The Pyramids of Giza: Mysteries of Great Pyramids

The pyramids of Egypt have always been a center of curiosity and attraction. From common tourists to historians, archeologists and scientific researchers, everyone feels somewhat fascinated by these mysterious monuments. For what purpose the pyramids were originally built and by whom? How were they used in the ancient times? Answers to these questions still remain a matter of controversies and endless debate. For many years, the pyramids were thought to be royal graveyards made for preservation of the mummies. However, the majestic geometrical and archaeo-astronomical features of the pyramids and the amazing energy fields found by the researchers inside these gigantic structures reveal a gamut of new facets. 

The word ‘pyramid’ originates from the Greek words ‘pyra + mid’. ‘Pyra’ means ‘fire’ and ‘mid’ means ‘in the middle’. Thus, the literal meaning of pyramid would be – in the middle of fire (energy!). This indicates a possibility that the pyramids were constructed to serve as energy reservoirs or sources of accessing and preserving energy from the cosmos. The distinct geometrical features of these masterpiece designs also show the superb scientific knowledge of their architects. 

The geometrical analysis of the ‘Great Pyramids’ at Giza (Egypt) shows that the base area of a pyramid divided by twelve times its height equals the universal mathematical constant π (pi). The ratio of its vertical and horizontal edges is 1.618…, which is an important geometrical constant φ (phi). This perfection of mathematical formulae in its design can’t be a mere coincidence. It is also a puzzling surprise that its depth below the earth’s surface is exactly the same as its heights above the surface. 

A billion times of the height of a Great Pyramid equals the astronomical unit (the sun-earth distance). It is also remarkable that the solar energy-radiations are found to be significantly dense on the earth at this distance at the inclination at which the pyramids are located. The north-south axis (diagonal) in the middle of the pyramid divides the earth in two equal parts; not only that, this division also halves the land and the water on the earth. These and similar findings affirm that the architects of the pyramids had accurate knowledge of the geometry of the earth and the solar system and they had made use of it for advanced level experiments and applications through these pyramid shaped laboratories. 

The wonders of pyramids include the fact that these are situated right above the geo-center of the gravitational field. The total of diagonal lengths of a Great Pyramid is about ten-thousandth fraction of the radius of the earth. The original meter, which was defined as one ten millionth of the distance between North Pole and the Equator, is one-fortieth of its edge. It appears that the pyramids were also used for certain standards of scale. If we multiply the number of days (= 365) in a non-leap year by 100 and add the number of hours (=24) in one day (the extra day of the leap year!), we get 36524. This happens to be the value (in meters) of the total peripheral surface of a Great Pyramid! The entrances of all the pyramids happen to face the East. Moreover their central axes at the entrance are directed towards the point in ecliptic reached by the sun at solstice (on the 21st June and 22nd December, when the sun is farthest from the equator and appears to pause before the earth returns nearer). These findings suggest astrological / astronomical applications of the pyramids. 

Historical studies mention of an Egyptian Archaeo-architect and Priest named Imhotep, who had prepared the calendar of the year 4229 B.C.; it is amazing to note that his calendar also showed 365 days in a year. Such precision of calculations was also reflected in other information given in his calendar; this could be possible only by substantial knowledge of the movements of the planets and stars in and around our solar system. Usually very few planet/stars are seen in the sky over Cairo (Egypt), that too not so clearly as could be visible from other parts of the world. Then, what kinds of telescopes were used for astronomical studies those days? Were the pyramids serving as the observatories? This was also the common belief of the Arabs. However, the scientific authenticity of this possibility got accepted only after publication of the book "The Great Pyramid – Observatory, Tomb and Temple" by British Astronomer, Richard Anthony Procter in the late nineteenth century. 

The learned author has revealed many important facts on applications of pyramids in planetary studies in the above book. According to him, the location of pyramids on the Equator is along the north-south geo-axis from where positions and movements of the planets and stars on the North Pole side could have been studied by the astrologers of ancient Egypt. The canals beneath the base of the pyramids lie straight in the direction of the Pole Star; the deviation angles of its rays could be measured here. These canals are dug beneath the earth’s surface at an angle of 26 degrees and 17 minutes, which happens to be the angle of reflection of light there. The upward and downward directions of these canals are according to the angles of incidence and reflection of light. These dark wells of 200 ft deep canals thus illustrate the thorough knowledge of astronomy by the experts of those days. 

The above are some notable facts on the construction of the pyramids. The atmosphere inside the pyramids is found more astonishing and has posed many challenges before the modern scientists. Nobel Laureate Luis Alvarez had tried to measure the energy levels inside the pyramids using a cosmic counter machine but he did not succeed, as his instrument stopped working in the energized fields here. Surprisingly, it happened during several trials; the instrument would start functioning fine as soon as it was brought out beyond a certain distance from the pyramids. X-raying the pyramids by groups of scientists coupled with the studies by renowned physicists like Dr. A. Goneid showed findings inside the pyramids that were beyond explanation by scientific laws. Dr. M. Mc Luhan of Ontario, Canada and several others have also researched on these aspects and found that somewhat different forms of energy-fields than the electromagnetic energy (which is the energy so far known, pervading in the space) seem to exist inside the pyramids. 

