Pachamama and The Virgin of Candelaria

Pachamama is the Goddess of the Earth to the Incans.  She is said to be the wife of Inti.  When the Catholics came to Peru, Pachamama was replaced with the Virgin Mary or the Virgin of Candelaria.  Pachamama was a benevolent goddess as was her husband Inti.

According to wikipedia:

The Virgin of Candelaria is identified or syncretized with other holy entities from other religions:

• In Guanche mythology, the Virgin of Candelaria was identified Chaxiraxi, and her son Chijoraji.
• In Cuban Santería, the Virgin of Candelaria is identified with Oyá.
• In Brazilian Candomblé, the Virgin of Candelaria is identified with Oshun.
• In the Hindu religion, the Virgin of Candelaria is Kali, the black patron goddess of the city of Calcutta in India.
• For Andean religions, this dedication is linked to the cult to the Pachamama (Mother Earth).

By Rita Jean Moran (www.thelibrarykids.com)

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachamama

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_of_Candelaria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_goddess