Gopurams of Madurai is a photograph by Eva Kato which was uploaded on March 28th, 2013.
Title
Gopurams of Madurai
Artist
Eva Kato
Medium
Photograph - Color
Description
This photo is an overview of two gopurams or towers of the Hindu temple at Madurai, India from the rooftop of one of the towers.
A sculpture of a demon or deity looms on the right.
The style of architecture is from the so-called Dravidian era of India.
Indian temples are like small villages encircled by walls and entered through these ornate towering gates. The sculptures on the towers are designed in horizontal rows and depict the myriads of gods, revered by the religion and the demons that pursue them. Also, there are ordinary people, dancing girls, animals, and other characters. They depict stories from the Hindu holy books, just like Christian churches are decked out with sculptures and frescos of Bible stories.
The temple compex contains many bazaars and halls where sadhus, or holy men, dispense wisdom and blessings. Pilgrims come to worship at the temple and bathe in one of the many sacred pools before entering. Of course, no shoes are allowed anywhere on the premises.
In the very heart of the complex is the tallest gopuram of all housing the sanctum sanctorum, or an idol of the main deity of the temple.
The entire complex is a very lively place, but non Hindus are not allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. So me and my husband climbed to the top of one of the gopurams, by means of a secret set of stairs, to get this overview of the temple complex and the city beyond.
Uploaded
March 28th, 2013
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