In view of these arcane energy fields of high intensity found inside the pyramids, the researchers opine that such marvelous scientific structures can’t be graveyards. These must have been built for some super-level purposes such as astronomic studies, understanding of the cosmos, experiments on subliminal energy, and/or spiritual modes of devotion, etc. Many believe that the rare cosmic energy indwelling here could induce sublime transmutation. This view is strongly supported by Manly P. Hall in his celebrated work entitled "The Secret Teachings of All Ages" (first ed. 1928). He mentions that staying inside the pyramids used to empower the devotees with evolved spiritual energy. In his view, pyramids might have been constructed as spiritual energy centers for enlightened transformation of personality. 

Historical reviews also indicate that as per the period of their construction, the pyramids do not appear to be originally constructed as the graveyards of the Pharaoh Kings of Egypt; neither their construction took place during the reigns of the latter. In his research dissertation on "The Pyramids of Egypt", published in 1964, I. E. S. Edwards has shown 3100 B. C. to 332 B. C. as the period of the rule of the Pharaohs in Egypt. Till the early 20th Century AD, the pyramids were also largely believed to have been erected during this period. However, advanced archeological studies and scientific analysis have shown that the pyramids are much older. British archeologist, Walter Emory had examined the stones of the Great Pyramids of Giza using spectrographs and had estimated the age of these constructions to be between eleven thousand to fifteen thousand years. The Bodleian Library at Oxford has an antique treatise of Egypt, which is written on Birch Leaves. Abu Al Massoudi describes the pyramids as constructed prior to the disastrous inundation that had engulfed most parts of the earth and gave rise to its present form. As most of the modern historians approve the occurrence of this epochal flood disaster to be before 15000 years, the age of the pyramids is found to be older than fifteen thousand years from historical proofs as well. Similar supporting evidences of the recent times affirm that the great pyramids of Egypt were not built during the reign of the Pharaohs. Arabic researcher Abu Jed Al Balkhi has estimated the age of these pyramids as about thirty-three thousand years based on the results of Carbon-14 techniques applied to the organic remains of the later ages in these monuments. 

It is important here to note the recent findings of distinguished anthropologist and archaeologist Prof. Tom Dillehay and Dr Dennis Stanford on the prehistoric global migration. They have thoroughly analyzed the archaeological data, the antique structures, data from excavated sites and the skulls, bones and soil/stone constructs obtained there, data on linguistic and geographic history and the data on anthropological research and evolutionary studies in genetics. Their research has annulled the hypothesis that Asians had migrated to America via the Bay of Bering about ten thousands years ago. Based on the results of this research, Prof. Tom Dillehay of the Archaeology Dept., Kentucky University (USA) concludes that – there are proofs of human inhabitation in Chile since about 33,000 years; the migration of Asians towards the American continent had begun much before that. He also argues that even the frozen strait of Bering could not hinder this migration. According to Dr. Dennis Stanford of the Smithsonian Institute (USA) this prehistoric migration had taken place in three to four stages. The findings of these researchers also support what was written by Abu Al Massoudi and point out that the architects of The Great Pyramids were not the ancient Egyptians, rather some others who had reached there much before the advent of Egyptian or Greek civilization. 

Who were these "others" who had constructed the pyramids? The observations of Bill Schultz and Ed Petit are worth noting in this context. In their book "The Secret Powers of Pyramids" the authors cite that the fame of ancient Greeks as the founders of Mathematics is there just because they were able to decipher some knowledge from a well developed science of much more older civilization. The classical Alexandria of Greeks could gather and propagate only a fraction of the gigantic knowledge available with the handful of great sages, the unknown migrants, who had reached the land of Egypt thousands of years before the dawn of Greek civilization. These strangers (migrants from some more ancient and advanced civilization) of yore –– the founders of trigonometry, geometry, archaeology and astronomy – were the architects of the pyramids in the views of the authors. 

The above findings and the studies of ancient Indian Culture indicate that the great sagacious migrants believed to be the architects of The Great Pyramids were the Indian rishis (the seers, sages and scientists of Vedic Age), who possessed supramental talents and had realized the supreme knowledge. Many of their disciples had migrated in small groups to even the farthest corners of the globe1 to spread the light of this supreme knowledge and sow the seeds of human civilization there. That the rishis possessed immense knowledge of the sciences pertaining to matter and the gross manifestation of Nature along with their expertise in spirituality and yoga – is clearly reflected in several treatises of the Vedic Literature. The following slokas from the 352nd Chapter of the "Matsya Puran" cite the names of eighteen experts of archaeo-architecture and civil engineering of the Vedic Age: 

Bhraguratrirvasistha Ca Visvakarma Mayastatha | 
Narado Nagnajiccaiva Visalaksah Purandarah || 

