Over a year ago, I delved into the Nazca lines, enigmatic illustrations etched into Peru’s Nazca Desert, which have confounded theorists for centuries. Just 200 kilometers away, near the Nazca Lines, lies another puzzling sight: the Paracas Candelabra. Although it stands as a solitary sand carving, its origin and purpose are shrouded in mystery, much like its famed counterpart.

Technically termed a “geoglyph,” the Paracas Candelabra is carved into a hillside near a body of water, in stark contrast to the Nazca Lines found in the desert. While resembling a candelabra, its actual depiction remains a mystery, stretching about 600 feet in length and visible from 12 miles out to sea. Situated within the Paracas National Reserve on the Paracas Peninsula in Peru, it shares the landscape with ancient pottery dating back approximately 2000 years, attributed to the Paracas culture renowned for their depictions of elongated heads. However, some historians speculate that the geoglyph predates the Paracas, suggesting the involvement of an even older civilization in its creation.

The structure, etched about 2 feet deep into the sand, is encircled by a barrier of rocks and stones. Documented historically, it garnered attention during an expedition in the late 1960s by French writer Robert Charroux, who noted its impeccable lines, devoid of debris, suggesting its longevity and preservation over time.

The origins of the Paracas Candelabra have sparked debate among scholars and theorists. Some suggest it resembles a certain type of weed, while others interpret it as a trident symbolizing the god Viracocha. Positioned conspicuously for visibility from the sea, its purpose remains uncertain, with conjectures ranging from religious significance to a navigational aid for sailors.

Interestingly, theories abound regarding its potential Hindu origins, drawing parallels with sacred Hindu texts and linguistic similarities between “Paracas” and Hindu words meaning “light” or “brightness.” However, these connections remain speculative and inconclusive.

Frank Joseph, an author and investigator, proposed a provocative theory suggesting the geoglyph’s resemblance to a hallucinogenic plant, speculating that it served as a landmark for travelers returning from California.

Ultimately, the true story of the Paracas Candelabra may forever elude us unless further discoveries shed light on the intentions of its creators. Yet, its enduring presence in an ideal location ensures its preservation for generations to come, inviting admiration and speculation for years to come.