Theory #?: The Cosmic Influence

The cosmos has an influence on Mayan culture and therefore the architectural layout of Palenque, specifically the Temple of Inscriptions to the Palace. The Mayans were deeply rooted in the observation of time and space, are known for their accurate calendars and astronomical observations. Their observations relate to their mythical ideas of the underworld, rebirth and kingship. Through an understanding of the cosmos, the Mayans coordinate the alignment of the Temple of Inscriptions to the Palace so that it creates relationships between the worldly purpose of the Palace with the mystic temple and the king the heavens and the underworlds.

The Milky Was was believed to be the World Tree, according to the Mayans. The World Tree, placed at the center of the universe grows through the 9 underworld levels and the 13 heavens. The stars from the Milky Way were seen as the life source to all. The Mayans gave special attention to where the December solstice sun crosses the Milky Way. At that point a dark-rift known as "Xibalba be" appears, which is known to them as the passage to the underworld. Thus the World Tree is not only the source of life, but also leads to the underworld. The underworld is a place veneration by the Mayans because it leads to the Heart of the Sky, back to the source of all life. [Left Image: Pakal's sacrophagus depicting World Tree]

During winter solstice, the sun can be seen setting directly on the Temple of Inscriptions from the tower in the Palace. This alignment connects the idea of the mundane world to that of the sacred king (the Temple of Inscriptions) and his linkage to the heavens and the underworld (mystic).

Fun Info: On the winter solstice of 2012, the noonday sun exactly conjuncts the crossing point of the sun's ecliptic with the galactic plane, while also closely conjunction the exact center of the galaxy, also known by the Mayans as the passage to Xibalba.















[Diagram and Process model]