The 5 most famous Buddha statues around the world
Buddha statues have garnered a vast attention from Buddhists and non-Buddhist around the world. With the rapid spread of Buddhism and Buddha’s doctrines in the west from the early 20th century, the Buddha statues have acquired unparalleled popularity in recent times. The tranquil posture, the serene facial expression and plain cloth drape that adorns the statues have made them as the symbol of inspiration for many Buddhists around the globe.
Also, the statues also depict the teachings and principles of the Buddha. This makes the Buddha statues even more important for the Buddhists. Even the meditation practitioners sought after these statues as the symbol of inspiration for them to practice meditation. Some even collet the Buddha statues, especially antique Buddha statues, as they carry a special meaning and have their own history from the moment they were carved.
Here is a list of 5 Buddha statues that are famous not only for their gigantic size and architecture but also for their historical as well as spiritual significance:
Reclining Buddha and Standing Buddha near Monywa, Myanmar:
Burma, or Myanmar as it is famously called these days, is famous for its Buddha statues around the globe. The Reclining and Standing Buddha near Monywai are two famous statues in the country. The full name of this 118 m tall Buddha statue is Mahar Bodhi Tatuang Laykyun Stekyar. Laykyun Setkyar means Buddha of the four island universes while Bodhi tatuang means the thousands of Bodhi tress that were planted on the location several years ago.
As one approaches the location, he or she can see a giant Buddha statue from a far. The serene and huge Buddha statue with his hands by his sand and eyes gently cast down looking towards the passers by, the tall statue is easily seen. The reclining Buddha is 90m long and is the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world. The area is surrounded by thousands of Buddha statues in sitting position.
The entrances to both the Buddha statues lead to the inside of the statues. The inside of the standing is embellished with painitngs of sufferings and hell as the particular sect of Buddhism strongly believes in afterlife. Similarly the reclining Buddha is more like a museum as contains 9000 Buddha statues depicting various stages of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life.
Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan:
This tall Amida or Amitabha Buddha statue provides a hypnotic effect on the onlookers as they turn their heads up to look at it. The silence around the statue is occasionally broken by the peal of the garden bell and the whoosh of the aircrafts taking off from the nearby Narita airport.
Standing tall at 120 feet, this gigantic statue has enjoyed the title of the ‘tallest Buddha statue’ for seven years following its construction in 1995.
Guanyin Buddha, Sanya, China:
This 108 ft tall Guanyin Buddha statue has been a popular travel destination for travelers and devotees alike for many reasons. Guanyin Buddha represents the compassionate side of the Buddha and represents the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
The Guanyin Buddha in Sanya stands on a man made island facing towards the south china sea as well as inwards towards Nanshan as it ahs three sides.. The three-sided position represents that the Guanyin Buddha keeps its eye over the land and its people. This statue was built in 1998 to commemorate 2000 years of the arrival of Buddhism in China.
Spring Temple Buddha, Henan, China:
This 128 meter high Buddha statue is named after the Tianrui hot spring. This Buddha statue was erected following the demolition of Pamir Knot Buddha statues in Afghanistan. The statue stands on a 25 m high tall building making its total height of 153 m.
The Spring Temple Buddha is the tallest completed Buddha monument in the world to date. The statue is that of the Vairochana Buddha who symbolizes the emptiness of all the material things in the world.
Leshan Giant Buddha, China:
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71 m tall statue of the Buddha which has been carved out of a cliff and is the biggest carved statue of the Buddha. Also, among many reasons for which the large Buddha statues are erected, this one is the result of the utmost devotion to the enlightened one himself.
A monk named Haitong constructed this giant Buddha statue. He collected money and started to build this structure in the hopes of appeasing the water spirit that was believed to reside in the rivers. Though there were quiet a handful of problems along the way of the constructions, the Buddha statue was finally completed in 803 A.D., making it an architectural marvel on its own.
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