Coricancha
Pachacutec put all his determination into the reconstruction of the sanctuary of Inti Cancha or the Chamber of the Sun which until then was rather poor. Not only were the walls dressed with exquisitely carved stones but the decorations were an extravagance of gold. The first Spaniards who saw the sanctuary in all its splendor, recount that there was a garden with plants, flowers, birds and insects in precious metal.
The principal chambers of the sanctuary were dedicated, one to the Sun, others to the Moon, Thunder and the Rainbow, all communicated with the golden garden. Different stories say that the Sun was represented on a wall with an ovoid gold sheet of gold, while Garcilaso mentions a face. It is possible that through time there were changes in religious trends.
The mummies of the ancient sovereigns were conserved in the temple and were carried to the plaza for the great ceremonies. In the room of the Moon were kept the remains of the coyas or queens stationed along the sides of the callanca. Only the mother of Huayna Capac, Mama Ocllo, looked straight ahead at the night star.
Religious Changes
Most of the chroniclers mention religious changes occurred after the war against the Chancas. It seems as though the principal priests helped the flight of the Inca Viracocha and were ready to surrender to their enemies.
After the triumph of Cusi Yupanqui, the future Pachacutec, the situation became uncomfortable for the priests. Besides, the young prince needed a father to name him as the new sovereign. In view of the refusal of Viracocha to step on the spoils of the prisoners, Cusi Yupanqui went toward the temple of Inti Cancha and asked directly for the approval of the Sun. Since then, the sovereigns were considered Children of the Sun.
Thus a religious change was produced since previously the cult of Viracocha prevailed which only had one temple in the Inca State while the emphasis was on solar influence.
Naturally these deeds did not affect the worship of the manifold existing
huacas and idols. Pachacutec wanted even more
for the main huacas to remain in Cuzco and he granted them servants, lands
and goods. It was a question of controlling possible rebellions inasmuch
as the natives of the region would not rebel out of fear of the reprisals
that could be taken against their idols.
