Ophiopagus

Long Ceremonial Capital of Ophiopagus (also called Ophiophagus) is a complex of temples and palaces originally built during the Naja dynasty. It is seen as a monument to Divine Majesty

Ophiopagus sits on a mount overlooking the surrounding area. Over the centuries the complex has undergone many changes due to expansion projects, natural disasters (floods, earthquakes), erosion, fires and even looting.

During the Naja period kings would visit Ophiopagus on special occasions: either at certain times of the year or perhaps seeking inspiration and guidance during a difficult time for the kingdom or to commemorate a victory or a royal birth or death.

Structures

The city’s halls and structures include:

·        Ceremonial Breakfast Hall

·        Central Throne Room

·        Hall of 256 Columns (Forest of Columns)

·        Hall of the Great King Obor

·        Southern Gates

·        Monumental Reflecting pools

·        Large cobra statues some of which shoot (or used to shoot) water into the city’s various artificial streams and ponds.

·        Temple of Heaven – Sacrificial Altar

·        The Bas Relief showing subjects bearing tribute to the Great Dragon

·        Hall of the two-headed Dragon

·        A spiritually cleansing pool and waterfall

·        Hall of Echoes

Many structures were designed to line up with the sun, moon and stars—for example to fill with light during sunset.

Use during Era of Filial Devotion

​​​​​​​In the mature, spiritual stage of Priyama’s reign, which officially began with the proclamation of the    Era of Filial Devotion, Priyama retired to Ophiopagus where he spends the majority of his days. Here he lives surrounded only by a priestly throng, servants who sustain the royal residence and its members and others who maintain the immense grounds of the complex. Many of these men are also spiritual monastics and/or members of a priestly clan. As a rule, women are not allowed at Ophiopagus.

Ophiopagus was not intended to be a long-term royal residence and some impromptu modifications have been made such as converting structures into habitable living chambers. Moreover new edifices have been built, which tend to be on a less monumental scale. In addition to accommodating the king’s residence and an adequate kitchen, a building was also constructed to house the king’s growing library of esoteric tomes, other books and his own writings.

Some question the soundness of the king’s decision to relocate here, including some of his sons. It physically separates Priyama from the royal court in Varanus and makes it necessary for his sons and ministers to make an inconvenient day-long trek in order to meet with the king. Even the exchange of messages between Varanus and Ophiopagus is slow. Some subjects accuse the king of isolating himself and abandoning Long during the kingdom’s difficult times.