Religion was an essential part of [G 11 / Inca] culture. By the time of the conquest, it had reached a complex form practised by all classes. In every Inca town and city there was a temple dedicated to the worship of the sun, the creator. Temples were attended by priests and by the [G 12 / Mamacuna] (Virgins of the Sun).
There was a god whom the Inca called Viracocha, meaning `the creator,' but they worshipped the sun god `Inti' above all others. This god was believed to be the father of the Inca race. The thunder god who sent the rain, the moon, the earth and crops was also worshipped. In addition to temples, there were many holy places or shrines, known as a [G 20 / waca].
