Mankind has always been drawn to some kind of religious beliefs and values since the dawn of humanity. Several religions pay their tribute by crafting religious statues to show their dedication and empathy towards their gods. We have brought you a list of the tallest statues around the globe that show craftsmanship and higher devotion.
Religious statues can represent many things, from honoring famous people and historical events to showcasing devotion to religious figures. But what is the biggest statue in the world? Here, we explore the top 10 biggest statues on Earth.
Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako Park – Ashibetsu, Japan
The Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako Park, also known as the Hokkaido Kannon and the Byakue Kannon, is a remarkable statue of Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara) located in Kita no Miyako Park on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. With its towering height of 88 meters (289 feet), it stands as the third-tallest statue in Japan and the tenth-tallest statue in the world. When the Dai Kannon was unveiled in 1989, it held the title of the world’s tallest statue for two years until 1991.
Sendai Dai Kannonb Religious Statues – Sendai, Japan
The Sendai Daikannon, officially named Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon, is a colossal statue of Byakue Kannon (White-robed Kannon) residing in Sendai, Japan. It stands at an impressive 100 meters (330 ft) tall, making it the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan and the ninth-tallest statue in the world. Built in 1991, it holds a Cintamani Stone, a wish-fulfilling jewel in Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
Great Buddha of Thailand – Ang Thong, Thailand
The great Buddha of Thalind also has other names like Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin and Mahaminh Sakayamunee Visejchaicharn. It holds the title of the tallest statue in Thailand, clocking in at a whopping 92 meters (302 feet) tall. That makes it the second-tallest in Southeast Asia and the eighth-tallest in the entire world. Construction began in 1990 and finally finished in 2008. It’s a golden giant, built from concrete and designed in the seated Maravijaya posture. The statue is build to honor King Bhumibol of Thailand.
Mother of All Asia Religious Statues – Pagkilatan, Philippines
The Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace is a giant statue of the Virgin Mary in Pagkilatan, Philippines. It holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest Marian statue, reaching an impressive 98.15 meters (322 feet) in height. This towering monument serves as a pilgrimage site and symbol of peace for Asia and the world. Completed in 2021, it symbolizes peace and unity and houses chapels, theaters, shops, and residential spaces inside.
Guishan Guanyin – Hunan, China
The Guishan Guanyin is a colossal, 99-meter (325-foot) tall gilded bronze statue depicting the eleven-headed, thousand-armed Guanyin, a manifestation of the Bodhisattva of mercy in Buddhism. It’s located at Miyin Temple in Ningxiang, Hunan province, China, and holds the title of the fourth-tallest statue in China and the sixth-tallest in the world.
Ushiku Daibutsu – Ushiku, Japan
Towering at 120 meters (390 ft) in Ushiku, Japan, the Ushiku Daibutsu is the world’s tallest bronze statue. This colossal statue depicts Amitabha Buddha and offers stunning panoramic views from its observation floor. Built in 1993, it commemorates Shinran, the founder of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan. Inside, an elevator takes visitors up 85 meters to an observation deck with stunning views.
Vishwas Swaroopam – Nathdwara, India
The Vishwas Swaroopam, also known as the Statue of Belief, is a towering statue of Lord Shiva in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India. Inaugurated in 2022, it stands at an impressive 369 feet (112 meters), making it the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Shiva. Completed in 2021, it features an exhibition hall and viewing areas accessible via elevator.
Laykyun Sekkya – Khatakan Taung, Myanmar
Standing at an impressive 116 meters (381 ft) tall, the Laykyun Sekkya is a massive statue of Gautama Buddha in Khatakan Taung, Myanmar. It held the title of the world’s tallest statue for a short time before being surpassed in 2008. This impressive landmark depicts the Buddha in a standing position, symbolizing ‘Parinirvana‘, and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Spring Temple Buddha – Henan, China
The Spring Temple Buddha is a colossal statue of Vairocana Buddha in Lushan County, China. At 128 meters tall (excluding the lotus throne), it’s the second-tallest statue in the world, depicting a significant figure in Buddhism. It’s located within a scenic area and near a hot spring known for its therapeutic waters. Completed in 2008, it stands near a hot spring renowned for its healing properties.
The Religious Statues of Unity – Gujarat, India
The Statue of Unity, standing tall at 182 meters in Gujarat, India, is the world’s tallest statue. It honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an Indian independence leader known for uniting the country’s numerous princely states after partition. This colossal monument on the Narmada River serves as a tribute to India’s “Iron Man” from the people of Gujarat. This monument is part of a larger complex and was built with contributions from local farmers.
These monumental religious statues are not just architectural feats but also cultural landmarks, representing the rich histories and beliefs of their respective countries.