Spring temple buddha

The Spring Temple Buddha in China is the second tallest statue in the world, standing 128 meters tall, and depicts Vairocana Buddha.

About this subject

The Spring Temple Buddha, located in Lushan County, Henan Province, China, is one of the largest statues ever built. Unveiled in 2008, it depicts Vairocana, the cosmic Buddha of Vajrayana Buddhism. The total structure, including the lotus pedestal and building, reaches 208 meters. Construction took about 11 years, using 1,500 tons of copper, 3,300 tons of bronze, and 465 tons of steel.

The statue sits within the Spring Temple (Foquan Si) complex, a Buddhist site dating back to the Tang dynasty. The surrounding grounds include the Foquan Temple, a giant bell, and the Spring Source, which gives the site its name. The Buddha is a pilgrimage destination and tourist attraction, symbolizing peace and enlightenment. Its construction was part of a Chinese government effort to boost religious tourism in the region.

Notably, the Spring Temple Buddha was the world's tallest statue until 2018, when it was surpassed by the Statue of Unity in India. However, it remains the tallest Buddha statue globally. This macro close-up emphasizes details of the serene face and coiled hair curls typical of Buddhist iconography, each curl representing teachings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Spring Temple Buddha located?

It is located in Lushan County, Henan Province, China, within the Foquan Temple complex.

How tall is the Spring Temple Buddha?

The statue itself is 128 meters, but including the lotus pedestal and building, it reaches 208 meters.

What does the Spring Temple Buddha represent?

It depicts Vairocana, the cosmic Buddha of Vajrayana Buddhism, symbolizing light and wisdom.