Kom Ombo Temple
Located on the east bank of the Nile, about 50 km north of Aswan , Kom Ombo, also known as Ombos, is home to an unusual double temple built during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.
The temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Each of the two gods has an own entrance, a court, a chamber, a colonnade and a sanctuary, thus leaving the impression that two temples were fused together. Even though the temple is being badly damaged, the site is beautiful as one approaches from either direction on the river Nile , especially at sunset when the temple magnificently changes colors.
The actual temple was started by Ptolemy VI Philometor in the early second century BC. Ptolemy XIII built the outer and inner hypostyle halls, while the outer wall and part of the court were built by Emperor Augustus. The site itself is much older according to the oldest inscriptions, which go back to 2195-2064 BCE and the cartouches of Amenophis I (1517-1497) and Tuthmosis III (1479-1424) which are found at the site.
Entering from the main hall two gateways lead to the part of the temple dedicated to the two deities. The temple to the right is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, God of Fertility and Creator of the World. Sobek is accompanied by his consort Hathor and their son Khonsu. The chapel of Hathor had mummified crocodiles on display, which are now shown in the newly opened Crocodile Mummy Museum just opposite the temple complex. Until recently crocodiles were common in the Nile. Ancient Egyptians worshipped Sobek to influence the good will of the crocodiles resting on the banks of the Nile.
The left side of the temple is dedicated to the god Horus the Elder, God of Victory and Healing Powers. Horus is accompanied by his wife Hathor-ta-sent-nefert (Good Sister) and their son Panebtawy (Lord of the Two Lands).
Mythology
Myths about Horus and Sobek vary. Some say that the ancient Egyptians believed that Sobek was the ally of the wicked god Seth and the enemy of Horus. In a long and vicious war Seth tore out Horus' left eye and Horus tore off Seth's foreleg and testicles. Finally Horus was declared victor by the council of gods and hence he became the ruler of the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt . Seth was forced to give Horus back his eye. The allies of Seth's were transformed into crocodiles and could escape.
In the Book of the Dead, however, Sobek is an ally of Horus and with Sobek's help Horus is able to kill Seth.
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published 30 April 2008
Source: Angela