The Temple of Kukulcan is declared to be one of the seven modern wonders of the world. This mysterious place still conceals many secrets of a civilization long gone. The Temple of Kukulcan lies in the center of Chichen Itza, one of the largest cities of the Mayan civilization.
Mayans built the initial structure of the pyramid of Kukulcan around 700 AD- 900 AD. Later generations found another temple, built on top of the previous temple, covering the older structure. In addition to the Mayans, Toltecs, who invaded the city at around 1000 AD, have influenced its architecture. But there are secrets deep within. Let’s have a look at the secrets of the Kukulcan Temple.
Discovering the secrets of the Kukulcan Temple!
The Temple of Kukulcan lies in the center of Chichen Itza, one of the largest cities of Mayan civilization found to date.
Symbolism
Mayans were experts in astrology. They built the structure in a way that all four sides of the pyramid contained precisely 91 steps. The steps totaled up to 365 when counted with the topmost platform. These steps represent each day of a solar year. There are nine platforms, representing the nine levels of the underworld as the Mayans believed it.
The Descent of Kukulcan
The architecture of the structure is impeccable. The shadow of the temple resembles that of a snake slithering down from the top of the pyramid. This phenomenon is clearly visible on the day of the spring equinox. According to the beliefs, it represents the feathered God, Kukulcan, one of the top three deities of Mayans coming down to join its worshippers.
Acoustics – Random Chance or Genius?
It’s said that when a group of people on the grounds surrounding the Kukulcan temple applaud, the soundwaves which collide on the great structure and resonate back. The acoustic that is produced resembles a song by an endemic bird species called Quetzal. This is also related to the myth of Kukulcan.
While we can speculate, only the long-gone creators of the original structure would know whether the effect was intentional or a lucky coincidence.
Entrance to the underworld?
A recent archeological exploration found that the temple was built around a Cenote. A cenote is a collection of water inside an underground tunnel system. There are speculations that the Cenote represents a gateway to the underworld, as Mayans believed it.
In addition, this cenote is the center of four other cenotes situated in the four main directions. This further marks the temple as the ‘axis mundi’, or the center, of the landscape.
Mayans, the avid stargazers that they were, also used the structure of the pyramid as a hub for observing the heavens, deepening their understanding of the mysteries of the outer galaxy.
There are many secrets that the ancient structure holds, But perhaps, the greatest secret that it hides is the cause of its sudden abandonment by its inhabitants. Yes, you heard that right. Chichen Itza, which withstood the test of time for many centuries, was suddenly abandoned around the 15th century. There is no record of the reason for this sudden relinquishment in history, even though historians give many explanations including foreign invasions, plagues, and lack of water as the cause. However, after a thousand years following its creation, the mysterious Temple of Kukulcan still stands proud, amongst many ruins of Chichen Itza.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kukulcan Temple, or El Castillo, in Mexico is not just a testament to the architectural brilliance of the ancient Maya but also a repository of hidden secrets that continue to intrigue and astonish us. Each aspect of the temple unravels a piece of a sophisticated civilization that revered both science and spirituality. As we delve deeper into these secrets, we gain a greater appreciation for the Maya’s ingenuity and also a profound respect for their ability to blend art, science, and nature into a harmonious whole.
Also read:
