Sphinx is a creature from Greek mythology — with the head of a human and the body of a lion. In Greek mythology, it has a woman’s head; she asks riddles and eats those who fail to answer. The most famous sphinx is of course found in Egypt guarding the great pyramids of Khufu.

The only Indian reference to a Sphinx comes from Tamil epics and is carved on Tamil temple walls. In fact, there are temple lamps used in traditional shrines with images of the sphinx, indicating the key role it played in local mythology.