Pascual Abaj, Sacred Maya shrine in Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Pascual Abaj is a stone cult image standing on a wooded hillside south of Chichicastenango that overlooks the surrounding valley. The figure sits within pine forests surrounded by open ceremonial spaces where people gather to perform rituals.
The figure originated in pre-Columbian times, and the Spanish conquistadors moved it to its current location during the 16th century conquest. This relocation served to protect the sacred object from destruction during the colonial period.
Local Maya spiritual leaders conduct ceremonies here throughout the year, leaving offerings of incense, flowers, and pine branches as part of their religious practice. Visitors can witness how communities maintain their ancestral traditions and spiritual connection to the land.
The site is located about three kilometers south of Chichicastenango town center and is reached by walking uphill through forest paths. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the trail passes through dense vegetation with uneven terrain.
The stone figure was damaged by vandalism in the 1950s, yet local communities repaired it and continued their spiritual devotion to the site. Despite these incidents, it remains one of the oldest surviving pre-Hispanic sacred objects in the region.
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