Brahmakumaro Nandisah Saunako Garg Eva Ca | 
Vasudevoaniruddhasca Tatha Sukrabraahaspati || 

Astadasaite Vikhyata Vastusastropadesakah | 
Sanksepanopadistam Yanmanve Matsyarupina || 

Of these eighteen, Vishwakarma and Maya were regarded as the leading masters. These two are referred respectively as the architects for the devatas (manifestations of divine powers) and for the danavas (demonic giants). The magical buildings, cities and supernatural instruments devised by them are cited in the Vedic Literature and also in the later scriptures like Mahabharata and Ramayana. That these were not mere mythological depictions has been authentically investigated by the researchers of the modern times as well1,2. It was certainly an easy task for such geniuses to construct the monumental pyramids. 

Archaeological and historical research up till now has shown that the Maya civilization in ancient Mexico was an offshoot of the Maya civilization in ancient India. The ‘Inca’ civilization spread from Ecuador to Peru was also a branch of this civilization cultivated by Maya and his followers. All these evidences strengthen the findings of Prof. Dillehay and Dr. Bill Schultz et al and show that the Great Pyramids are also an illustration of the advanced architectural knowledge of the Vedic India and that the great Indian architects of that time had constructed these wonders of the world. 

What the historical data mark as the time period when the Shulbsutra and Brahmsutra were written now appears to be a little before the time the pyramids were built. These two post-vedic Indian scriptures happen to be the fundamental source of knowledge (derived from the Vedas) on vastukala (architecture), which also encompasses the secrets of constructions for archaeo-astronomical and ethno-astrological studies and hidden specificities of vastu-designs for spiritual impact, etc. This further leads to the conclusion that the ancient Indians had masterminded the magnificent design and amazing properties of The Great Pyramids. 

Another puzzle associated with the pyramids is the purpose and mode of their use. The history of investigations on their mystery has also been very interesting. Many anecdotes were popular in the first few centuries A. D. about the tragic deaths of some explorers who tried to dig out the facts inside. The first authentic record in the history mentions of Khalifa Harun Al Rashid’s adventurous son Abdullah Al Memmon’s attempt in the year 820 A. D. Abdullah went inside the pyramids with a group of some intrepid young men carrying heavy hammers and chisels. Their efforts of removing or breaking some stones were ruined in the void, as the stones and their joints were too stout for the tools. In another attempt, concentrated acid was used to make a big hole from where some of the investigators could enter inside the gigantic tombs. But, they could find nothing – not a single corpse or mummy, no royal belongings. It took them about a month to come out from that labyrinth. 

The common belief of these being the graveyards for preservation of the mummies was shattered completely when a team of investigators of international repute declared after search operations for several months that there were no mummies, no coffins and no hidden treasures inside the pyramids or in their basements. It is quite probable that in some period of the Egyptian rule, these might have been used for this purpose, as the energy fields inside were found to be miraculous. Most likely, this hypothesis also might have been just imaginary or an offshoot of false notions created to enhance the glory of the Pharaohs. Whatever it be, the possibility of such majestic designs with astonishing scientific and astronomical features having been constructed for merely keeping dead bodies does not appear logical in any respect; it is also not supported by any of the authentic research studies. 

The unique energy fields found here indicate that these pyramids were made and used for higher-level meditations, devotional practices and spiritual experiments. These appear to be serving as reservoirs of cosmic radiation for such experiments. Journalist and philosopher, Paul Brunton had spent a night in a pyramid of Giza. His observations were compiled in the book (published by Rider & Co., 1935) entitled "A Search in Secret Egypt" where he mentions of experiencing the presence of divine consciousness-force inside these ‘celestial’ laboratories. 

Several scientific experiments conducted inside the pyramids illustrate the presence of an exceptional energy field. Among these, the experiment of Austrian scientist Vern Cameron has been very popular. He had kept a watermelon inside a bathroom type wet chamber in the pyramid. Surprisingly, despite having water inside and around, the watermelon had shrunk into a tiny dry-fruit of the size of a chestnut with splendid taste. This amazing result inspired the scientist to study the aura of energy there. For this, he first worked with spectrographic recording of the energy domains (of light radiations, thermal and electromagnetic energy currents, etc) inside pyramid shaped designs in his lab. The aura of energy had an inverted pyramid shape and showed concentration of superimposed energy waves towards the base-center. The field remained dense at the particular spot for long time even after the model designs were taken away. 

Another widely publicized experiment was conducted in the late twentieth century by some Russian scientists. A pot containing a six inches long fresh sapling of a plant having two or three leaves was kept inside a glass pyramid. The response and growth pattern of this tiny plant was recorded continuously by time-lapse video camera. The plant appeared to be dancing on a sonorous tune. It first inclined slightly towards the floor. Then took a round towards the east; from there it completed the round by moving towards the west. Having reached the west, it became straight and started oscillating in a slow rhythm. It repeated this ‘dance’ for few minutes at an interval of two hours. Surprisingly, no such movements were seen in any of the saplings (of same age) of that plant in the pots kept outside the pyramid. 

