The Temple Institute: In-Depth Temple Study: The Upper Gate
 
The Upper Gate: Sanctity

The gates of the Court (including the open space inside the gate) had the same level of sanctity as the Court, with the exception of Nikanor Gate. The Nikanor Gate was not deemed holy since the lepers would stand there to receive the blood of their offerings on their thumbs and big toes. This was a part of their purification process. (The Upper Gate) (Source: Pesachim 85). 

Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII