Mayan gods and goddesses

QUESTION: Mayan gods and goddesses - What creature held prominence in the worship of the Mayan gods and goddesses?

ANSWER:

The jaguar occupied the top level of the food chain and the Mayans sought to identify themselves with its qualities. Jaguar gods were present as shamanic creatures, in ritual transformations.

Like jaguars, these gods were associated with night, caves, the underworld, hunting, and stealth.

• The Maya and the jaguar shared dominion over the rainforest and this creature was omnipotent.
• The Jaguar God of the Underworld traveled from east to west as the sun.
• The Jaguar God of the Night, along with other evil gods, presided over the Underworld–-its spotted hide symbolizing the starry sky.