Buddhism is one of the major religions of the world, with followers from all over the world. It originated in ancient India and has spread across Asia and beyond. Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, has been portrayed in many forms throughout history. The statues of Buddha are considered as one of the most significant representations of Buddhist art and culture. In this article, we will explore the 10 famous Buddha statues from around the world.

1. The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Japan

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, located in the city of Kamakura, Japan. The statue is 13.35 meters tall and weighs around 93 tons. It was cast in 1252 and was originally located inside a large temple hall. However, the hall was destroyed by a typhoon in the 14th century, and since then, the statue has been standing outside. It is considered as one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Japan.

2. Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong

Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a bronze statue of Buddha located in Ngong Ping, Hong Kong. The statue is 34 meters tall and weighs around 250 tons. It was completed in 1993 and took around 12 years to build. The statue is surrounded by six smaller bronze statues, known as “The Offering of the Six Devas.”

3. The Buddha Dordenma Statue, Bhutan

The Buddha Dordenma Statue is a gigantic statue of Buddha located in Thimphu, Bhutan. The statue is made of bronze and is covered in gold. It is 51.5 meters tall and is considered as one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The statue houses over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues inside it.

4. Bamiyan Buddha, Afghanistan

The Bamiyan Buddha statues were two giant statues of Buddha carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan valley in central Afghanistan. The statues were 55 and 38 meters tall and were carved in the 6th century. They were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, sparking worldwide condemnation and outrage.

5. The Reclining Buddha, Thailand

The Reclining Buddha is a famous statue of Buddha located in the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand. The statue is 15 meters tall and 46 meters long and depicts Buddha in a reclining position, with his head resting on his hand. The statue is covered in gold leaf and is considered as one of the most significant Buddha statues in Thailand.

6. Leshan Giant Buddha, China

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-meter tall statue of Buddha located in Sichuan province, China. It was carved out of a cliff face during the Tang dynasty (618–907) and is considered as one of the largest stone Buddha statues in the world. The statue was completed in 803 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

7. Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan

The Ushiku Daibutsu is a statue of Buddha located in Ushiku, Japan. The statue is made of bronze and is 120 meters tall, including its base and lotus platform. It was completed in 1993 and is considered as one of the tallest statues in the world.

8. Emperors Yan and Huang, China

The Emperors Yan and Huang statue is a bronze statue located in Zhengzhou, China. The statue is 106 meters tall and depicts two Chinese emperors, Yan and Huang, who are considered as the founders of Chinese civilization. The statue was completed in 2007 and is considered as one of the tallest statues in the world.

9. Golden Buddha, Thailand

The Golden Buddha is a famous statue of Buddha located in the Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok, Thailand. The statue is made of solid gold and weighs around 5.5 tons. It is 3 meters tall and is considered as one of the most valuable Buddha statues in the world.

10. Buddha Statue, Bodh Gaya, India

The Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya, India is a famous statue of Buddha located in the Mahabodhi Temple complex. The statue is 80 feet tall and is made of sandstone blocks. It was commissioned in the 7th century by King Sasanka of Bengal and is considered as one of the oldest Buddha statues in the world.

Conclusion

Buddha statues are an important part of Buddhist art and culture. They come in various sizes and styles, each with their own unique history and significance. The 10 famous Buddha statues mentioned in this article are just a few examples of the many beautiful and inspiring representations of Buddha that can be found around the world.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of Buddha statues? Buddha statues are an important part of Buddhist art and culture. They represent the teachings and philosophy of Buddhism, and are used as a tool for meditation and reflection.
2. How old are the Bamiyan Buddha statues? The Bamiyan Buddha statues were carved in the 6th century.
3. Which Buddha statue is considered as one of the largest in the world? The Buddha Dordenma Statue in Bhutan is considered as one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
4. What is the Golden Buddha? The Golden Buddha is a famous Buddha statue located in the Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok, Thailand. It is made of solid gold and is considered as one of the most valuable Buddha statues in the world.
5. Where is the Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya located? The Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya is located in the Mahabodhi Temple complex in India.