Since the ancient era, statues are being constructed across the world. Statues not only serve us as a reminder of what was, what is and what the world could be but also play a crucial role in boosting the tourism industry.
1. Statue Of Unity | Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres, located in the state of Gujarat, India. It depicts Indian statesman and independence activist Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India and an adherent of Mahatma Gandhi. The colossal monument towers over River Narmada, a tribute to India ‘from the people of Gujarat’ to the leader who placed people’s welfare first. The Statue of Unity overlooks the vast surrounds and the river basin of the Narmada River and the sprawling Sardar Sarovar dam. It stands on the Sadhu Bet hillock, connected by a 300-metre bridge, which offers access from the mainland to the statue. As a part of an outreach programme for the project, the state government had asked Indian farmers to donate their used farming equipment to collect iron needed for the statue of Sardar Patel. Eventually, about 5000 tonnes of iron is believed to be collected. Details of the construction and history of the leader can be seen in an in-house museum, inside the statue. A Light and Sound show using laser technology projected on the Statue of Unity takes place every evening except Monday.
2. Spring Temple Buddha
The Spring Temple Buddha is a colossal statue depicting Vairocana Buddha located in the Zhaocun township of Lushan County, Henan, China, built from 1997 to 2008. Despite its towering height, this poised copper Buddha is comparatively not as well known throughout the world. Below the carved out Buddha with a flower base, is two multi-storeyed seats called the splendid diamond seat and the Sumeru seat which also add up to the Spring Temple Buddha’s gigantic height. One of the stunning Spring Temple Buddha Facts The magnificent wonder is constructed with more than a hundred kg of gold, 3300 tons of copper alloy, and 1,500 tons of steel covering a total area of more than eleven thousand square feet. The copper being intricately layered over the statue, gives it the brilliant appeal that it is known for. This can easily be classified as yet another impressive feat of ancient architecture. Adding up to the beauty is the diamond seat below the Buddha which is comprised of 6,666 smaller Buddha statues that lay beneath it. The diamond seat below the copper marvel holds the Buddhist sacred monastery for people who come in search of eternal peace.
3. Laykyun Setkyar
The Laykyun Sekkya Buddha is, as of 2018, the third-tallest statue in the world at 116 metres. This statue of Gautama Buddha stands on a 115.8-metre (380 ft) throne located in the village of Khatakan Taung, near Monywa, Myanmar. Construction began in 1996 and it was completed on 21 February 2008. It was commissioned by the Chief Abbot Ven. Nãradã. It was the tallest statue in the world for a few months until the completion of the spring Temple Buddha in September 2008.
4. Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu is a statue located in Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Completed in 1993, it stands a total of 120 metres tall, including the 10 m base and 10m lotus platform. The statue held the record for the tallest statue from 1993 to 2008. As of 2018, it is one of the top five tallest statues in the world. Three times the size of the Statue of Liberty, the Buddha at its base is 120 meters high, representing the 12 beams of light that are said to come from the Amida’s body reaching throughout the world. The positioning of the hands signifies his acceptance of all sentient beings, and just one hand is nearly 50-feet tall so he can accept a lot. From the entrance, you will walk from pitch-black darkness to the mysterious “World of Infinite Light and Life” room, which features mesmerizing lit-up Buddhas. The most somber sight is the “World of Lotus Sanctuary.” More than 3,400 small golden Buddha statues line the walls. The small statues, called tainaibutsu (a Buddha inside a bigger Buddha), are memorials acting as graves purchased by the deceased’s families. You’ll find a 4,000-ton buddha standing upon a blooming lotus flower. The view of the Jodo Teien garden is magnificent. Various flowers and plants in bloom depending on the season. In springtime, cherry blossoms completely elevate the experience.
5. Birth of the New World
The Birth of the New World is a 360 foot bronze sculpture located on the Atlantic coastline of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Birth of the New World, the colossal sculpture was assembled on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, in the city of Arecibo (roughly 45 miles west of San Juan). At the time of its dedication, in 2016, the structure officially became the tallest statue in the hemisphere. The statue was designed by the Georgian-Russian painter, Zurab Tsereteli, a billionaire who sits on the boards of four Moscow museums, is an ambassador for the United Nations, and hold such distinct honors as France’s Legion d’Honneur. The structure—which weights 6,500 tons, is composed of 2,500 pieces of bronze, steel, and copper, and took over 110,000 hours to assemble—has been welcomed with mixed reviews. Some see it as an important part of tourism in the area, while others believe it’s a symbol of the nefarious treatment of Indians in Puerto Rico. While the popularity of the statue may be up for debate, the sheer size of it is not. Not only is Birth of the New World roughly 50 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, but it’s double the size of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer.