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All Mexico Aguascalientes Templo del Señor de los Rayos (Temple of the Lord of the Rays)

Templo del Señor de los Rayos (Temple of the Lord of the Rays)

The history of this futuristic crypt-turned-temple is as curious as its facade.

Aguascalientes, Mexico

Added By
Mario Yair T.S.
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Templo del Señor de los Rayos.   Luisalvaz/cc by-sa 3.0
Templo del Señor de los Rayos.   Luisalvaz/cc by-sa 3.0
El señor de los Rayos de Aguascalientes.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
A sci-fi temple.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
Interior.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
Cementerio de Los Ángeles.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
Bullfighters crypt behind the church.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Next to the Cemetery of Los Ángeles and La Cruz is the Temple del Señor de los Rayos (Temple of the Lord of the Rays). The history of the building is as unusual as its facade.

Inside the temple is a copy of an image of the "Lord of the Rays," which was placed in one of the cemetery's crypts. The original image is considered miraculous because it was once struck by lightning but somehow remained undamaged. Though the version placed in the Aguascalientes cemetery is a replica, people still visited it to worship and ask for divine favors.

Because so many people visited the crypt, it was converted into a chapel, and then a church. The sanctuary was so beloved that in 1956, the community decided to transform it into a temple built in a strikingly modern style that would continue to house the popular painting.  

On the facade of the church, a "V" is drawn that represents the victory of Christ over death. You'll notice Jesus's punctured hands and feet seeming to float in the air. An all-seeing eye gazes from the top of the structure, with long beams poking above it to represent a crown of thorns. To the side of this assortment is a bleeding heart backdropped by a cross. 

Related Tags

Temples Churches Cemeteries Architectural Oddities Architecture Sacred Spaces
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Added By

Mario Yair TS

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe

  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

October 18, 2019

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Sources
  • http://www.hidrocalidodigital.com/reportajes/articulo.php?idtipo=3&idnota=304
  • http://www.hidrocalidodigital.com/reportajes/articulo.php?idtipo=3&idnota=304
Templo del Señor de los Rayos (Temple of the Lord of the Rays)
743 Larreategui
Aguascalientes, 20050
Mexico
21.886619, -102.30726
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Los Ángeles and La Cruz Graveyards

Aguascalientes, Mexico

miles away

National Museum of Death

Aguascalientes, Mexico

miles away

Aguascalientes Government Palace Murals

Aguascalientes, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes

Mexico

Places 9

Nearby Places

Los Ángeles and La Cruz Graveyards

Aguascalientes, Mexico

miles away

National Museum of Death

Aguascalientes, Mexico

miles away

Aguascalientes Government Palace Murals

Aguascalientes, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes

Mexico

Places 9

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