Another interesting observation was that only the sapling inside the pyramid showed its greed (like the humans!) for the precious metal by bending completely towards a piece of gold which was placed near it. 

The rishis – the ancient Indian experts of geometry, architecture and other sciences and the deep science of cosmic energy – were well aware of the distinct features of pyramid shaped designs. They had also chosen the specific positions on the equator for the construction of the gigantic pyramids at Giza (Egypt), for maximum attraction and conservation of rare cosmic radiations there. They were the torchbearers of divine light, who might have used these pyramids as centres of sublime spiritual endeavors. The savants of today, sitting on the peaks of modern marvelous scientific advancement, may well begin to reinvestigate the noble use of the pyramids for similar experiments. 

courtesy: http://www.akhandjyoti.org

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The Pyramids of Giza: Astronomical Alignment

It has long been argued that the Great pyramid embodies certain fundamental astronomical data in its dimensions. Proctor said 'we see in all the Egyptian pyramids the evidence of an astronomical plan'. As there are certain clear evidences of attention to astronomy in the great pyramid, any argument that other discoveries of astronomical figures are 'coincidental' have little merit. Proctor firmly believed that the grand gallery and other passages were designed for determining the declination and ascension of stars.

Apart from the polar shaft, and cardinal alignment, which are obvious astronomical features, it has been long suspected that the great pyramid may have been originally designed as an astronomical observatory. In Le-Measurier's interpretation, he suggests that the pyramid was built in different phases, one of which, up to the level of the 'king's' chamber was for observing the stars, with the rest of the structure being built in a later construction phase and for another purpose. In return, it is argued that the proximity of so many other pyramids, with similar 'funerary' features reveals the true context of the pyramids. However, the very same argument was applied to the British stone circles, where in places like Scotland, where there are arguably too many 'recumbent' circles in some areas to explain in terms of just astronomy.

Concavity of Great Pyramid's Faces

*GIZA* Alignment Code*

For More Astronomical Analysis: Read....

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The Pyramids of Giza: Legends about The Great Pyramid

It is not surprising that there have been many myths and legends about the Great Pyramid of Giza. Even though we may not be able to distinguish which ones are true and which ones are false, it is interesting to read about some of them. Many times we find that there was an actual event that occurred in history and different myths originate from this actual event. Thus if we look at enough myths, there may be a common denominator that we can distinguish.

One of the earliest legends about the Great Pyramid come from an early Arab source, a writer, Ben Mohammed Balki, who stated that the pyramids (the three Giza pyramids) were built as a refuge against an approaching destruction of mankind either by fire or by water. Another Arab historian, Masoudi ( died A.D. 967) also cites a similar legend that the three pyramids were built as a result of a dream that appeared to King Surid, in which the flood was foretold, 300 years before it occurred. It is told that he ordered the priests to deposit within the pyramids written accounts of their wisdom and acquirements in the different arts and sciences... and of arithmetic and geometry, that they might remain as records for the benefit of those who would afterwards be able to comprehend them. Another Arab writer, Ibn Abd-al-Latif, said that the Second Pyramid was "filled with a store of riches and utensils... with arms which rust not, and with glass which might be bended and yet not broken". It is interesting to note that Masoudi also stated that "the Great Pyramid was inscribed with the heavenly spheres, and figures representing the stars and planets in the forms in which they were worshiped. Also the position of the stars and there cycles, together with the history and chronicles of time past, of that which is to come, and of every future event which would take place in Egypt." Another source says that written upon the walls of the pyramid was "the mysteries of science, astronomy, physics, and such useful knowledge which any person understanding our writing can read." Is there any evidence that confirms the Great Pyramid was once covered with the above writings?

Since the original casing stones were destroyed and removed for the building of mosques after an earthquake in 1301 AD, we do not know if there was any original writing upon them. It does not seem likely since there still remains some casing stones at the pyramids lowest level and they do not have any inscriptions on them. There are several possibilities.

1) This is a completely made up legend with no basis or fact.

2) All the casing stones that had writing on them were destroyed.

3) This legend got confused like many do and the writings are actually inside the pyramid in an undiscovered chamber or passageway.

4) The legend of the writings on the exterior of the Great Pyramid got confused with the writings in the Book of the Dead? That is they wrote the above not on the pyramid, but on papyrus to preserve it, which became the Book of the Dead. Is the Book of the Dead what remains of this writing in a corrupt fashion? Basil Stewart states "we know that it (the Great Pyramid) contains no such hieroglyphic inscriptions or representations of the heavenly stars and planets such as these traditions infer. It is only when we turn to the Book of the Dead that we find the passages and chambers of its "Secret House" inscribed with such hieroglyphic texts and formulae, and adorned with mythical figures and stars. That is to say, Coptic and Arab traditions have erroneously identified the inscribed passages of the allegorical Pyramid of the Book of the Dead with the actual passages and chambers of the Great Pyramid itself."

