Tulum - Temple of the God Descending

(Local Name: Templo del Dios Descendente) Directly to the north of the Castillo is the Temple of the God Descending (Templo del Dios Descendente); Building/Edificio no. 5). The temple was erected on top of an older structure; it is striking because its walls taper downwards, a method of building which was supposed to provide a special stability. The Temple of the God Descending only possesses one single room; the niche over the entrance contains a stucco sculpture of the God Descending (flying, diving downwards). This deity, which occurs over and over again in Tulum, has wings on its arms and shoulders, as well as a bird's tail. This figure has given rise to various interpretations: the swooping bee, the evening star going down, the setting sun or lightning. Today hardly anything can be seen of the earlier paintwork on the main façade and the east wall inside the temple.