The walls of this Indian temple consist of thousands of sculptures

India is an amazing country: for centuries, its people have created such palaces and temples, which can not be found anywhere else in any corner of the earth. This is the Meenakshi Temple, located in the heart of the ancient city of Madurai. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and her consort Shiva, and on its walls bright figures of Hindu gods and heroes, apsaras and Rakshasas are frozen in dance.

We are amazed by the greatness and beauty of Meenakshi. I would like to see these walls live!

The temple complex is huge, the locals spend all the holidays here. It is crowned with 14 gopuras-towers up to 50 m high. The highest (51.8 m) is the south tower, built in 1559. And the oldest tower — the eastern one-appeared in 1216. (© flickr / Peter Barker)

All the walls of the temple complex are covered with thousands of thousands of stone sculptures — animals, gods and demons of the Hindu tradition. This is the sacred meaning: countless statues are a symbol of abundance, greatness and generosity of ancient religion and culture. (© flickr / strudelt)

All the figures were carved out of stone and painted by hand over the centuries. (© flickr / ttarvind)

Meenakshi Towers are the tallest buildings in the city, they can be seen above all the roofs. At night, the towers are illuminated with bright lights. (© flickr / Pablo Neco)

Among the countless statues, it is easy for a person to get lost. By the way, do you see him? (© flickr / VinothChandar)

Inside, the temple is no less impressive. The photo shows the Hall of a Thousand Pillars. (© flickr / Tom Bradnock)

And here's what you see if you look up. (© flickr / MarcinWichery)

Yes, this is India, so an elephant is always ready to say hello to you. (© flickr / VinothChandar)

The temple has a courtyard with a swimming pool where you can relax. There are no fish here, but an interesting legend is connected with water: if a writer brings his manuscript to the pond, puts the pages on the water and they do not drown, then the book is worthy to remain in the centuries. If the paper sinks to the bottom, then there is still work to be done on the book. (© Sura­jram / Wiki­me­dia Commons)

(© flickr / col.hou)

(© flickr / cotaro70s)

(© Michal Knitl)