Discover the 11 most important Inca gods: Inti (Sun), Pachamama (Earth), Wiracocha (Creator), Mama Killa (Moon), Illapa (Thunder) and more.
Inca religion was a complex polytheistic system where gods controlled all aspects of life: climate, earth fertility, and people's prosperity. The Tahuantinsuyo venerated dozens of deities, but these are the 11 most important gods of the Inca Empire.
Who was the most important Inca god?
Inti, the Sun god, was the supreme Inca deity. He was considered the father of all Incas and the source of life and light. The Coricancha temple in Cusco was dedicated to his worship.
Visit the Coricancha on our Cusco City Tour.
The 11 most important Inca gods
1. Inti — The Sun God
Supreme deity, source of life and energy. The Inca ruler was considered Inti's incarnation on Earth.
- Domain: Sun, life, energy, royal power
- Main temple: Coricancha (Cusco)
- Festival: Inti Raymi (June 24th)
2. Mama Killa — The Moon Goddess
Sister and wife of Inti, goddess of the moon and marriage. Depicted with a human face and silver body.
- Domain: Moon, marriage, feminine fertility
3. Wiracocha — The Creator God
Emerged from Lake Titicaca and created mountains, rivers, and humans. Father of all gods. His image is carved into Pinkuylluna mountain at Ollantaytambo, as told in the Sacred Valley legends.
4. Pachamama — Mother Earth
Goddess of earth and fertility. Andean communities still make offerings to Pachamama today.
5. Mama Cocha — Mother of the Sea
Goddess of oceans, rivers, and lakes. Fishermen made sacrifices before voyages.
6. Pachacamac — God of Earthquakes
Controlled the earth and caused natural disasters. His temple near Lima was a major pilgrimage center.
7. Illapa — God of Thunder
God of thunder, lightning, and rain, essential for Inca agriculture.
8. K'uychi — The Rainbow
Represented the sky-earth connection. Rainbows symbolized sacred fertility and good fortune.
9. Chaska — Goddess of Stars
Wife of Inti, controlled day-night cycles. Many Quechua women's names derive from Chaska.
10. Supay — God of Death
Ruled the underworld and judged the dead. Christian colonization associated Supay with Satan.
11. Ekkeko — God of Wealth
God of abundance and prosperity. His image remains popular in Andean fairs today.
Experience Inca culture in person
- Cusco City Tour — Visit the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) and Sacsayhuaman
- Sacred Valley Tour — Explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo
- Machu Picchu Tour — The sacred city dedicated to Inti
Inca gods were not just beliefs; they were the driving force of a civilization that built cities in the mountains, mastered highland agriculture, and connected a 2-million km² empire without writing or wheels.
