India's technicolor temples

Rising up to 170 feet in the air, the 14 towers of the Meenakshi Temple are adorned by an impressive display of around 33,000 sculptures - all accentuated with a riot of bright colours.

Located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the radiant Hindu site may grab the attention of tourists and pilgrims now, but it didn't always look so vibrant.

The thick layers of enamel paint that can be seen today have been applied to the gateway towers, or gopurams, in celebration of big events and festivals over recent years.

Each gopuram forms a pyramid shape, with the stone figures of gods, goddesses, demons and animals covering the multi-storied structures. 

The total site covers a 45 acre patch and includes several shrines to the goddess Meenakshi, a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Parvati — the wife of Lord Shiva. 

In addition to this are figures depicting the tales of battle scenes and sculptures honouring warriors.

Between 15,000 and 25,000 people visit Madurai's Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple daily to be blessed in marriage (with the promise of health, wealth and children), to eat (meals are given out to the destitute), sleep, and learn.

The Meenakshi Temple was originally constructed in the sixth century BC, with the main structures and artwork created in the 16th to 18th century.

The temple looks dazzling, but only through relatively recent applications of paint and cement. These thick layers of colour actually covered up beautifully ornate - but grey - sculptures.

An effort began in recent decades to restore the temple to its former - less rainbow-like - glory.

(dailymail.co.uk)