Long ago, when the great creator god Viracocha brought light to the world, he placed two brilliant discs in the sky. Both shone so brightly that the earth never knew darkness or rest, so Viracocha threw a handful of ash onto one of the discs, dimming it and creating the Moon. Mama Quilla, the Moon goddess, is said to be an extraordinarily beautiful woman holding a massive, shining silver disc. Her main temple in Cusco, Qorikancha, was entirely adorned with pure silver, which the Inca believed were the "tears of the Moon," contrasting with gold, the "sweat of the Sun."
Mama Quilla was revered as the protector of women and marriage. She watched over childbirth and fertility, guiding the growth and birth of children. She oversaw marriage vows, and Inca women prayed to her for happiness, fidelity, and strong family bonds. Every September, during the Quya Raymi festival, the city celebrated her with rituals of purification, honoring the essential role of women in society and reaffirming social and spiritual harmony.
A popular legend explains lunar eclipses as moments when a giant Puma or mythical serpent tries to devour Mama Quilla. During these events, people across the empire would beat drums, blow horns, and shout loudly. They even encouraged dogs to bark, believing the noise would scare the Puma. Every effort was made to awaken the goddess and protect her soft, guiding light, ensuring the night sky was never lost to darkness.
Mama Quilla also served as the keeper of time. While the Sun god Inti governed daylight and agricultural cycles, Mama Quilla controlled the lunar calendar, helping the Inca mark months, set festival dates, and track the flow of time. Her movement across the sky symbolized the passage of seasons, reminding people of nature’s rhythms and the universe’s cycles.
The story of Mama Quilla carries profound lessons. She embodies balance, completing the Inca universe: Inti represents heat, gold, and masculinity, while Mama Quilla represents coolness, silver, and femininity. Life is harmonious only when these forces coexist. She teaches gentleness and protection, guiding humans to show compassion, patience, and care for family. Worshipping Mama Quilla also reinforces the sacred status of women, reminding Inca society of their vital, irreplaceable role in maintaining life and order.