Bhubaneswar’s ‘Mane’ Attraction

It’s been a month since I made Bhubaneswar my permanent home. As someone fascinated by history and heritage, it was inevitable that I would soon find myself drawn to the magical charm of the Old Town. And oh boy, have I been in for a treat!

This place is like a treasure trove of ancient temples, where each stone whispers stories from eras long gone.

During my countless strolls along the cobbled lanes and bylanes of the Old Town, there’s one sight that never fails to grab my attention — the majestic statues of lions, standing guard at the temple entrances.

These formidable-looking lions grace devotees with their poised seated postures. Usually found in pairs, except for the occasional temple, these guardian lions are resolute in their duties as “dwarpalas” — the protectors of sacred spaces.

But these are not your run-of-the-mill lions. They possess a distinctive quirk that sets them apart from their real-life counterparts — they boast the most fabulous moustaches, adding an unexpected touch of sophistication to their already impressive mane.

I even stumbled upon a couple of abandoned lions that had likely once occupied a prominent spot at a temple, exuding an air of regal majesty. They were a poignant reminder of the transitory nature of all things.

Who knew temple-hopping could be such a ROARING adventure!