Be it Statue of Liberty or the famous Christ the Redeemer, numerous countries have built marvelous standing sculptures that hold significant symbolism. The continent of Asia is also dotted with some of the magnificent tall Buddha statues. In year 2018, another impressively tall statue has been built in India, named ‘Statue of Unity’ which is even twice the size of the Liberty Lady. We cannot be oblivious to the fact, that these marvels of architecture, sure draw the attention of tourists from around the world.
Situated on a river-island facing the Narmada Dam in the state of Gujarat, India – Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world. Built and inaugurated on October 31, 2018, the statue stands at a 190 ft tall base, and has a height of whopping 597 ft. It is an illustration of the first deputy Prime Minister of India – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He had set the foundation of a robust independent India, and is often referred as the ‘Iron Man’ in the country. This is why, the statue has been built using steel iron and it took around five years to build it. Being surrounded by 4.6 square miles of artificial lake and proving to be a beautiful site, the statue will supposedly boost tourism in the state.
A depiction of Vairocana Buddha, the Spring Temple is located in Lushan County, Henan, China. With a height of 420 ft, it is the second tallest statue in the world, and was built between the years 1997 and 2008. About 1,100 pieces of copper cast have been used in its construction. As per historical and religious texts, Vairocana is one of the three bodies of Gautama Buddha, whose teachings inspire many people of China.
Construction of Laykyun Skeyya began in 1996, and it took 12 years for its completion. The statue is an illustration of Gautama Buddha who was the founder of Buddhism – the popular religion preached in many regions of Asia. He is also known to be one of the avatars of God Vishnu. The statue is located in Khatakan Taung of Myanmar and sustains a height of 381 ft. The sculpture is painted in yellow, for the color represents wisdom in Buddhism.
Sustaining a height of 330 ft – Ushiku Daibutsu is a sculpture made using bronze. Inaugurated in 1993, the statue was the tallest statue in the world between the years of 1993 and 2002. Located in Ibaraki in Japan, the sculpture depicts Amitabha Buddha, who is considered as the principal Buddha in ‘Pure Land Buddhism’. The translations of his name have been the reason why he is known as ‘The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life’.
The tallest statue of Nyoirin Kannon, Sendai Daikannon statue stands tall at 330 ft on a hill in Sendai, Japan. The female structure is posed holding a wishing gem, to represent Japanese Buddhist Bodhisattva. The statue was completely built in the year of 1991.
Forth tallest statue in China, the statue is 325 ft tall and made up of gilded bronze. The sculpture depicts Guanyin, which is a Chinese translation of bodhisattva. The sculpture has its seemingly endless arms spread to reflect a ‘welcome’. Completed in year 2009, it is located in Hunan province of China.
Also known as The Big Buddha, Great Buddha of Thailand is situated in Ang Thong Province. The sitting statue has a height of 210 ft and it was completed in year 2008. It is one of the most famous statues representing Gautama Buddha. Built using concrete, the statue has a gold plating that marvels the eyes of tourists who visit the place.
Another tallest statue located in Japan is Dai Kannon. It was built almost three decades ago in 1989. Sustaining a height of 260 ft, the statue has 20 floors that are open for visitors for exploration. Also, a place of worship, the statue serves its tourist magnificent views of the area, that is amid the hills. It is also a depiction of Guanyin Kannon.
One of the oldest statue in the top ten list, is the ‘Rodina-Mat’ Zovyot which translates to ‘The Motherland Calls’. The statue that was completely built by year 1967, has a stepping foot and a raised sword. The left hand portrays a calling gesture, suggesting that she is calling her sons and daughters forward to pursue the attack against the enemy. Its architecture is quite complex, as both concrete and wired ropes have been used to build the 279 ft tall sculpture. It is the tallest statue in Europe and the second tallest statue in the entire world, having no religious symbolism.
The 259-ft tall structure – Awaji Kannon is another structure with a representation of Guanyin Kannon, in the country of Japan. It was constructed in 1982 and is the oldest of the top ten tallest statues. It is located in Awaji Island and stands on a 66-ft tall pedestal.
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