Hi there! How is it going, mates? Hope life is treating you very well. Today we bring you a very intriguing topic present worldwide, just like the Star Forts, one of our most popular previous blog posts.
The Stepped Monuments are amazing structures found everywhere in this planet and historical facts until nowadays are still controversial. Some affirm they were built for religious sacrifices and spiritual rituals. Others say they were built only to encapsulate important dead figures, such as the pyramids in Ancient Egypt.
However, the fact is that they are awesome and always attracted me somehow, either because of their mysterious technical challenges or their imposing beauty.
The Brazilian enterprise known as ‘Ecossistema Dakila‘ affirms those monuments are quantum machines and could be used for several scientific studies and in the development of new technologies beneficial to the entire humanity. They are actually building their own ziggurat in the central area of Brazil. We bring you more information about it further in this post.
Stepped monuments, with their strikingly tiered designs, are an architectural marvel that somehow connect various parts of the world, each with its own historical and cultural significance. These structures, often associated with religious or ceremonial purposes, showcase the ingenuity and creativity of ancient civilizations. From the pyramids of Egypt to the ziggurats of Mesopotamia and the Dravidian Architecture of India, these monuments reveal a fascinating blend of architectural prowess and cultural heritage.
The Pyramids of Egypt: An Eternal Wonder
No discussion on stepped monuments can begin without mentioning the iconic Pyramids of Egypt. The most famous among them, the Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, stands as a precursor to the smooth-sided pyramids. Constructed around 2630 BCE during the Third Dynasty, this pyramid is an impressive six-tiered structure designed by the architect Imhotep.
Its layered design marked a significant evolution from the earlier mastaba tombs, illustrating the Egyptians’ advancement in engineering and construction techniques.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, though not a stepped pyramid in the strictest sense, embodies the zenith of pyramid construction. Its precise alignment and massive scale continue to awe modern architects and historians alike. These pyramids were not merely tombs but were deeply integrated into the Egyptians’ religious beliefs, symbolizing the pharaohs’ journey to the afterlife.
Mesopotamian Ziggurats: Reaching for the Heavens
Moving eastward, the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia represent another fascinating iteration of stepped monuments. Ziggurats were massive terraced structures that served as temples to the gods. Unlike the pyramids of Egypt, ziggurats were built with a core of mud-brick and an exterior of baked brick, often adorned with glazed tiles in various colors.
The Ziggurat of Ur, dedicated to the moon god Nanna, is one of the best-preserved examples. Built in the early 21st century BCE by King Ur-Nammu, it originally rose in three tiers to a height of about 70 feet. These structures symbolized a bridge between the earth and the heavens, embodying the Mesopotamians’ desire to connect with the divine.
Mesoamerican Pyramids: Temples of the Sun and Moon
Across the Atlantic, the Mesoamerican stepped pyramids stand as testaments to the architectural and astronomical acumen of civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico, are among the most prominent examples. These pyramids were integral to religious practices and were often aligned with celestial bodies.
The Pyramid of Kukulcán at Chichen Itza, also known as El Castillo, is particularly notable for its astronomical significance. During the equinoxes, the play of sunlight and shadow creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps, symbolizing the descent of the feathered serpent god, Kukulcán. This interplay of light and architecture demonstrates the Maya’s sophisticated understanding of astronomy and their ability to integrate it into their monumental structures.
Indian Dravidian Architecture – Annamalaiyar Temple
The Tiruvannamalai temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture, located in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple complex sprawls over 25 acres, encapsulating the grandeur and intricate artistry characteristic of Dravidian temples.
Central to the temple is the towering Annamalaiyar shrine, crowned with a majestic gopuram (gateway tower) standing at 66 meters, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. This gopuram, adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythological tales and deities, is a testament to the architectural and sculptural prowess of the era.
The temple’s construction, initiated in the 9th century by the Chola dynasty, continued to evolve under successive rulers, including the Vijayanagara Empire, each adding layers of architectural sophistication.
The temple is also renowned for its annual Karthigai Deepam festival, attracting millions of devotees who witness the grand lighting of the beacon on the Annamalai hill, symbolizing the divine light of Shiva. The sprawling courtyards, hallways lined with pillars, and sacred water tanks within the temple complex create a serene atmosphere, inviting spiritual contemplation.
The Terraced Temples of Southeast Asia: Spiritual Ascension
Southeast Asia offers another fascinating variety of stepped monuments in the form of terraced temples. The Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is a prime example. This 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple is built in the form of a step pyramid with nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. The monument is adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, making it a remarkable example of Buddhist architecture.
The terraced design of Borobudur symbolizes the path to enlightenment, with the base representing the earthly realm, the middle levels representing the transitional sphere, and the upper levels symbolizing nirvana. This vertical journey mirrors the spiritual ascension in Buddhism, making the structure not only an architectural wonder but also a profound spiritual symbol.
