Picchu was born.
Some say that the sacred city of Machu Picchu is designed as a condor.
The “Temple of the Condor” is one of the temples in Machu Picchu. The stones are set in the shape of a condor with spread wings just landing. The temple is impressive and once again demonstrates the imagination of the Incas.
The mystery of the stones
The walls of Machu Picchu are composed of immense stones that are precisely cut, weighing multiple tons. It is a remarkable feat that these stones are held together without any use of mortar or cement, which is a testament to the engineering mastery of the Incas. The exact method by which these enormous stones were transported from the quarry to the building site and placed into position remains a mystery. While some have suggested ropes, rollers, and ramps as possible tools, the specific techniques used have yet to be determined.
The Ascension Legend
Machu Picchu is said to have been a sacred place of worship and contemplation. Those who set foot on these lands did so with respect and reverence, and those who reached the top experienced a form of spiritual enlightenment.
Inca legends about Intihuatana
Intihuatana is a sacred stone located in Machu Picchu and is associated with capturing and maintaining the sacred energy of the sun. This stone is said to have played an essential role in Inca religious ceremonies. The stone stands at the highest elevation inside the archeological site, which is usually known as the Sacred Plaza.
The Intihuatana’s primary purpose is widely believed to have been astronomical. One theory posits that it served as a sundial because, on both the spring and fall equinoxes (March 21st and September 21st), the sun is positioned directly over the stone and does not cast a shadow. This phenomenon is attributed to the Intihuatana’s slightly tilted point, which is inclined at a 13-degree angle. This remarkable feature is a testament to the Incas’ extensive knowledge of astronomy.
Legend of the Oracle of Intihuatana
Another legend suggests that Intihuatana served as an oracle of sorts, connecting the Incas with the spiritual world and providing guidance in their decisions.
Many visitors claim to feel huge energy as they walk past the stone.
The Intihuatana stone can only be visited between 7-10 am every day.
