How does one differentiate between “Mayan Temples” and “Mayan Ruins”? Temples and Ruins in modern language have always been mistaken for each other. But in fact, temples are specific structures within a collection of ruins: a part of a whole. Temples where considered the sacred structures where the Kings made important decisions, politicos and philosophers congregated, and structures that were built as homage for the gods. Notable Mayan Temples include the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza, Temple I in Tikal, the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque, and the Coba Temple in Coba. These temples had distinct functions and applications that, contrary to popular belief, had little to do with tombs and religious ceremony. The following is an account of the function of temples to shed light on the difference between Mayan ruins and Temples.

The Temple of Kukulkan

The Mayan Temple of Kulkulkan was constructed in Chichen Itza to revere the agricultural fertility feathered-snake god during the spring equinox. The phenomenon could still be seen as the Mayan temple of Kukulkan- although some reconstruction has taken place- has remained in almost perfect condition. During the special day, the sun’s rays shine over the edges of the temple’s 364 steps in such a way that isosceles of light and shadow compose the shape of a serpent. As the day wares on, this remarkable image descends, mimicking the slithering down of a snake. At the bottom of the Temple a statue head of a serpent (the head of Kukulkan) completes the decent, at which point, according to Mayan legend, the grounds are fertilized and renewed for the year.