The Andes’ Stepped Pyramids: Echoes of Inca Grandeur
In South America, the Inca civilization also embraced the concept of stepped monuments, albeit in a different form. The Sacsayhuamán in Peru, though primarily known as a fortress, features stepped terraces that demonstrate the Incas’ sophisticated stone masonry and the reminiscent of a pyramidal structure on its top. These terraces were built using precisely cut stones that fit together without mortar, a testament to the Incas’ advanced engineering skills.
Another noteworthy structure is the Huaca del Sol in Peru, built by the Moche civilization. This stepped pyramid was constructed using millions of adobe bricks and served as both a political and ceremonial center. The layers of the pyramid likely represented different levels of authority and religious significance, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Moche society.
The Unique Stepped Design of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the largest religious monument in the world, features a temple mountain design that incorporates a stepped pyramid structure. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this Hindu temple complex is dedicated to Vishnu. Its central tower, surrounded by four smaller towers, rises over a series of stepped terraces, symbolizing Mount Meru, the sacred center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
The grandeur and symmetry of Angkor Wat, along with its extensive bas-reliefs and detailed carvings, showcase the peak of Khmer architecture and the deep spiritual significance of the stepped design in their cosmology.
Dakila’s Zigurats – Brazil’s highest Stepped Monument
The ‘Ecossistema Dakila‘, a non-profit entrepreneurial group from Brazil, is currently building a stepped monument in Brazil which is supposed to be the highest one in the country. The group develops researches in many different areas of science including mathematics, archeology, astrophysics and quantum physics. According to Dakila, the monuments that exist spread around the world would be in reality quantum machines able to transform the vibrations of the system in energy.
They affirm those monuments were built following specific mathematical calculations, strategical topographical and geographical positioning, besides considering Earth’s magnetic network and its alignment with the different constellations. Therefore, the new monument built by Dakila in the central region o Brazil (Latitude 19º South), is unique in the world and has the intention to enhance people’s lives in many ways.
In addition to all the commercial and entertainment aspects, the monument will be a complex laboratory for carrying out research and practical studies relating to quantum knowledge, energy conversions, electromagnetic fields, seismic and cosmic interference, photonic particles and much more.
The monument is being built as part of the city of ‘Zigurats‘ in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and it is intended to be a model for the cities of the future. Places where the new and the ancient blend together and technology and spirituality are constantly shaking hands.
‘Dakila Research‘, one of the branches of Ecossistema Dakila that develops scientific and archeological researches around the world, have recently announced they have found in South America, in the Brazilian Amazon Forest to be more precise, the discovery of a lost civilization which also have massive built structures such as pyramids.
The pyramids covered by the forest’s dense vegetation were identified through LiDAR analysis, a ‘Light Detection and Ranging’ technology and GRP – ‘Ground Penetrating Radar’ or Geo Radar, made possible through many flights over the analysed area.
They also suppose the existence of ancient developed civilizations in the Amazon Forest millions of years ago, debunking the current mainstream knowledge about the topic. In the website dedicated to their researches you can find much more details about the complex of Ratanaba, including its three famous lost cities of Akakor, Akahim and Ofir, which have already being theme of a Hollywood production named ‘The Lost City of Z‘. In the proximity of those constructions they also uncovered skeletons of giants and elongated skulls, pretty intriguing hey?
Conclusion: A Testament to Human Ingenuity and Spirituality
Stepped monuments around the world, from the ancient pyramids of Egypt and Mesopotamia to the Dravidian Architecture of India and the terraced temples of Southeast Asia, illustrate the universal human endeavor to reach for the divine and manage earthly resources. These structures not only reflect the architectural and engineering prowess of their respective civilizations but also offer profound insights into their cultural and spiritual lives.
The enduring legacy of these monuments lies in their ability to inspire awe and wonder, transcending time and geography. As we explore these ancient stepped structures, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity, the skillful use of sacred geometry and creativity that characterized early human civilizations and their quest to harmonize the earthly with the celestial. Each step carved into these monuments is a testament to the timeless human spirit that continues to inspire and captivate us.
So, what are your thoughts about this fascinating topic? We would love to hear it, please leave a comment if possible. The world becomes a much better place when everyone is listened and properly acknowledged.
Summarising it all in the very wise words of one of the most important Architects of the 20th Century:
“Our world is constructed from geometric relations like the Golden Ratio or the Fibonacci Series, by thinking about geometry all the time, you could organize and harmonize your life with the structure of the world.” Buckminster Fuller. ♥
P.S. Are you curious enough? Learn more about nature’s energy movement, in spirals, in one of our latest Blog posts – The Yin Yuan Tower.
Important Sources:
DOKRAS, Day Dr. Mandala Book IV.
https://cidadezigurats.com.br/infraestrutura/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Yantra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir_Shaivism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borobudur
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dravidian_architecture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziggurat_of_Ur
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teotihuacan
Cover Image Source: https://www.traveler.com/chichen-itza/