Temple of the God of the Wind (Templo del dios del Viento)

The Temple of the Wind God in Tulum is one of the most photographed buildings at the archaeological site due to its location near the turquoise-blue sea. This temple is part of the Kukulkan group, located north of El Castillo. The group consists of a series of small structures, among which the Temple of the Wind God stands out. Its name comes from the roundness of its base and the absence of corners, which is traditionally associated with the wind god Ehecatl, the equivalent of the wind god in central Mexico; here, it is also associated with the Maya god Kukulkan.

The wind god was connected with the four cardinal directions because the wind blows in all directions. Thus, their temples had a cylindrical shape to offer less resistance to the wind. The Temple of the Wind God in Tulum is a sanctuary located on a natural rock elevation, situated in the northeastern corner of the city right on the seashore. It is the only building on a round platform, containing a single room with an entrance on the northern side, inside of which are the remains of a small altar. This temple was still used for religious purposes as late as 1924. The “Temple of the Wind Gods” was designed by the Maya as an observation point over the sea, possibly used as a lighthouse and as a hurricane warning system. It is said that when hurricanes approached Tulum, a whistling sound was emitted from a specially made hole at the top of this building, so when the Maya heard it, they understood they had to leave the city to seek shelter inland.

Sources:

https://pueblosoriginarios.com/meso/maya/sitios/tulum.html

https://mayanpeninsula.com/templo-dios-viento-tulum-estructura-45/

http://www.carolinaolivaresrodriguez.com/tulum-muyil-mexico-quinta-parte/

https://en-yucatan.com.mx/tulum/ruinas-mayas-de-tulum/