Buddhism has profoundly impacted cultures worldwide, and its teachings have influenced a multitude of disciplines from philosophy to art. The embodiment of this influence can often be seen in the creation of giant Buddha statues. This blog will take you on a global tour, introducing you to 18 of the most famous Buddha statues in the world.
These statues not only represent spiritual and religious significance but are also architectural marvels that offer unique glimpses into their respective cultures.
Top Famous Buddha Statues Around the Globe: Explore the World’s Most Iconic Buddhist Sculptures
1. Spring Temple Buddha, China
Located in Henan, China, the Spring Temple Buddha is an awe-inspiring spectacle as the world’s tallest statue as of 2021. Towering at 128 meters and representing Vairocana Buddha, it stands atop a 20-meter lotus throne, making the entire structure an astounding 153 meters high. The construction of the Spring Temple Buddha was a response to the Taliban’s destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.
The site also includes a Buddhist monastery and is surrounded by a beautiful nature park. Visiting this monument is not just about the breathtaking statue itself but also the serene journey you undertake to reach it. Travellers should plan for a full-day trip to properly explore this attraction.
2. Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), Hong Kong
Perched atop Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a majestic bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. The statue is 34 meters high and is one of the largest seated outdoor Buddha statues in the world. This statue faces north, which is unique among large Buddha statues, as most face south.
The Big Buddha is reached by climbing 268 steps, which adds to the spiritual journey. Nearby, visitors can also explore the Po Lin Monastery and the Wisdom Path, where sutras are inscribed on wooden columns set in a figure-eight pattern. Ngong Ping Cable Car offers an alternative and scenic route to the Big Buddha, presenting panoramic views of the surroundings.
3. Great Buddha of Phuket, Thailand
Thailand, known as the land of a thousand temples, houses the Great Buddha of Phuket. This 45-meter tall marble statue sits atop Nakkerd Hill and is visible from most parts of the south of the island. This representation of the Buddha in the Maravijaya Attitude has quickly become an iconic landmark since its construction in the early 21st century.
The location offers panoramic views of the island, making it a favorite spot not just for its religious significance but also for its natural beauty. There’s no entry fee, but donations for maintenance are welcome. It’s advisable to dress modestly when visiting.
4. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha), Thailand
The Big Buddha of Koh Samui, also known as Wat Phra Yai, is a 12-meter tall gold-painted statue situated on a small island connected to Koh Samui by a causeway. This iconic statue, built in 1972, depicts Buddha in a state of calm and purity, sitting in the Mara posture.
The site is free to visit and is usually bustling with devotees and tourists. Visitors should remember to wear appropriate clothing, covering their shoulders and knees, as it’s a religious site. Nearby, you can explore local markets offering a range of food, clothes, and souvenirs.
5. Buddha Dordenma Statue, Bhutan
The Buddha Dordenma statue in Bhutan’s mountainous terrain of Thimphu is a 51-meter-tall bronze statue gilded in gold. The statue was built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and contains 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside.
This awe-inspiring statue stands amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, and overlooks the southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world and represents the manifestation of human faith and eternity. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley from the statue’s base.
6. Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan
Japan’s Ushiku Daibutsu was one of the top five tallest statues in the world as of 2021. Located in Ushiku, Japan, this enormous statue stands at a total of 120 meters, including the 10-meter high base and 10-meter high lotus platform. It represents Amitabha Buddha and was constructed to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism.
The statue houses a museum and an elevator that takes visitors up 85 meters to an observation floor, where they can enjoy the surrounding view. Remember, photography inside the statue is not allowed.
7. Todai-ji Daibutsu, Japan
Nara’s Todai-ji Temple houses one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant Buddha statues. This bronze Daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue is one of the largest in Japan and is housed in the world’s largest wooden building, the Daibutsu-den.
The surrounding park, known as Nara Park, is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the Shinto gods. Tourists often combine their temple visits with feeding these friendly creatures.
8. Gal Vihara, Sri Lanka
In the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka lies the Gal Vihara, which features four impressive Buddha statues carved from a single, large slab of granite. These statues, dating back to the 12th century, depict Buddha in different postures – seated, standing, and reclining.
Visitors can hire a guide to fully understand the historical and religious significance of these sculptures. It’s also worth exploring the entire ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so plan accordingly.
9. Leshan Giant Buddha, China
Carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers in Sichuan province, China, the Leshan Giant Buddha is another spectacle to behold. This 71-meter-tall stone statue was constructed during the Tang Dynasty. It is the largest stone Buddha in the world and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Visitors can view the statue by taking a boat trip or climbing the trail on the hill opposite the statue. The boat trip offers a panoramic view, while the trail provides a closer look at the colossal statue.
