Along most temples in Asia, you will find strong animals to protect the site.

Sometimes there is one on each corner of the building, but more common there is a pair guarding the entrance, and in some cases snaking along the sides of the stairs. They can be out of stone or metal, and can be painted in bright colours. Some look friendly, some look fierce and some just look funny.

People may wonder if the ones who made the statues ever saw a real lion. As with most Buddhist statues, also these forms are constructed according to strict guidelines.

Below are some examples from Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand.