Philae, Jewel of the Nile

The Hypostyle Hall

THEN

Worshippers of the old days never saw this hall of splendor in the God´s Abode. But they were received by Godservants at the Outer Court, where their offerings was taken care of and carried into the temple.

Ten huge, beautifully painted pillars adorn the room. They symbolize the first plants, trees and flowers of the earth which began to grow on the Primeval Mound (symbolized by the temple floor). In the ceiling (the sky), are images of the Day Boat and the Night Boat, and of the vultures of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Only for Priesthood

Just as in all other temples in Kemet, the priesthood were the only ones allowed past the Outer Court. To enter the Sanctum and lay eyes on the statue of the Goddess in her naos, was only for the High Priest while conducting the daily services.

At the furthest end of the hypostyle hall we come, via a transitory vestibule to three smaller rooms in a row, all depicted with carvings of ritual scenes. To the left in the transitory hall is a small room with a staricase leading up to the roof where there is a chapel to Osiris. It was clsoed for visitors at the time of our visit but the the walls depict ritual scenes with Osiris, Isis, Nephtys and Osiris-Wenennefer.

Crosing the transitory hall, behind the pillars of the Hypostyle Hall, are the doors to the antechambers that lead into the dark innermost chamber of the temple - the Sanctum.

The walls between these rooms, and in fact everywhere, are covered with reliefs depicting offering scenes and inscribed with hymns to the Great Lady of Philae - Isis.