Did you know? There is more than one Great Sphinx in the world besides the one in Giza.
One of the most famous structures among the many magnificent constructions of ancient Egypt is the Great Sphinx of Giza. This Sphinx is carved from a massive limestone block and depicts a creature with the body of a lion and the face of a human.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most recognizable statues in the world. However, it is not the only one; another Sphinx known as the “Balochistan Sphinx” has been discovered in Pakistan.
Many believe that the Balochistan Sphinx is merely a stone formation shaped by time and natural elements. However, others maintain that it is a Sphinx guarding the remnants of a Hindu temple.
The Balochistan Sphinx, also referred to as the “Lion of Balochistan”, is a large stone structure that closely resembles the Great Sphinx of Giza. It is located in Hingol National Park, along the Makran Coastal Highway, which connects Karachi to Gwadar in Pakistan.
Hingol National Park is known for its unique rock formations and quickly became a popular tourist destination after the completion of the Makran Coastal Highway.
One prominent theory regarding the Balochistan Sphinx is that it was not formed by natural erosion; instead, it is an artificial structure. The most notable feature of the Balochistan Sphinx is its overall shape, which closely resembles that of the Egyptian Sphinx.
In photographs, the Balochistan Sphinx appears to have a defined jawline and facial features, including eyes, nose, and mouth. Similar to the Egyptian Sphinx, the Balochistan Sphinx seems to wear a Nemes headdress.
The Nemes headdress is a striped head cloth that covers the back of the head, neck, and crown. The two flaps hang down in front of the shoulders, secured by a headband. The Balochistan Sphinx also features a horizontal groove “on the forehead corresponding to the headband of the Pharaoh that keeps the Nemes in place.”
The Balochistan Sphinx also has recognizable forelegs in a reclining position and “very clear feet.” These details are unlikely to have formed naturally, leading many to believe that this is indeed an artificial construction.
Bibhu Dev Misra, a writer on the history of ancient civilizations who has extensively documented the Balochistan Sphinx, points out that near the Sphinx is a structure resembling a Hindu temple, featuring characteristics typical of temples found in Southern India.
The Balochistan Sphinx also has recognizable forelegs in a reclining position.
Misra indicates that this structure includes a Mandapa (entrance hall) and Vimana (tower). However, the top of the Vimana has been lost. Misra writes: “A closer look at the Sphinx Temple reveals clear evidence of stone columns carved on the temple walls. The sculpted lines can be recognized. Overall, there is no doubt that this is an artificial temple, carved into stone, and is very ancient, though it has suffered heavy erosion and is covered by sediment.”
Misra suggests that the facade of the Balochistan Sphinx displays carvings that seem to depict the Hindu god Kartikeya with a spear. Additionally, there is a second sculpture believed to be Ganesha in a walking pose.
A distinctive feature of the Balochistan Sphinx temple complex is a series of evenly spaced and uniformly high steps, which nature could not create. Looking at the Balochistan Sphinx, it appears to be a weathered Sphinx guarding the remnants of a Hindu temple.
There are many conflicting issues surrounding the Balochistan Sphinx.
In fact, there are many conflicting issues surrounding the Balochistan Sphinx and the theory that it was created by humans. One of the first problems Misra addresses in his writings is that, so far, no archaeological survey has been conducted at this site.
The second issue is that Bibhu Dev Misra is the only person to have written about the Balochistan Sphinx; moreover, Misra is an IT consultant and a “independent researcher.”
Furthermore, this site is located in an area that was once part of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappans) and Vedic civilization, which have been extensively studied. Additionally, no empire or kingdom from Southern India ever ruled the Indus Valley.
Kartikeya, Ganesha, Shiva, and other Hindu deities have never been worshipped in the Indus Valley Civilization. After the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic civilization also did not worship these deities. Therefore, the emergence of a Hindu temple seems impossible.
If the Balochistan Sphinx is part of a South Asian Hindu temple, it would certainly date much later than what we see in Hingol National Park today.
Even considering the effects of erosion, this structure would have to be nearly prehistoric for it to have been created by humans and eroded into its current shape. Thus, it can be said that the Balochistan Sphinx remains a mystery and truly requires specific archaeological studies to confirm whether it is indeed the second Sphinx.