A very interesting account is given by Josephus in his Antiquities. Josephus states that "the descendants of Seth, after perfecting their study of astronomy, set out for Egypt, and there embodied their discoveries in the building of two "pillars" (i.e. monuments), one in stone and the other in brick, in order that this knowledge might not be lost before these discoveries were sufficiently known, upon Adam's prediction that the world was to be destroyed by a flood... and in order to exhibit them to mankind...Now this pillar remains in the land of Siriad (the Siriadic, or Dogstar, land of Egypt) to this day."

There is a similar tradition ascribed to Enoch. "Enoch, foreseeing the destruction of the earth, inscribed the science of astronomy upon two pillars."

It is interesting that almost all the traditions agree that the construction of the Great Pyramid was pre-deluge, and was built to preserve knowledge, etc. They agree in the main events with only variations of detail.

                                                                                                                        Courtesy: Gizapyramid.com

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The Pyramids of Giza: Architectural Analysis of The Great Pyramid

 Three huge pyramids dominate the Giza Plateau, which itself dominates the western bank of the Nile just outside Cairo. Part of what is commonly referred to as the Giza Group these evidently related monuments represent just one aspect of a vast complex of tombs, temples and other monuments, which include the mysterious Sphinx.

Also known as the Giza Necropolis, the entire plateau is archaeologically and historically significant for a variety of reasons, but the largest of its three pyramids has, for thousands of years, commanded the lion’s share of attention.

Consisting of an estimated 2.3 million finely dressed and carefully placed granite and limestone blocks, the largest pyramid is almost 460 feet tall, about 760 feet wide and covers thirteen and a half acres at its now decaying base. Its flanks are almost perfectly aligned to the cardinal points of the compass, and, rising at an angle of almost 52 degrees, each has an area of five and a half acres. The interior is an intriguing complex of lengthy, angled passages, dead end shafts, tiny anterooms and huge empty chambers. It is, quite literally, a man made mountain with a twist.

In fact it is precisely because of this twist, and because of its size, the care & precision with which it was built, its enigmatic interior and intriguing history, that the largest pyramid is also known as The Great Pyramid.

The Exterior

 Those who have visited the Great Pyramid claim nothing prepares one for the awesome size and grandeur of a monument that, until the Eiffel Tower was built in the late 18th century, was the tallest building in the world (the pyramid remains the largest in terms of mass). Regrettably, as impressive as it is, the exterior of the Great Pyramid is but a shadow of its former glory.

Once sheathed in a smooth limestone casing that was almost completely stripped away over a thousand years ago, the pyramid’s core masonry is now exposed to the elements and littered with huge divots & gashes. The top is also missing, leaving a small platform about thirty feet square at the summit. At the base, what remains of a finely crafted limestone and basalt pavement that once completely surrounded the building is now broken up and confined to a few small areas.

 The original entrance, just over fifty-five feet up and almost twenty-four feet east of center on the north face, has been completely destroyed. The entrance passage itself is largely intact, but what may have been a small foyer just inside the casing is now a huge indentation whose original format is impossible to discern. Just below & to the west of the entrance, in the center of the north face, a roughly carved tunnel (a forced entry by 9th century treasure seekers) extends about one hundred feet into the building where it merges with the original entrance passage.

Perhaps the most enigmatic exterior feature of the Great Pyramid is its truncated top (Figure 1a - at the end of this article). About twenty-four feet short of its true apex, the flat top has fascinated visitors and researchers alike. There has been much debate as to whether or not the pyramid ever had an apex or capstone, but both historical and recently gleaned mathematical evidence indicate the casing was also truncated. If there ever was a capstone (unlikely but possible), it was almost certainly designed in such a way as not to detract from the height of the main body.

The Interior 

In direct opposition to the intimidating exterior, the pyramid’s interior is cramped, limited and confusing. Angled passages, empty, unfinished chambers and a curious mixture of both blocked and open “air” shafts (two of which are now used for modern day ventilation) present a puzzle that has challenged minds as great as those of Napoleon and Isaac Newton.

The pyramid’s barely navigable interior passages (imagine climbing into the back of a station wagon hundreds of feet long) are perfectly aligned north/south, but, like the entrance, are slightly east of the north/south axis. Each of the chambers are at different levels and are of differing shapes & sizes, but all extend west from their respective passages and all feature small shafts, niches and/or other as yet unexplained anomalies.

For easier understanding, the pyramid’s interior can be divided into a lower and apparently unfinished section, and a far more complex upper section, which houses the most enigmatic and studied features. Curiously, the interior of the pyramid was originally accessed by a single, concealed entrance, with access to the upper passages and chambers further concealed, even from those who, many years ago, were aware of, or perhaps even familiar with the lower interior.

