Which gods were central to the Inca state religion?

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The Inca state religion was a complex system that combined animism, nature worship, and the veneration of several central deities.12

  • Inti: As the Sun god, Inti was the ranking deity in the Inca pantheon. He was considered the divine ancestor of the Inca rulers and was beloved by farmers for his role in maturing crops.34
  • Viracocha: A creator god and culture hero, Viracocha was believed to have created the earth, humans, and animals. While he was a remote figure who left the daily world to other deities, he was actively worshiped by the nobility, particularly during times of crisis.35
  • Illapu: The rain giver, Illapu was a vital agricultural deity to whom common people prayed for rain, especially during droughts.3
  • Mama Quilla: The Moon Mother and wife of the Sun god, she regulated women’s menstrual cycles and helped determine the timing of religious festivals.3
  • Pachamama: Known as the Earth Mother, she was a central figure in the nature-based beliefs of the Inca.3