What were the major religious deities and gods of the Mayans?

The Mayan civilization had a complex and intricate religious belief system, with numerous deities and gods that played significant roles in their society. Here are some of the major religious deities and gods of the Mayans:

1. Itzamna: Itzamna was considered the supreme god and ruler of the heavens. He was associated with creation, writing, and knowledge. Itzamna was often depicted as an old man with a long beard and was highly revered by the Mayans.

2. Kukulkan/Quetzalcoatl: Kukulkan, also known as Quetzalcoatl, was one of the most important gods in the Mayan pantheon. He was associated with wind, rain, and agriculture. Kukulkan was often depicted as a feathered serpent and was considered a bringer of knowledge and civilization.

3. Chaac: Chaac was the god of rain and fertility. He was believed to control the weather and bring beneficial rains for agriculture. Chaac was often depicted with reptilian features and carried a lightning axe.

4. Ixchel: Ixchel was the goddess of fertility, childbirth, and weaving. She was often associated with the moon and depicted as a young woman wearing a headdress with a crescent moon. Ixchel was highly revered by women and was believed to have the power to grant fertility and protect pregnant women.

5. Ah Puch: Ah Puch was the god of death and the underworld. He was often depicted as a skeletal figure with a skull-like face. Ah Puch was feared by the Mayans and associated with disease, decay, and destruction.

6. Hunab Ku: Hunab Ku was a transcendent god, often referred to as the "One God" or the "Sole God." Although not depicted in art, Hunab Ku was believed to be the ultimate creator and the source of all life and energy.

7. Ixtab: Ixtab was the goddess of suicide and the afterlife. She was believed to guide the souls of those who died by suicide to the underworld. Ixtab was often depicted with a rope around her neck, symbolizing her association with suicide.

These are just a few examples of the major religious deities and gods in the Mayan civilization. The Mayans had a rich and diverse pantheon, with each deity having specific roles and responsibilities within their religious beliefs.