The Ekeko is an important figure for communities across the Andes, and has a special significance for Ayamara indigenous communities along the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru and in Bolivia.
Long ago there was an indigenous man whose name was Ekeko. He stood out from the crowd because he was stocky, short, humble, kind, charitable and always smiling.
Ekeko was a good man who sought to create harmonious lives for his brethren. Wherever he went he preached good manners. Where there were problems and cries for help, he had the solution. He would always offer consultation to those in pain and shower them with abundant joy.
One day, to honor his wonderful qualities, he received powers from the Apu (mountain spirit) Quallana Awki (God the Divine Father) who dwelt in the sacred heights of Khuno Qullo (the snow mountain). With this power, Ekeko was able to achieve great things. They say that he moved enormous stones, dried water from flooded villages, moved rocks and mountains only with waves from his voice. Everything obeyed him; that’s why people followed him closely.
One of Ekeko’s most important accessories was his ch’uspa (bag). So he walked through the mantanas, hills, pampas and along the banks of the lake. Those who cried he came to comfort and to make them laugh; to the ones who did not have material wealth, he provided them; to those who wanted to find true love, he served as a matchmaker.
One day the Awqa (evil being) made a visit to the Andes. He took the appearance of a bearded man with a white complexion and a very bad temper. Awka was very cruel. He frightened the Aymaras and persecuted Ekeko. He would eventually end up torturing those who followed him and was known to fiercely kill others who refused to support him.
One day Ekeko wandered into an Ayllu (traditional community) where Awqa was living. While Ekeko was in the middle of helping a villager, Awqa and his evil allies surrounded him and captured him. They tortured him and tore apart Ekeko’s body. Awqa was afraid that Ekeko, with his great supernatural powers, would assemble himself back together. Therefore, he scattered Ekeko’s head, arms, legs and other parts of the body all over the altiplano and in the mountain ranges.
Despite Awqa’s efforts, with time each of the Ekeko’s body parts started taking shape and he revived himself. Others say that every part of the body rose into the skies, to Winay Marka (the eternal City). It is said if you can help put Ekeko back together into human form, he will take on new supernatural strengths that he will come to your town to offer you abundance.
Ekeko Prayer #1: “Ekeko! God of fortune, powerful hunchbacked little man: how rich have you done to whom he asks you to do it? Make me give you a cigar, my destiny changes and that the flattering welfare that wealth provides reaches me. May peace, tranquility and joy reign in my home, may money multiply, may I have every day and may the great love of my life only have eyes for me, AMEN."
Ekeko “Prayer #2: “Ekeko, God of abundance, I invoke you to increase my wealth, Oh! Ekeko, God of prosperity, I invoke you so that I do not lack a house, clothing or sustenance." Oh! Ekeko, God of protection heed my plea and protect me from all evil, may joy and health always be with me, AMEN. "
Statues are prayed to for seeking love, health, fortune, protection, and to lend their energy while casting spells or during rituals. Establish the psychic link within yourself of spiritual awareness, inner peace, and positive transformation.
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