Temple of Esna
Welcome to the magnificent temple of Esna! This massive structure was built over 3,000 years ago and still stands to this day. The temple is dedicated to the god Khnum, the god of creation and the source of the Nile River. One of the features of the Holy attraction is that many of the artifacts are s related to the worship of the God and Goddess. This temple is particularly unbelievable due to its several carved hieroglyphs and sculptures.
The exterior of the temple is also breathtaking, with its massive pylon gate, which was built to the standard of Ancient Egyptian architecture in this era. Once you explore Esna Temple, you will undoubtedly feel a deep connection to the pride and history of the Ancient Egyptian civilization. The temple of Esna still stands as a testament to the resilience of the Egyptian spirit and the power of faith and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
Today, you will know more about the amazing attraction "The Temple of Esna", its location, the history of the city, the massive construction, and why they built such a temple in ancient Egypt.
Where Is the Temple of Khnum?
The temple of Esna is located in Luxor, about 485 miles from modern Cairo, about 50 kilometers south of Luxor city, as the town of the city sits on the west bank of the Nile River, and 150 Kilometers to the north of Aswan. Esna was called "Senat" in the language of ancient Egyptian, and later it was called "Esna" by the Greeks, which means "The city of the Fish", as the fish was a symbol of the divine, where is now the temple of Esna.
The History of Esna City
During the early eras of Egypt, Esna was an important religious attraction for the worship of the god Khnum. In the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, it became an important political center, and in the New Kingdom of Egypt, it was a major trading site. Esna was the site of a major temple complex dedicated to God Khnum, a ram-headed deity responsible for the flooding of the Nile River.
The temple of Esna was built as King Tuthmosis III put the foundations of Esna Temple in the eighteenth Dynasty, then The Roman Emperors completed it later around 40 to 250 AD, and decorated it with a variety of scenes that depicted the Gods, Goodness, and kings of Egypt and a sacred lake. The temple was destroyed during the Ptolemaic era and its ruins remain today.
Esna city was also an important site of industry, producing earthenware and cloth. During the Roman era, it was a major trading center, as it was located on several major trade routes. Remains of Romani temples and other structures have been discovered in the area. The city was abandoned in the 7th century CE, and its features are an important part of the modern town of Esna today.
The Importance of Building the Temple of Esna
The Temple of Esna was built in the honor of the God Khnum, who was a creator God associated with the Nile and prosperity. The temple was built as a place for ancient Egyptian to congregate to honor God Khnum and to also worship other ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses associated with the Nile River, such as God Horus and God Isis.
The temple was also an important center for trade, as it was located at the junction of two major roads that connected Egypt to the rest of the world so, it has a strategic importance in ancient Egypt. The temple included gardens, public spaces, and other features, which made it a bustling place of various activities.
In addition, the temple also housed a library and a school to educate the local ancient Egyptians. Through the centuries, the Temple of Esna has remained an amazing tourist attraction, due to its impressive size, and its location near the banks of the Nile River.
What Are the Unique Features of The Temple Of Esna?
The temple of Esna is a unique example of ancient Egyptian architecture as it has a unique design that is breathtaking the travelers from all over the world as it consists of the following:
- The temple consists of a large open court and twenty-four hypostyle halls.
- The walls of the aisles are decorated with scenes of offerings to the gods and images of Ptolemy VI.
- The temple was built from sandstone.
- On the inner walls, you can find more stunning and amazing reliefs depicting paintings of worship.
- The design is quite similar to Dendera and Abydos temples.
- The temple has two smaller doors on each side, two doors on the front, and two on the back.
- The sanctuary is surrounded by five chapels, each of which contains a statue of a god or goddess.
- The columns employ the lotus and papyrus design.
- The walls are covered with reliefs showing Ptolemaic and Roman emperors offering sacrifices to the God Khnum.
- At a height of fourteen meters, they found several .patterns and colors above the entrance of the temple.
- The paintings describe the symmetric beauty which represents forty-six eagles in two rows, with twenty-two eagles with a head of the cobra. This amazing scene depicts the goodness of ancient Egypt as a protector of lower Egypt.
- Interestingly, these incredible widgets have not appeared in any other paintings or images before.
- On the western wall of the Temple, you will see God Khnum and the God Horus "God of Victory" dragging a net full of fish from the Nile River.
What Are the Instructions for Entering the Temple of Esna?
Other inscriptions found on the temple walls that one must follow these instructions to enter this holy place such as:
- You must cut fingernails and toenails.
- Remove body hair.
- Purify their hands with natron.
- Have no intercourse for many days.
- To be dressed in linen.
The temple of Esna is a perfect example of the architecture of the ancient Egyptian and the greatness of the Ptolemaic era, and it is an important archaeological attraction in Egypt.
What is the Best Way to Visit the Esna Temple?
Esna temple is a stopover between Luxor and Aswan, you can visit it via car from Luxor which could be around 50 kilometers. We highly recommend visiting this magnificent temple on a Nile River cruise, as the Nile Cruise has a special way to explore the beauty of Upper Egypt. By taking a Nile Cruise, you will be able to visit one of the most important monuments of the world, as Luxor city only has two-thirds of the monuments of the world. Plus, you will visit Aswan with its important attractions. check our article to know more about how to enjoy a Nile cruise in Egypt.
In essence, the temple of Esna in Egypt is a perfect example of ancient Egyptian creativity. Its unique construction, its unusual design, and its excellent state of preservation make it a must-see attraction for travelers from all over the world. The temple of Esna has been used for worship for thousands of years, so it is a very important part of the Egyptian culture, civilization, and history of the region. The temple of Esna is a remarkable example of the beauty and power of Ancient Egyptian, and its existence today is a great testament to the creativity and dedication of the skilled workers who built and cared for its small details.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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