Lower Interior

The original entrance  opened into the Descending Passage (Fig.1c), which angles downward through the pyramid’s core masonry and into the bedrock below, where it levels out and terminates just beyond a huge Subterranean Chamber (Fig.1e). The mechanical details of the concealed door and the exact configuration of the entrance were lost, along with the casing, over a thousand years ago. The best we can possibly do now is to assume that, once the location of the entrance was known, the door (reportedly a hinged stone) would be relatively easy to open and close at will. Despite the damage to the entrance, the interior remains largely intact and provides a wealth of information, even in areas where it is now less than perfect.

The Descending Passage

When entering the pyramid in the normal way (tourists now enter via the forced passage at the foot of the north face), one is obliged to contemplate the remains of the original entrance before entering the Descending Passage (Fig.1c). This four-foot square, perfectly straight and almost featureless passage plunges through the core of the pyramid and into the bedrock, at an angle of about 26.5º with a deviation of less than a quarter of an inch over more than three hundred and forty feet.

            About 40 feet down the passage, joints in the core masonry suddenly change from perpendicular to the passage axis to sharply angled. The reason for this sudden change is almost certainly to draw attention to Scored Lines (Fig.1d) that appear perpendicular to the axis of the passage. There are no other features here, no obvious or apparent reason for the presence of the scored lines and no indication as to why the pyramid’s designer wished to draw attention to this area.

 Almost a hundred feet down, the masonry joints change once again and the floor of the passage changes to a harder stone. Here, the bottom of the similar Ascending Passage (Fig.1g) is blocked by three huge granite plugs, which were originally concealed by part of the Descending Passage ceiling. This area is extensively damaged, with the softer core masonry broken away to bypass the granite plugs.

 Farther down the Descending Passage, a roughly carved opening in its west wall leads to an equally rough, almost vertical Well Shaft (Fig.1f) which makes its way up through the bedrock and back into the core masonry to emerge at the top of the Ascending Passage.

The Subterranean Complex

 Deep in the bedrock, the Descending Passage levels out, becomes slightly smaller and proceeds to a large, evidently unfinished Subterranean Chamber (Fig.1e). The ceiling and walls of this chamber appear to be finished, but the floor is a complex jumble of highs and lows which resemble, at the western end, mountain ranges separated by a deep valley, and, at the eastern end, a flat plain with a deep, rectangular pit in the floor (a model railroad would not look out of place here). Both before and after the Subterranean Chamber, the horizontal passages exhibit anomalies that, although apparently unfinished, hint of some arcane purpose.

Prior to reaching the Subterranean Chamber, the horizontal entrance passage passes through an approximately six foot square ante-room carved into its ceiling and west wall (that is to say, the floor and east wall of the passage continue more or less undisturbed). The ceiling of this ante-room is angled & extremely rough, and, were it not for the precise carving of the walls and the uniform shape of the room itself, one might be tempted to assume that this area simply collapsed during excavations.

Beyond the Subterranean Chamber, a much smaller horizontal passage extends for over fifty feet. This passage is as straight as any other in the pyramid but features a curious kink to the west just before returning to its original heading and then terminating in a dead end.

The Well Shaft & Grotto

The top end of the Well Shaft (Fig.1f) was discovered soon after the pyramid was first opened in 820 AD, but it was almost completely filled with rubble and not properly explored until it was cleared in the 19th century. Since it was cleared, a number of comparatively minor purposes have been proposed, but the existence, part way down, of an additional feature, known as The Grotto (Fig.1f), carved into the bedrock just below the pyramid’s core masonry, tends to indicate a much more important function.

 The Grotto consists of two small rooms, which house only an enigmatic pit and a large block known as the Grotto Stone (which has now tumbled into the pit). The Grotto Stone is reputed to contain a number of bore holes in one end (now evidently inaccessible) which may or may not contribute to our ultimate understanding of the pyramid, or at least this area of it. Indeed, the fact that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove or “lose” the Grotto Stone (the fate of many Egyptian artifacts in the past), may, in itself, prove to be of some importance.

The Ascending Passage

Located approximately one third of the way down the Descending Passage, the similarly sized and angled Ascending Passage (Fig.1g) climbs 146 feet through the core masonry. Plugged at the bottom by granite blocks, which fit with a high degree of accuracy, this passage was accessed by tunneling through the adjacent, but softer limestone core. Here too, passage joints appear to be designed to draw attention to a number of anomalies - in this case three equally spaced, vertical Girdle Stones, which the passage actually passes completely through on its ascent to the Grand gallery.

The Grand Gallery

 At its top, the Ascending Passage suddenly opens into what is consistently described as the most magnificent example of ancient world architecture. The Grand Gallery (Fig.1h) is a 153-foot long, 28-foot high passage that continues upward, at the same 26.5º angle as the Ascending Passage, into the very heart of the pyramid. The Grand Gallery consists of a narrow channeled floor between two high steps or ramps, and corbelled (stepped inward) walls that reduce its seven-foot width just above the ramps to less than four feet at the curious stepped ceiling. Half way up the side walls, and for the full length of the Gallery, small grooves run parallel to the corbelling. And, where the base of each wall meets the ramps, 28 sets of angled depressions and stone inserts line the Gallery at equal intervals. Once again, numerous functions have been proposed, both for the grooves and for the depressions & inserts, but their true purpose remains a mystery, as does the presence and grandeur of the gallery itself.

