Top 8 Biggest Buddha Statues in the World

Ashley | 05 - 21 - 2020
Top 8 Biggest Buddha Statues in the World

Buddhism is the fourth-largest religion in the world with around 520 million followers, they are also called Buddhists. Many people claim that Buddhism is not a religion and it is a way of life that a person must follow in order to find enlightenment. A common myth that is believed is that Buddha was a person. A Buddha can be any person who desires to achieve the state of nirvana. Siddhartha Gautama was the first Buddha who was born in 563 B.C as a prince but he wanted to find peace and happiness and in his search, he attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. There are several Buddha statues around the world representing Buddhas and their teachings.

Let’s have a look at these 8 biggest Buddha statues around the world that hold historical significance.

1. The Great Buddhas of Monywa, Myanmar

The Great Buddhas of Monywa, Myanmar is a treat to eyes for the visitors as it has two magnificent giant Buddhas- a standing Buddha, and a reclining Buddha. The standing Buddha is located directly behind the reclining Buddha. The standing Buddha is about 116 meters tall and is also known as Laykyun Setkyar. It stands on a pedestal that is about 13.5 meters high. The construction of the statue started in 1996 and was completed only in 2008 and it is the third-largest standing Buddha statue in the world. It comprises 31 floors representing the 31 planes of existence or 31 realms of life cycles. Each floor contains paintings for each realm. The reclining statue, also called Aung Sekkya Stuga is about 90 meters long and was built in 1991 and is hollow typed but visitors are allowed to view the 9,000 Buddha illustrations through a door in the back of the statue.

1. When Was Siddhartha Gautama Born?
  • A. 562 B.C
  • B. 563 B.C
  • C. 564 B.C
  • D. 565 B.C

2. Spring Temple Buddha

The Spring Temple Buddha is located in China’s Zhaocun township near the Fodushan scenic area depicting the Vairocana Buddha. The Spring temple is not known to many people as it is located in the remote part of China and The Spring Temple is the main attraction in this area. The statue was built between 1997 and 2008. It was considered the second tallest Buddha statue in the world until 2018 and holds a Guinness world record. The total height of the statue is 128 meters excluding the 25 meters lotus throne. The mountain on which the statue stands is reshaped into two pedestals- The Diamond Seat and The Sumeru Seat. If they are included it brings the height of the statue to 208 meters.

3. Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha statue is totally 233 feet tall statue located in China. It is considered the tallest and biggest Buddha statue in the world. The Buddha is constructed in the confluence of the three rivers, Qingyi River, Dadu River, and Min River. The construction of this statue was first initiated by a Chinese monk named Hai Tong, it was for the people who live around the confluence of the three rivers due to many boat accidents. Hai Tong though Buddha would bring the water spirit under control. It has exceptional architectural excellence, There are several channels hidden in the body of Buddha that saves rainwater inside and prevents the statue from erosion.

4. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Wat Pho is considered one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok covering an area of about 80,000 sq. meters. It was built by Rama III in 1832. The Reclining Buddha statue is visited by thousands of people per day because of its unique appearance. The statue is gold-plated and totally 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The Reclining position represents the sleeping of Buddha. The eyes and feet of Buddha are beautifully decorated with pearls. There are totally 108 bronze bowls placed in the corridor that represents 108 positive characteristics that helped Buddha attain enlightenment. It is believed that dropping coins in the bowls brings luck. It also helps the monks preserve and maintain Wat Pho.

5. Buddha Dordenma Statue

The Great Buddha Dordenma statue is located amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang. The statue is totally 169 feet tall representing Shakyamuni Buddha. One of the most interesting facts about the Buddha Dordenma statue is that it contains 125,000 small Buddhas encapsulated inside the statue. All the statues present inside are made of bronze and gilded in gold just like the giant Buddhist statue itself. It totally contains 100,000 8-inch tall miniature statues and 25,000 12-inch tall miniature statues. The total population of Thimphu itself is only around 100,000 and the number of Buddhas present is more than that. The cost of the statue is $1000 million and the construction was fully completed only in 2015.

6. Kamakura Daibutsu, Japan

Kōtoku-in is a Buddhist temple located in Japan and it is famous for the Kamakura Daibutsu which is about 43.8 feet tall and weighs around 121 tonnes. The construction of this bronze statue dates back to 1252. It is considered the second-largest Buddist monument in Japan. The statue was destroyed by natural disasters multiple times. The bronze statue was originally coated with gold but due to the Tsunami on September 20, 1492, the statue was destroyed but still, there are traces of gold left on the cheeks of the statue. The statue is hollow inside but the visitors are allowed to view the interior of the statue.

7. Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island- Hong Kong

Tian Tan Buddha also called Big Buddha is located in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The Big Buddha represents the Buddha Shakyamuni. It is one of the largest statues of Buddha in China. The construction of the building was completed in 1993. The statue symbolizes the relationship between man and nature. The statue is around 112 feet tall and weighs around 280 short tons. To have a closer look at the majestic Tian Tan Buddha there are 268 steps that take you closer to the Buddha. The statue is surrounded by six bronze statues called “The offering of six Devas”, they represent generosity, Morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom.

8. Grand Buddha at Ling Shan, Wuxi

The Grand Buddha statue is located on the North Shore of Lake Tai. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The bronze statue is 88m tall including the 9m lotus pedestal. To approach the majestic Grand Buddha, you firstly need to climb 216 steps that represent 108 obstacles and 108 wishes. Once you finish climbing the stairs you will soon reach the foot of the Grand Buddha. The statue and the lotus pedestal is made of 2,000 sheets of bronze. The “fearless mudra” in the left hand represents facing situations by being brave and without fear. The right hand represents pouring blessings to the people.

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