Part 1 of Andean Deities
Wiracocha atop the Sun Gate at Tiahuanaco, in Bolivia near Lake Titicaca
Who is the great God Wiracocha?
Who was this enigmatic figure called "Wiracocha" in the Andean spiritual tradition? There are many seemingly conflicting theories. But are these theories really in conflict? Let's take a deeper look.
Was Wiracocha a Physical, Human-Like Being?
His human-like form is carved in stone as the centerpiece of the sun gate in the mystic and awe-inspiring archeological site of Tiahuanaco. His image was also carved in a statue at the great temple of Raqchi, dedicated to honoring him. There are accounts of a temple dedicated to him in the city of Cusco, which the Spanish zealots destroyed. All that remains of this temple is the famous "Wiracocha stone" in the corner of Cusco's great cathedral, which the local people revere still today.
The Temple of Raqchi dedicated to Wiracocha near Sicuani, 119 KM southeast of Cusco
A local lady making an offering of flowers and coca leaf k’intus on the Wiracocha stone at the Cusco Cathedral
The Legend of Wiracocha’s Emergence at Lake Titicaca
The word "Wiracocha" (sea foam), refers to the ancient myth in which he emerged from the foam of Lake Titicaca as a tall, bearded human figure topped with a crown, wearing and long white coat, holding a staff of power. He possessed great magical powers and traveled across much of South America, teaching the people the arts and knowledge of civilization. Some accounts say that "He" is androgynous, both "He" and "She", expressing a "Yanantin" balance and conveying a sense of a being who is whole and complete. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯 "𝘩𝘦" 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩.
Karupureq & Flamissia at Lake Titicaca where Wiracocha emerged
References to Wiracocha as Supreme Creator God
And yet, He is also called by the longer name: "Ticci Wiracocha, Pachayacháchiq" (𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦, 𝘞𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘢, 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦), suggesting to many scholars that He is also considered the Supreme Creator God, one with "Illa Teqse" (𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵), as we discussed in last Tuesday's post. This concept of Wiracocha as the Supreme Creator is also conveyed by several of the more reliable Spanish chroniclers who wrote about Inca civilization and religion in the 16th century.
So, this leads to the question: which version is more authentic? Can they both be true? Can Wiracocha be the Supreme Creator as well as one who walked the Earth in human form to help humanity?
A Possible Mystic Explanation
According to Flamissia -
It is possible that these two perspectives of the identity of Wiracocha are not contradictory. I would like to suggest considering a more mystical explanation, one based on a theme in many religious traditions around the world. According to one way of understanding, it could be that the Supreme Creator, which is not confined to one physical form within Time and Space, manifested an expression of itself in human form to come to Earth to help humanity.
I can’t help but think about the Tibetan way of understanding for a more esoteric perspective. Is it possible that Wiracocha is a soul who has evolved spiritually and reached complete enlightenment? At this level, the Soul is unified with the Source of All Creation, as the illusion of separation of ego is vanquished. According to the Tibetans, an enlightened soul can transcend Time and Space to appear in any form at any time - even at several places simultaneously - to assist in alleviating the suffering of sentient beings. My question is not whether there is any communication between the Tibetans and the Andeans in order to share their ideas. Maybe the Andean people did not see this phenomenon this way at all. My question is whether the Tibetan understanding is based on truth.
Where have you seen this theme, of the Supreme God coming to Earth in human form to help humanity before? We look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Sending Munay, sacred unconditional love, to all of you!
Your Brother and Sister,
Karupureq & Flamissia
