History:

is dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek. The temple was constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty in the 2nd century BC and was completed during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus around 30 BC. The temple features two separate entrances, each dedicated to a different god. The left side contains gods associated with Sobek, including Horus and Hathor, while the right side contains gods associated with Haroeris or Horus the Elder, such as Hathor and Anubis. The temple is known for its unique double design, which features two halls, two courts and two sanctuaries. Unfortunately the temple suffered from extensive flooding in the 1st century AD and has since been partially rebuilt. Visitors can still appreciate the grandeur of this temple while soaking up the remarkable history it has to offer. It is one of the best temple in Egypt which you must visit.

Facts:

The Temple of Sobek is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in Kom Ombo, Egypt. It was built during the Ptolemaic period, specifically during the reigns of Ptolemy VI and Ptolemy XIII. The temple was dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek, a favorite of the Egyptian people. It also honored the many deified forms of Horus, like Haroeris and Shahein/Shai. The temple is built on the site of several earlier structures that date back to the Middle Kingdom. The earliest temple was probably established circa 1700 BCE. Later temples and additions date from the 18th Dynasty and the reign of Thutmose III. It was for many years a place of pilgrimage and worship of crocodiles. The temple is a double temple, with two main entrances and two sets of inner and outer halls. The outer halls of the temple are fronted by sandstone pylons that were carved with the figures of Pharaohs, gods and goddesses, and scenes depicting the battle between Sobek and Seth. The inner halls of the temple are decorated with relief scenes and paintings of gods, animals, and scenes portraying the rituals of worship. The most intriguing aspect of the temple is its alignment with the stars. Its orientation is on an axis that is roughly perpendicular with the Summer Solstice, aligning the central pylon with the star Sirius in the constellation of Canis Major. This suggests that the temple’s design was intended to observe the movements of celestial bodies. Here are some facts about the Egypt temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Egypt

Worship Method:

The Temple of Sobek at Kom Ombo on the West Bank of the Nile in Egypt contains two temples dedicated to two separate gods, Sobek and Horus. The worship and ritual practices of this temple complex are strongly tied to traditional Egyptian beliefs and traditions. In ancient times, religious ceremonies at Kom Ombo were likely held weekly in accordance with the lunar cycles. Processions of priests and worshipers were accompanied by musicians and dancers wearing traditional garb. Sacred rituals would be performed before the rising of the sun in the morning and after its setting in the evening. During the morning ceremony, the high priest would lead the worshipers in chanting hymns or prayers to Sobek, Horus, and other local deities. Sacrifices of animals were offered and incense was burned. At the evening ceremony, worshipers would chant as the moon rose, offering prayers to various gods. Personal petitions were made for health, protection, and other matters. In between the morning and evening rituals, theologians would read from holy texts, giving sermons on Sobek and Horus’s deeds. Priests were also available to interpret dreams and castings of the sacred divination sticks known as sem-sems. Offerings would be made to the gods and the temple priests. Votive figures and statuettes were also set up in the temple to honor the gods, and these figures often depicted scenes of hunting, fishing, and other activities in which Sobek and Horus participated. Offerings of food and drink, such as fruits, wine, bread, and vegetables, were also set out in the temple as part of the ritual. The worshipers in the temple also took part in divination rituals to try and ascertain the will of the gods. They did this by observing the stars, the sun, and other natural phenomena, as well as through the use of sacred objects, like water mirrors and pins, which were arranged in specific patterns. This most visited temple in Egypt

Opening Timing:

The Temple of Kom Ombo is open six days a week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry 3:30 pm). It is closed to the public on Friday. top temples in Egypt

How to reach:

Kom Ombo is approximately 2.5 hours south of Cairo, and approximately 2.5 hours north of Luxor by car. It is located on the west bank of the Nile, in the Aswān Governorate. The Temple of Sobek is located behind the main temple at Kom Ombo. To reach it you can either take a taxi or public bus from Aswan to Kom Ombo, or join a Nile cruise which stops off at Kom Ombo. Once you arrive, you can either opt for a guided tour of the complex or simply enter the temple yourselves. famous temples in Egypt