We talk about the chakana connections that exist between Kay Pacha and Hannaq Pacha, in order to talk today about Ukhu Pacha and Kay Pacha.
What means Ukhu Pacha?
And before we begin, we will clarify the term “Ukhu.” Literally, it means “lower region,” and contrary to common belief, it does not refer to the “Christian hell.”
Let us remember that Pacha refers to all levels of consciousness, that is, the lands and energies. Everything is interconnected in this ordered cosmos.
First, Ukhu Pacha is the lower part of the ecological floors and lowland jungle. The famous Paititi (the lost city of gold) is said to be located in this region, according to legend.
Second, it refers to the interior of the earth, the underground. It is associated with the realm of the dead, but also with springs and the origin of life.
According to Guaman Poma de Ayala, “Ukhu Pacha” is the Antisuyu, from where medicinal herbs and the sacred coca leaf are obtained. It is the land of the inside, of the unknown.
But at the same time, it is a place of abundance where no one sows or harvests. It is a paradisiacal place and at the same time one of distrust, a beautiful place that can also devour; it is the place of mystery.
Transitional phenomenas
Among the transitional phenomena, we find Pachamama, the springs (pukyu), caves (mack’ay), round stones (muyu rumi), and lagoons (qocha).
Springs and caves are places of danger and precariousness because they provide access to Ukhu Pacha. This does not mean that for the runa, it is a region of evil, but that every transition involves risk, requiring a specific ritual before crossing.
Spirits and souls wander through these sites by preference.
The round stones symbolize the universe due to their shape, with great magical force.
Sacred animals in Ukhu Pacha
The transitional animals are the serpent, the puma, and the toad.
Serpents (Amaru, which is also a mythical name—Túpac Amaru, for example, means “eminent snake”) serve as mediators.
The jaguar is the one who protects the passage between Kay Pacha in the sense of the “highlands” and Ukhu Pacha in the sense of the jungle.
Reference:
- Esternmann, J. (1998) Filosofía Andina. Estudio intercultural de la sabiduría autóctona andina. Seminario San Antonio Abad, Cusco Perú, (pag. 170 -171)
