The Lion House in Chaguanas, also known as Ananad Bhavan or Mansion of Bliss, stands as a dilapidated landmark with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1924 by Pundit Capildeo. Born in India in 1873, Capildeo journeyed to Trinidad to work on sugar estates before becoming a renowned pundit and businessman in the local Hindu community.
Modeled after unique Gupta style houses from India, the Lion House was once a symbol of wealth and status for its occupants. With intricate designs reflecting Hindu ideology, the house featured impressive architectural details such as lions on the front ends and a depiction of Ganesh on the back wall.
As the years passed, the once-majestic Lion House fell into disrepair and now stands abandoned, hidden behind a galvanized fence to ward off homeless intruders. Despite its neglect, the potential of the Lion House as a tourist attraction remains unrealized, with its fate uncertain in the face of modern development.
With the fate of this fading landmark hanging in the balance, there is hope that activists and preservationists may intervene to save the Lion House and other historical structures in Central Trinidad. The legacy of the Lion House serves as a reminder of our apathy towards preserving our past and the importance of protecting our historical heritage for future generations.
