Crocodile and other temples of Egypt


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Africa » Egypt » Upper Egypt » Kom Ombo
December 13th 2022
Published: December 27th 2022
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Kom Ombo templeKom Ombo templeKom Ombo temple

Temple of the falcon headed God-Horus and the crocodile headed God-Sobek
Crocodile and other temples of Egypt

-Piprey on the wheels

My cousin had mentioned as not to be missed and I was determined to see these magnificent ancient temples. I went the Egyptian tourist board at the Luxor train station to book a private car. After a lovely breakfast of Brinjal (Mesaqa'ah), Ful medames (fava beans with olive oil and cumin), ommlette, red hibiscus cold drink and tea, I was picked up in style by a private car.

I asked to see the Esna temple but the tourist agency said that it would be de-tour as it was on the other side of Nile. The countryside was simple with some banyan trees, tall kash grass and cultivated in a narrow strip of land by the river. At every checkpoint, the police checked the tourist permits and took down the details of the driver

We reached Edfu temple, which celebrated the marriage of a Horus and Hathor. It was one of the newer temples built between 237 and 57 BC by the Ptomemaic kingdom (Cleopatras's dynasty). It was in ruins of pillars and but majestic. A lot of tourists were arriving in horse carriages throwing dust everywhere.

The Kom Ombo was built to worship the falcon headed God- Horus and the Crocodile headed God- Sobek. Both the right and the left side, mirrored each other, a reflection to please two community of believers in one single temple.


There was a crocodile museum which had many preserved crocodile mummies. To me, it was one of the most unique things I had ever seen.

A guide told the story of how Egyptians used to come with their offerings and a petition on paper. They bowed to the priests, holding the paper up. If fortunate, the priest accepted the offering. Else, the worshipper had to return another day. The priests, it seems knew the right Gods to pray and acted as the mediators between people and God. It had an inner chamber with access restricted to priests. They would worship a smaller idol of the Gods cast in expensive metal.

There was even an underground passage in Kom Ombo temple so that the priests could travel unseen from the devotees and answer from behind the walls

A nilometer was also present to measure the water level of the Nile.



The foundation of these temples was being damaged by the over saturation of the soil, since the Aswan dam had been built. Foreign countries are working alongside Egyptian government to lower the water table and preserve the temples.

There were fine engravings of surgical instruments and also a calendar celebrating the important festival dates among others.

At one of the shops around the temple, they were selling cotton tops for 2 Pounds. When I selected, they said it was 2 Great Britain Pounds and not
Crocodile mummiesCrocodile mummiesCrocodile mummies

In Crocodile museum at Kom Ombo
Egyptian Pounds. Typical behaviour of the crooked Egyptian shop keepers!

I arrived in Aswan and took the 5LE ferry to Elephantine island (named as it was shaped like an elephant task in the middle of river Nile). No cars or vehicles. It is a quiet little Nubian village with mango trees and goats. As I watched the Sun sink into the silent hills over the tranquil waters of river Nile from the balcony, I realized that time has at last stood still but my heart was dancing with the wonders of Egypt.


Additional photos below
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Two birds repeated twice is name of CleopatraTwo birds repeated twice is name of Cleopatra
Two birds repeated twice is name of Cleopatra

Notice the snake(not cobra) in engraving below
Felucca boat in background Felucca boat in background
Felucca boat in background

Fresh mint drink to celebrate another great day in Egypt
Deirrigation projectDeirrigation project
Deirrigation project

To protect the foundation of temples, measures are being taken to reduce the water table


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