Welcome to my first travel blog post. Let me take you at an extraordinary adventure through the timeless ruins of Chichen Itza! One of the 7 new wonders of the world.
I was lucky enough to be with my friends Rajan, Jitesh and Rajvir on this excavation.
Dating back to the 5th century AD, Chichen Itza flourished as a vibrant center of Mayan civilization until the 13th century. Imagine stepping into the past, experiencing the bustling streets and witnessing the grandeur of the city during its zenith. From the Great Ball Court where athletes competed in the Mesoamerican ballgame to the sacred cenote where ceremonies took place, Chichen Itza was a testament to the Mayan people’s remarkable achievements.
Prepare to be awestruck by the architectural marvels of Chichen Itza, including the iconic Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo. Constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries AD, this breathtaking step pyramid showcases the Mayans’ advanced engineering skills and astronomical knowledge. The temple’s construction required careful sourcing of materials, such as limestone, which was abundant in the region. The Mayans quarried and shaped the limestone blocks to perfection, fitting them together with incredible precision.
Jitesh is always fascinated by the indigenous culture and found that temple of Kukulkan holds great significance in Mayan cosmology, particularly in relation to the serpent deity, Kukulkan, known as the feathered serpent. The temple’s design is believed to represent the sacred nature of this deity. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, an extraordinary phenomenon occurs. As the sun sets, the shadows cast by the angles of the temple’s staircases align to form the appearance of a descending serpent. This incredible spectacle reflects the Mayans’ deep understanding of astronomy and their reverence for the natural world.
While talking to the locals Rajan found that beneath the Temple of Kukulkan lies the cenote, a natural sinkhole known as the Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote). The cenote served as a sacred site for the Mayans, believed to be a portal to the underworld and a source of life-giving water. It held immense significance in Mayan rituals and ceremonies, with offerings of precious objects and even human sacrifices made to appease the gods. The cenote’s presence beneath the temple adds a profound spiritual dimension to the architectural wonder above, symbolizing the connection between the heavens, the earth, and the underworld in Mayan cosmology.
Engage with the vibrant culture of Chichen Itza by interacting with the descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization. Discover the living traditions that have been passed down through generations and immerse yourself in festivals such as Hanal Pixan, the Mayan Day of the Dead, which takes place in late October and early November. Through conversations with locals, you’ll gain insight into their customs, artwork, and traditional cuisine, allowing you to appreciate the rich tapestry of Mayan heritage, says Rajvir.
As I bade farewell to the awe-inspiring wonders of Chichen Itza, let the echoes of its history, engineering feats, and serpent symbolism resonate within you. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to the extraordinary achievements of the Mayan civilization, transporting us to a bygone era. Embrace the opportunity to connect with our shared human heritage, savoring the cultural significance, architectural brilliance, and the profound connection between the Temple of Kukulkan and the sacred cenote.
So, get ready to immerse yourself in the ancient spirit of Chichen Itza! Let the tales of the Mayan people, the architectural wonders, the sourcing of materials, the serpent symbolism, and the sacred cenote weave a lasting impression on your travel memories.
Photo courtesy : https://www.bizsiziz.com/hidden-passage-discovered-underneath-chichen-itza/
