Holy temple of Aqila

The Holy temple of Aqitalu is the largest building in Elaqitan and is located at the foot of the World Tree Aqi Talúsix on the island of Elementia. After the first Elaqitanians discovered the island and the World Tree around 9,000 BEC and recognized that great power emanated from it, they built the first pilgrimage site in all of Elaqitan here.

History

It was created long before there was a settlement nearby. Only gradually did the Elaqitanians settle here. Today Aqila is the largest city in Elaqitan and now occupies the entire area around the World Tree. While the pilgrimage site was initially outside the settlement, today the temple, together with the World Tree, forms the heart of the city.

After The creation of the globe was discovered by Eqilateus of Vinduria around 8,642 BEC, the Aqilari began the first proper temple construction and founded the Sacred Order of the Elements. During the many years of its existence and through the expansion of the settlement, the pilgrimage site underwent numerous renovations, expansions, destruction by the force of the elements and new buildings. The complex with its numerous buildings, gardens, ponds and the temple itself is now a small city and forms the sacred district of the elements.

Every year many thousands of pilgrims come to Aqila to see the Holy Temple, the Tomb of Eqilateus and of course the World Tree. For many it is a pilgrimage that they will only undertake once in their life.

Discover the wonders of Aqila. Go on pilgrimage and return from the Tree of Elements wise and enlightened. Remember Eqilateus of Vinduria, who told us about the creation of our world, at his grave. Pray in the Holy Temple and absorb the energy of Elaqism. Strengthen your elemental power by touching the Aqi Talúsix.

Ayuba, Templar and traveling missionary

Temple district

Today the temple complex, together with the World Tree, covers an area of around 450 km². The temple area is separated from the rest of the city by a wall and a moat. However, the wall only has a symbolic character to separate it from the rest of the city. Small bridges lead to the entrances to the temple area over the shallow moat, on which many numerous water lilies grow and where small species of frogs and fish live.

After the wall, small parks with ball azaleas, orange trees and magnolias as well as places to linger line the way to the first buildings. The closer you get to the temple, the taller the buildings become, like walking up a mountain. Only the temple, which exceeds all the buildings in size, is still overlooked by the Aqi Talúsix - Tree of Elements.

Architecture

Initially the temple stood at the foot of the sacred tree. The temple now fits so harmoniously between the roots of Aqi Talúsix, as if they both formed a unit. With any other plant, the builders would be afraid that the force of the roots would cause damage to the building, but that is not the case here. As if the tree had a sense of where it was allowed to grow, there were no cracks or damage to the building. Even if the temple is being rebuilt, the Aqi Talúsix recognizes this and instinctively withdraws his roots from the place in question.

The temple is also surrounded by a large pond. To the side of the temple, large curved bridges lead over the pond to a square in front of the temple. The building has three floors above ground, some of which are located in the leafy crowns of the tree. If you stand on a balcony on the upper floors you have a wonderful view over the temple district.

After entering the temple, you enter a huge vestibule in which there are four large golden statues of the primordial gods. In front of each statue there is a small altar where believers can place offerings and say short prayers to the primordial gods. From the vestibule you enter the main hall of the temple. Right in the middle of the hall there is an altar from which the supreme Templar of the Holy Order of the Elements can pay homage and preach to the believers from all sides during the service. On the altar, the story of the pilgrimage of Eqilateus of Vinduria is told through artistic carvings. The altar is “crowned” by the golden statue of the saint.

From the large main hall two stairs lead into the crypt to the tomb of Saint Eqilateus of Vinduria. The crypt is flooded with light, with the glass mosaics representing the four elements. The grave is decorated with gold and precious stones.