11 Biggest Buddhas In The World

Buddhism, which had its roots in India, has traveled to almost all corners of the world. Although statues of Buddha are not an uncommon sight, the biggest Buddhist statue in the world will leave an impression. Whether in a sitting or standing position, the tallest Buddhist statue in the world is quite astounding.

While some of the biggest Buddhas in the world are quite recent, the biggest Buddhist statue in the world goes all the way back to the 8th century. It’s not surprising, given that Buddhist monasteries existed way back in the fourth century BC. Some of the most incredible Buddhist monasteries in the world have resident Buddhas that will impress you with their size and craftsmanship.

Grand Buddha, Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan

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The Fo Guang Shan Grand Buddha statue in southern Taiwan is one of the biggest Buddhas in the world. It also holds the distinction of being the tallest Buddhist statue in the world in the seated position, made from bronze. The Grand Buddha statue forms the perfect backdrop to the Buddha Memorial Center, also referred to as the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.

Made from 1,872 tonnes of bronze, the statue sits fifty meters tall. With the base, the statue is equivalent to a 36-storeyed building. Right beneath the statue, you’ll find the Big Buddha Terrace, which gives visitors a clear view of the statue.

Apart from the imposing statue, there are other interesting facets to explore here. The Buddha Memorial, which took nine years to complete, is spread over about one hundred hectares. It includes the main building, eight pagodas, and a park.

Buddha Dordenma, Thimpu, Bhutan

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The Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimpu, Bhutan, may not be the biggest Buddhist statue in the world, but it is one of the most impressive. The 169-foot statue sits atop a gilded meditation hall on a hill in the country’s capital and holds 125,000 miniature Buddhas within its bronze chest.

The statue was built at a whopping cost of almost $100 million! It was constructed to honor the 60th birthday of the fourth monarch of Bhutan. Sitting at the height of 51.5m, the statue is made of bronze with a cover of gold to symbolize indestructibility. Hundreds of devotees meditate in the large meditation hall, which is part of the throne on which the Buddha sits. The massive Shakyamuni Buddha statue is said to fulfill two prophecies made centuries ago.

Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha, Japan

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If you’re interested in visiting the biggest Buddhist statue in the world, the towering Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan comes close. Standing tall at 120 meters, it could also pass off as the tallest Buddhist statue in the world. Made from bronze, the statue’s height symbolizes the twelve kinds of light radiating from Buddha.

While the statue does present a spectacular view from the outside, visitors can also enter it. Inside the statue, you’ll find five floors connected by an elevator. The fifth-floor houses enshrined remains of the Buddha. Another impressive place within the statue is the third floor with its golden sanctuary.

A spacious park surrounds the statue. The park takes on a beautiful hue in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Pakse Golden Buddha, Laos

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Pakse, a city in the former French colony of Laos, is renowned for the Golden Buddha that looks down at the Mekong River. From its prominent perch high up on the horizon, the statue is easily visible from anywhere in town. Apart from the main buddha, you will also find over a thousand smaller statues in different postures at the site.

There is not much to do in town, so there is plenty of time to walk up to the buddha. Tuktuks drop visitors at the base, and then you will need to take the stairs to the top. However, if you are not up for the walk, there is a motorable road to the top. Predictably, the views from the top are quite spectacular.

Lingshan Grand Buddha, China

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Located on the north shore of Lake Tai near Wuxi in China, the Grand Buddha at Lingshan is one of the biggest Buddhas in the world. Also made from bronze, the statue weighs about 700 metric tonnes. Standing at a total height of 88 meters, including the pedestal, this statue can also pass off as the tallest Buddhist statue in the world. In fact, it is the tallest bronze Shakyamuni Buddha in the open air.

The statue is accessed by climbing the ‘Ascending Cloud Avenue,’ which has 216 stairs. These stairs set on seven rising platforms correspond to the levels of the seven-storied stupa. Inside the statue’s pedestal, you’ll find a three-level museum that showcases the essentials of Buddhism. The statue is protected by an advanced lightning protection system and is kept safe from corrosion.

Three hills and other Buddhist attractions surround the friendly, smiling Buddha that faces Taihu Lake. Visitors to the area can enjoy the dramatic representation of the Nine Dragon Bathing Shakyamuni or visit the Five Mudra Mandala. Another place worth visiting is the Brahma Palace at the foot of Lingshan Hill.

Gal Vihara Buddha, Sri Lanka

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Gal Vihara is an impressive rock temple renowned for its stone Buddhas. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, showcases the most perfect specimens of solid stone Buddhas. Created during the Sinhalese king Parakrama Bahu, the site consists of four cave shrines with various stone sculptures. These images cut from one long slab of granite are believed to represent various stages of Buddha’s life.

