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Sanctuary of Min

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Shrine to Min in Sile

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INNER SANCTUARY OF MIN
A select few priests were involved in the ceremonies centered on the sanctuary. Accompanied by incense and lamps, and scattering purified water from the sacred lake, the High Priest approached the shrine saying, "I am a pure one." He would break the clay seal on the door of the shrine, and open it to reveal the gold statue of the god. This he would decorate before making an offering of food. The priests then left the sanctuary with someone sweeping the floor as they left, so as not to leave behind any traces of their presence.

            

Min is another form of Amun and was chiefly worshipped at Coptos and Panopolis. He wears the plumed head-dress of Amun and holds a whip-like sceptre. He is also shown holding his erect phallus in his left hand. Though the Greeks identified him with Pan there is nothing Pan-like about him. Min is a proud, regal figure. His ancient symbol was the thunderbolt and he was sometimes considered to have been the creator of the world, or even as another form of Horus. Coptos became an important entrepot for desert trading expeditions and so Min became the god of roads and travellers. As god of fecundity he was also god of crops, and the first sheaf of wheat was offered to him by the Pharaoh at harvest time. His sacred animal was a white bull while the games of Panopolis were held in his honour during the period of Greek influence.