In the ancient religion and mythology of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, an Quechua: apu is the term used to describe the spirits of mountains and sometimes solitary rocks, typically displaying anthropomorphic features, that protect the local people. The term dates back to the Inca Empire.
The word Quechua: apu has several possible meanings, depending on context.
Quechua: 'Apu' means "Lord" in Quechua.[1] The Inca religion uses the term Quechua: 'apu' to refer to a mountain with a living spirit; the body and energy of the mountain together form the spirit's Quechua: wasi ("home" or "temple").[2] A number of different terms are used for different types of Quechua: apu:
Besides mountains there are other living beings that are considered Quechua: apu – the so-called Quechua: Tekse Apu. In the Andean tradition, Quechua: Pachamama (Cosmic Mother), Quechua: Wiraqocha (God or Cosmic Father), Quechua: Taita Inti (Father Sun), Quechua: Taita Waira (Father Wind), Quechua: Mama Unu (Mother Water), Quechua: Mama Killa (Mother Moon) and Quechua: Mama Ch'aska (Mother Stars) can be seen all over the world, which is why they are known as Quechua: Tekse Apu, meaning "Global Quechua: Apu". Jesus and Mother Mary for the same reason are also known as Quechua: Tekse Apu.[2]
The twelve sacred Quechua: apu of Cusco are: Ausangate, Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Wanakawri, Pachatusan, Pikchu, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin, and Sinqa.
Other Quechua: apu in Bolivia and Peru are: Akamari, Antikuna, Chachani, Kimsa Chata, Illampu, Lady of Illimani, Machu Picchu, Pitusiray, Putucusi, Qullqipunku, Sinaqara, Tunupa, Willka Wiqi (Wakay Willka), Wamanrasu, Wayna Picchu and Yanantin.