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Intihuatana (Intiwatana)Location: Rediscover Machu Picchu > The Inca Civilization > Intihuatana (Intiwatana) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sacred Rock of Inca Cities
Used in ceremonies, considered to have special powers, the Intihuatana was the main sacral element of each Inca city. This rock resembles a sundial and was placed in the central part of most Inca cities.
Following the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, all the Intihuatana found were destroyed except the on that is found in Machu Picchu. Because, Machu Picchu was never found, this rock has remained intact for a long time, but not until today! Unfortunately the modern man's greed has lead to its breaking. A small part of it has broken off during the filming of a beer commercial. A 450 kg (992 lbs) fell on it, Since then, the Peruvian authorities don't allow such activities involving the sacred rock.
The Intihuatana Stone's name is translated into English as "The Hitching Post of the Sun", because the Incas believed that the stone can hold the sun in its place along its annual path in the sky. The sun almost stands at the pillar at midday on March 21st and September 21st, when the equinoxes occur (daytime equals night time). Then, no shadow is cast at all. Specialists say that the Intihuatana was an astronomical clock or some sort of a calendar. Certainly, it was also used in religious rituals and it has deep religious significance: the Incas have been venerating Inti, the Sun God, one of their main Inca gods.
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