At the top of this giant ramp, lies the three-foot high Great Step, which must be surmounted to gain access to the pyramid’s most enigmatic, celebrated and studied feature.

The King’s Chamber

Beyond the Great Step, a short passage leads to a small Anti-Chamber, and finally, via a second short passage, into the King’s Chamber (Fig.1k). This large rectangular room was constructed using huge granite blocks, some weighing an estimated 70 tons (a modern airliner can weigh up to 100 tons). The floor, also consisting of granite blocks, is actually seated between the walls, which extend to approximately five inches below the floor line. A detailed inspection of the King’s Chamber indicates it was constructed entirely separate from the pyramid’s core, and that it can move independently, presumably to avoid being crushed or damaged by subsidence or earth tremors.

Small (approximately 8” square) “Air Shafts” extend from the north and south walls of the King’s Chamber, penetrating to the exterior of the structure as it now stands. (It remains unclear if these shafts penetrated the original casing – see A History in this section - but, these days, they are used to ventilate the King’s Chamber in the normal way).

Above the King’s Chamber, five Construction or Relieving Chambers appear to have been designed to protect the main chamber from the weight of the masonry above.

The Coffer

 When the pyramid was first opened and explored, an empty and lidless coffer (a granite box often erroneously referred to as a sarcophagus) was found at the western end of the King’s Chamber. The Coffer has been studied and probed by a number of researchers who have yet to reach a conclusion as to its true purpose. Regrettably, it has also been studied and probed by tourists and is now in extremely poor condition. (This is not to say that the remainder of the pyramid’s interior has not also suffered a great deal of damage. Hardly a square corner or clean edge exists anywhere inside the pyramid because so much has been chipped away for souvenirs.)

The Queen’s Chamber

Back at the junction of the Ascending Passage and the Grand Gallery, a Horizontal Passage (Fig.1i) continues south through a vertical wall that was designed to be concealed by a ramp set into the lower extreme of the gallery floor (but evidently never installed). Similar in size to the angled passages for most of its length, the Horizontal Passage suddenly increases in height via a stepped floor prior to entering the Queen’s Chamber (Fig.1j).

Almost square with a gabled roof, the Queen’s Chamber features a large “Niche” in its east wall. In relatively modern times, a small, rough tunnel was forced through the rear of the niche and this extends for approximately 30 feet. The Queen’s Chamber also features small Air Shafts which extend out and up from the north and south walls but which do not penetrate to the exterior (and, until opened in the late nineteenth century, remained concealed behind the perfectly smooth chamber walls).

A Record of Sorts

 At almost 460 feet tall, the Great Pyramid is more than one third the height of New York City’s ill-fated twin towers, and its thirteen and a half acre base would cover more than 80% of Ground Zero. In fact, until the Eiffel Tower was built, in 1889, The Great Pyramid was the tallest building in the world - a record it had held for well over four thousand years. Today it is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World and, so surely does it continue to command our attention, that it is reputed to be the second most written about subject on the planet.

Figure-1: The interior of The Great Pyramid as viewed from the east side. The passage system lies almost 24 feet east of the pyramid’s north-south axis and all three major chambers extend to the west from their respective entrance passages.

For Detailed Architectural Analysis: Read.....

Courtesy: Images: ancientwisdom.co.uk

               Text: Gizapyramid.com 

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The Pyramids of Giza: Napolean's Visit to the Great Pyramid

In the 18th century many foreign visitors came to the great pyramid. They were scholars, scientists, historians, explorers, etc. One of the most famous visitors to the great pyramid was Napoleon Bonaparte. His military expedition to Egypt in 1798 was not only military but archeological as well. He took with him engineers, surveyors, astronomers, artists and archeologists. They surveyed, measured, explored, and made drawings of the great pyramid. Their work was published in many volumes from 1809 to 1822 by order of Napoleon.

There is an interesting note to this story about Napoleon on his visit to the great pyramid. He asked to be left alone in the King’s chamber. When he emerged, it was reported that he looked visibly shaken. When an aide asked him if he had witnessed anything mysterious, he replied that he had no comment, and that he never wanted the incident mentioned again. Years later, when he was on his deathbed, a close friend asked him what really happened in the King’s chamber. He was about to tell him and stopped. Then he shook his head and said, "No, what's the use. You'd never believe me." As far as we know, he never told anyone and took the secret to his grave. (It is interesting to note that there is an unsubstantiated story that Napoleon had hinted that he was given some vision of his destiny during his stay in the King's Chamber).

Alexander the Great also spent time alone in the King's Chamber like many famous people throughout history. What draws these individuals to this place?

courtesy: Gizapyramid.com

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The Pyramids of Giza: The pyramid as an 'Initiation' Center.

