Hey, yeah this project was poorly time managed and the emphasis was on the atmosphere, more than on the gameplay. The ending especially was rushed, and it was meant to play out a little differently, but the original idea was too ambitious for the game jam timeframe. So there is just that one ending.
The gate is supposed to be the entrance leading to the temple, which should represent the "true knowledge" or the "happy ending" where no person is allowed - people are left to wander with their questions on the outskirts of the "promised land", never fully getting their life long satisfaction and peace. Ending unfortunately does not fit the metaphor, but that's the beauty of the game jams, find the way to finish the project!
Cheers and thanks for playing!