However, the 14-meter-long reclining Buddha is one of the biggest Buddhas in the world. The detailing on the statue is quite spectacular. The craftsmanship is amazing, from the depression in the pillow under the statue’s head to the lotus symbols. This sacred site may not feature on our list of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, but it is worth a visit if you are in the area.

Maha Bodhi Tataung, Monywa, Myanmar

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You’ll find over 1000 buddhas spread over a hillside in Monywa. However, the most spectacular of these are the two prominent buddhas. The 424ft standing Buddha is said to be the second tallest Buddhist statue in the world. The massive torso hides a stairway that links painted galleries up to 31 floors. People are generally barred from going beyond the 25th floor, though.

The reclining buddha is lower down the hillside. Although slightly smaller than the standing buddha, it is no less impressive at 312ft. You can enter the reclining buddha, too, but the interior is poorly maintained. The gilded stupa and the garden of identical sitting buddhas are other interesting features around the site.

If visiting these buddhas is among your list of the top things to do in Myanmar, a good idea would be to visit late afternoon for an Instagram-worthy picture. This is because both buddhas face west.

Wat Pho Reclining Buddha, Thailand

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Bangkok is home to some of the most incredible Buddhist temples in the world. In fact, some of the top things to do in Bangkok is to visit these temples. While you are on your temple run in Bangkok, the Wat Pho temple will feature on your itinerary. The temple in the Old City, which is renowned for the huge Reclining Buddha within its walls, attracts devotees and tourists.

At 46m long and 15m high, this ornate reclining statue is among the biggest buddhas in the world. Built in 1948, the statue is the largest sleeping Buddha in Bangkok. The statue was then plastered and finished in gold leaf, made from bricks. The most spectacular feature of the statue is the long feet, whose soles are ornately decorated with mother of pearl. Its sleeping position indicates the passing of Buddha into nirvana.

Although the main attraction at the temple is the reclining buddha, you will find many other areas of interest within the complex. For one, the temple hall with its impressive mural paintings and golden bowls will take your breath away. Another big draw to Wat Pho is the professional temple massages that you can enjoy. The temple is the national headquarters for teaching traditional Thai medicine, and the school has two Thai massage pavilions.

Kamakura Daibutsu, Japan

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One of Japan’s National Treasures, the bronze Amida Buddha is another of the biggest Buddhas in the world. Although at approximately 13.35 meters, it is much smaller than the tallest Buddhist statue in the world, that does not take away from how impressive it is.

Originally located inside a large temple hall, the bronze statue dates back to the 13th century. Natural disasters resulted in the destruction of the temple buildings, which ultimately left the Buddha out in the open air and exposed to the elements. Originally plated with gold, the only trace of the gold leaf remains on the statue’s right cheek.

As with many giant Buddhas, visitors can enter the sacred monument for a small fee. The Buddha weighs approximately 121 tonnes.

Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

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On Lantau Island in Hong Kong, near the remote Po Lin Monastery, you’ll find another of the biggest buddhas in the world. Completed in 1993, the Tian Tan Buddha is the second biggest Buddhist statue in the world outdoors in a sitting position.

The inspiration for Tian Tan came from the Altar of Heaven in Beijing, which shares the same name. Buddha overlooks the Chinese people by symbolizing a harmonious relationship between man and nature, the 34 meters high Buddha overlooks the Chinese people. It is not an easy climb to the top since one has to ascend 268 steps, but the views from here are well worth it.

Built over a period of 12 years, the statue was designed on the lines of the 32 ‘physical marks’ of the Buddha. Every feature of the statue is significant as each has its symbolism. There is an in-depth significance from the Buddha’s full moon face to the throne on which the statue sits.

Giant Buddha Leshan, China

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Astounding in its size and form, the Giant Buddha of Leshan is undoubtedly the biggest Buddhist statue in the world. Carved into a cliff on Mount Emei, the majestic Buddha sits 71 meters high. It traces its roots back to 730 AD, when it was carved under the guidance of the monk Haitong.

As one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, the mountain sees a good footfall of visitors. To some extent, this and natural causes have caused the statue to degrade. Although there are boat tours to view the Buddha, most people prefer to admire the statue from close quarters.

Apart from the biggest Buddhist statue in the world, Mount Emei also has over 30 temples. These masterpieces are also worth visiting for their traditional architecture and building techniques. It comes as no surprise that the site is a UNESCO Heritage Site.