According to the theosophical tradition the Great Pyramid was originally used as a temple of initiation. This idea was researched by Marsham Adams, who in 1895, wrote the book 'The Book of the Master' (...of the Hidden House), in which he showed that 'The soul of the departed is pictured as following the passages and chambers of the great pyramid. In this version the pyramid itself is seen as an allegory in stone of the ways and trials of the future life'. To quote Adam's himself, he said that the Egyptian Book of the Dead refers to an "ideal structure and to the passages and chambers therein, and that these passages and chambers followed precisely the order and description of those of the Great Pyramid ". The sacred procession of the Egyptian dead moves silently along as they pass to the tribunal of Osiris. They enter into the Hidden Places and penetrate the secret of the House of Light (compare the ancient Egyptian name for the Great Pyramid - "Khut," or "Light").

Sir Gaston Maspero endorsed this thesis and added: "The Pyramids and the Book of the Dead reproduce the same original, the one in words, the other in stone." Maspero supported the contention that 'The Secret House was the scene where the neophyte was initiated into the mysteries of Egypt'.

What is the Egyptian "Book of the Dead"? It was believed by the ancient Egyptians that the "Book of the Dead" was written by Thoth. He was the scribe to the gods and was the one responsible for speaking the words of creation and putting it into effect. Its name is not a correct description of it. It should be named the "Chapters of the Coming Forth by Day". It is mainly concerned with the state of the departed soul and its trials and existences in the afterlife. According to one of the world's experts on the 'Book of the Dead', Sir Wallis Budge, it was not of Egyptian origin but its ideas were brought to Egypt by a different culture and people.

Ivimy, points out the similarities between the 'Bardo Thodol' or 'Tibetan Book of the Dead', from the Buddhist philosophy. He says 'It bears such a remarkable resemblance to the Egyptian Book of the Dead as to suggest that there was some ultimate connection between the two The similarities between the two books is particularly noticeable in regard to the doctrines of the judgment and in the funeral rites they prescribe for the purpose of assisting the deceased to pass successfully through his ordeal. Both treaties are, in effect, "nothing more than guide-books for the traveler in the realm beyond death".

The visual similarities of the Am-duat are clear. The 12-hours of the 'Duat' may represent the journey taken by the sun on the equinox. 

Courtesy: ancient-wisdom.co.uk

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The Pyramids of Giza: The Great pyramid as a Solar Temple

It was a common feature of 'Solar' temples around the world to be painted red. The use of red paint to denote a religious building is still observed to this day in Tibet (also on the 30th parallel). Pochan  says - 'at the tomb of Pen-Meruw at Giza, the name of the Great pyramid is followed by the determinative reserved for solar temples (This is a pyramid shape, with a small 'pyramidion' on top) and 'Khefre' is one of the Egyptian names for the sun (sunrise,daytime, sunset)'.

The following extract is from Pochan, who proved conclusively that the great pyramid, or a part of it, was at some time, painted with red-ochre paint. He says: 'As I proceeded to measure the casing stones of the great pyramid, a peculiar fact attracted my attention. Some detached blocks lined up a few metres from the pyramid, which apparently had once been a part of the facing, showed a curious red-brown tint on their flat sloping side.

To what phenomenon could this tint - which the blocks' other surfaces did not have - be attributed? To time? Light? To the sand - as unferruginous as it was - that they had covered the blocks for so long? It is hardly likely, for the other surfaces would have shown beginnings of a similar transformation. Moreover, a knife blade penetrates the coloured surface with difficulty and cuts through the other surfaces easily.

Chemical tests gave me an immediate result: the facing blocks were coated with a paint having a ferrous oxide base (red ochre). Tests carried out on other parts of the sample were negative...', and he continues 'However, it was necessary to verify this fact. The second pyramid still retains part of its casing, which definitely seems to be coloured red fragments taken from the pyramids casing, when subjected to chemical tests, showed the same reaction as those taken from the facing blocks of the great pyramid'. We must also keep in mind that the Sphinx's face is also painted red. Pliny informs us that it was painted because of a cult However; formal proof that the pyramid was painted came to me in the course of a separate examination of the rather deteriorated casing stones found on the pyramids south face. E. Baraize and I ascertained that some of these blocks showed, on their uppermost horizontal surfaces, traces of red paint corresponding to the breaks between the rocks that had been placed directly above them; the coating was clearly thicker and showed fins'.

Like the Chaldean ziggurats and the pyramid of Zoser at Saqqara, the pyramids of Tajjin and Vera Cruz have seven recessed terraces. This must also have been true of the pyramid of Cuicuilco. The strangest thing is that the pyramid of Tajin was completely painted red, like the pyramid of Cheops and Kephren; its 365 steps and red colour indubitably prove that it, like Egypt's great pyramid, was a temple to the sun, its seven terraces, like those of the Chaldean ziggurats, being dedicated to the seven planets. The only English pyramid, Silbury hill also has seven steps.

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