Buddhism has inspired some of the world’s best art, with the most notable ones being in the form of statues known as Buddharupa (the form of the Awakened One), that adorn Buddhist temples. Whether you’re a believer or not, these huge statues will make quite the impression on you.
The Great Buddhas of Monywa, Myanmar
While in Monywa, visit not one, but two giant Buddhas—one standing and one lying down. The one lying down, is 90 meters long, making it the largest reclining Buddha in the world and the one standing is 116 meters tall and is known as Laykyun Setkyar.
Giant Buddha, Leshan, China
The Giant Buddha of Leshan resides over the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers in Sichuan province. The statue was carved on the side of a cliff in 713BC, and it wasn’t completed until 90 years later.
The Daibutsu of Kamakura, Japan
Sitting in the south of Japan with his eyes closed while being covered in snow or framed by cherry blossoms, the Daibutsu of Kamakura, has been there since 1252. He even outlived the temple that housed him, which was washed away during a tsunami in the 15th century.
Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand
The Wat Pho in Bangkok is home to many Buddhas including this gold-plated Reclining Buddha statue that’s feet are decorated with engraved mother of pearl and soles display the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha.
