Cave of Yadaamkaasom

Describe a ruined structure that nature has reclaimed. What was its original purpose?
The Cave of Yadaamkaasom was a natural holy site in the pre-Himansaism religion of the Kuutham Mountains region. It was thought to be the birthplace of several other deities. Currently, it is a protected archaeological site with a museum in front.

Purpose / Function

Worshipers entered the cave to pay tribute to the earth goddess Yadaamkaasom, precursor to Yádungkas. They lit candles at the altar in the center of the main room of the cave.
Priests and priestesses covered the walls with carvings and paintings. They also oversaw the maintenance of the cave.

Contents & Furnishings

The center of the cave had a small shrine with a stone altar. Thick blankets of wool and hide lay on the floor before the altar for ease of prayer.
The right-hand side (when one entered) had devotionals and names of priests carved into the wall.
All walls of the cave had paintings depicting stories of the gods, the gods at work in the world, and holy symbols. These have faded over the centuries, and a few have disappeared altogether.

Alterations

Priests and priestesses were the only ones allowed to paint and carve the walls of the cave. When a new priest or priestess was ordained, that new priest or priestess would carve their name and a brief devotional on the right-hand wall of the cave.

Architecture

The Cave of Yadaamkaasom consists mostly of pink granite.

History

As Himansaism developed and as the Eiji people migrated out of the Kuutham Mountains, the Cave of Yadaamkaasom diminished in importance. The Eiji moved the altar out of the cave and to a newly-built temple. Archaeologists, historians, and theologians debate over which Himansa temple has that altar.

Tourism

Archaeologists, geologists, and theologians have set up the front of the cave as a museum. A recreated altar stands in the center of the main cave room. About a foot behind the altar is a fence blocking off the rest of the cave to the general public. To the side, on a small table, a book of drawings recreates the faded wall paintings and eroded wall carvings. Visiting the cave is restricted: only people on work or school trips are allowed to visit, and the archaeologists maintaining the cave are quick to kick out anyone who tampers with the site.

RUINED STRUCTURE
I haven't decided when yet, lol

Type

Room, Natural, Cavern

Parent Location

Kuutham Mountains

Owning Organization

Eiji Empire