What is the scarab statue at Karnak Temple in Luxor and why do tourists walk around it?

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TL;DR

Near the sacred lake in Karnak Temple stands the scarab (Khepri) statue — legend says walking around it 7 times while making a wish will make it come true. It's a popular spot with a constant crowd waiting to take photos.

What the community said

Local guides tell every tourist to walk around the scarab statue and make a wish — it's believed the wish will come true.

Scarab statue, Karnak Temple

The scarab statue is always crowded with people circling it, making a solo photo tricky. It helps to politely ask others to pause for a minute so you can take your photo, then let them continue.

There's a set of steps near the statue, but climbing them after a long walk through the temple can be tiring — pace yourself, especially with kids.

Right next to the scarab statue is Karnak Temple's sacred lake — swimming in it is forbidden, and legend warns of punishment for doing so.

Sacred Lake, Karnak Temple