10. Giant Buddha of Lingshan, China
Located near Wuxi, the 88-meter-tall Grand Buddha at Lingshan is one of the largest Buddha statues in China and indeed the world. This bronze Amitabha standing Buddha overlooks an array of spiritual attractions, including the Brahma Palace, a grand and culturally significant site.
The Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Spot requires an entrance ticket, but it offers more than a day’s worth of attractions. Make sure to stick around for the Nine-Dragon Bathing Sakyamuni ceremony, a music and water show that happens daily.
11. Ayutthaya Buddha Head, Thailand
The Ayutthaya Buddha Head is one of Thailand’s most iconic images. Located in the historical city of Ayutthaya, a tree’s roots cradle this stone Buddha head, creating an unusual and hauntingly beautiful spectacle. This statue is a testament to the resilience of faith amidst the ruins of Wat Mahathat, a temple complex destroyed during the invasion of Burma in the 18th century.
While exploring Ayutthaya’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s advisable to wear modest attire and show respect for this significant religious symbol. Remember to sit or kneel while taking pictures to ensure your head is not higher than the Buddha’s, as per Thai customs.
12. Great Buddha of Kamakura, Japan
The Great Buddha of Kamakura, a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha, is a national treasure of Japan. Located on the grounds of the Kotoku-in Temple, this statue stands 13.35 meters high and has witnessed centuries of history since its construction in 1252.
Visitors can even venture inside the statue for a small fee. The serene town of Kamakura, known as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, is full of temples and shrines and is worth exploring.
13. Swayambhunath, Nepal
Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the holy monkeys living in parts of the temple, is one of the most ancient and holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. While not a statue itself, it features a variety of shrines and statues, making it a must-visit for any spiritual seeker or history buff.
The temple sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu city. Access involves a steep climb of 365 steps, symbolizing the journey toward enlightenment. It’s best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when Swayambhunath is bathed in the golden light. Read More: Exploring Swayambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple in Kathmandu
14. Boudhanath, Nepal
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Boudhanath is one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. While it does not host a Buddha statue, it’s a significant place of meditation and pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis.
Boudhanath is surrounded by monasteries and shops selling Tibetan artifacts and traditional crafts. The vibrant prayer flags, the spinning prayer wheels, and the serene environment make it a captivating site to visit. Explore More: 10 Interesting Facts About Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal
15. Jowo Buddha, Tibet
Situated in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha is considered the most sacred and important Buddha image in Tibet. Crafted in India, this statue was brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess Wencheng, one of the wives of the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.
The Jokhang Temple is usually crowded with devout pilgrims, especially during Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Ensure you follow the crowd and walk in a clockwise direction around the temple, according to Buddhist customs.
16. Maitreya Buddha, Ladakh, India
Located in the Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley, Ladakh, the Maitreya (future Buddha) Buddha statue stands at a height of 32 meters. This towering statue overlooks the picturesque valley and was built to promote peace and protection from natural calamities.
Tourists visiting the Diskit Monastery and Maitreya Buddha should note that Ladakh is at a high altitude, and it may take some time to acclimatize. Carry plenty of water and take it slow.
17. Great Buddha Statue, Bodh Gaya, India
The Great Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya, India, is an 80-foot-tall statue located near the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. This serene statue, unveiled by the Dalai Lama in 1989, is seated on the Earth touching mudra, symbolizing Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Visiting the Great Buddha Statue offers a chance to witness the spiritual ambiance of Bodh Gaya, a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide. Remember to dress modestly and respect the religious customs of this holy place.
Bodh Gaya Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Bodhgaya Rajgir and Nalanda Trip Itinerary
18. Hussain Sagar Buddha Statue, India
Centered in Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar Lake, this single, monolithic statue of Gautama Buddha stands at a height of 18 meters. The statue’s creation was an initiative by the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, N.T. Rama Rao, in the 1980s.
A boat ride is required to reach the platform where the statue stands, offering a unique way to experience this attraction. The nighttime illuminations add a mystical charm to the statue, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
These Buddha statues, scattered across various countries and cultures, bear witness to the wide-reaching influence of Buddhism. Each has its unique story, artistic style, and spiritual significance. Visiting these statues can offer not only a deeper understanding of Buddhism but also an appreciation for the art, history, and culture of different nations. So why wait? Start planning your spiritual journey around the world today!
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