TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Around the world, towering statues stand as symbols of culture, religion, and national pride. These huge structures not only represent an artistic aspect, but also attract millions of visitors every year.

The Statue of Liberty of the New York Harbor, for example, has captivated the international community with its majestic features. Originally gifted by people of France, an estimated number of more than 3.5 million people are recorded to pay a visit to the monument annually, according to the National Park Service website.

Given its popularity, people assume that this teal-colored statue is actually the largest. In fact, there are other monuments bigger in size compared to the Statue of Liberty.

Citing from Civitatis.com, let’s find out some of the biggest statues in the world:

List of the Largest Statues in the World

1. The Statue of Unity, India (182 m)

The answer for the question “what is the tallest statue in the world?” may come to a surprise to some people. Again, it is not New Yorkers’ pride the Statue of Liberty, but the Statue of Unity in India.

Located in the state of Gujarat, this monument towers at an incredible 182 m and is a tribute to the first Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure to the country’s independence.

Since its inauguration on October 31, 2018, the Statue of Unity has retained to be the world's biggest monument even after years. No monument seems to have broken the record ever since.

Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel or the Statue of Unity in India.[NDTV]

2. Spring Temple Buddha, China (128 m)

The Spring Temple Buddha used to be the tallest statue in the world for ten years prior to the completion of India’s Statue of Unity. It is towering in Pingdingshan City of the Henan Province, measuring 128 m in height.

The breathtaking figure was made out of copper and constructed between 1997 and 2008. The term “spring” attached to its name refers to the location of its standing, which is close to a hot spring.

3. Laykyun Sekkya, Myanmar (116 m)

Another colossal Buddha figure in the world can be found in the village of Khatakan Taung, Myanmar. It is the Laykyun Sekkya, measuring at 116 m in height.

Completed in 2008, the Laykyun Sekkya also used to be the world’s tallest statue, which was later overtaken by Henan’s Spring Temple Buddha. Its depiction of two alternate states of Buddha is definitely a must-see for visitors.

4. Vishwas Swaroopam, India (106 m)

Another tallest statue in the world on our list is the Vishwas Swaroopam, also known as the Statue of Belief. Proclaimed as the world’s tallest Shiva Statue by statueofbelief.com, the monument stands on the height of 106 m.

Envisioned by Madan Paliwal, it took 10 years to complete the construction of the Vishwas Swaroopam since its foundation stone was laid in 2012. Now, travelers can witness the awe-inspiring statue by visiting Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India

5. Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan (100 m)

You can find yet another giant Buddha in Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan. There lies the magnificent Ushiku Daibutsu, of which height is equivalent to a 38-story building.

Not only becoming one of the biggest Buddha statues, this bronze construction may also be the heaviest, weighing over 4,000 tonnes.

Visitors can make a trip to Ushiku Daibutsu by taking the JR Joban Line. It only takes 30 minutes to reach the statue from the city center of Tsukuba. Not to mention, there is an elevator within the statue that can take people to an observation deck at the height of 85 m, enabling them to see an impressive view.

6. Guishan Guanyin, China (99 m)

Completed in 2009, the Guishan Guanyin stands at a relatively incredible height, 99 m, in the Hunan Province of China. It is a depiction of Shiyimian Qianshou Guanyin with multiple hands and eyes.

To witness the beauty of Guishan Guanyin, you need to climb up thousands of stairs at Miyin Temple. But, the incredible landscape up there is surely worth the pain.

7. Mother of All Asia, the Philippines (98.15 m)

Our last tallest statue in the world on this list is the Mother of All Asia. Towering at more than 98 m from the ground to the tip of its crown, this so-called “Tower of Peace” stands in the Montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center, Batangas City, the Philippines.

The Virgin Mary statue was completed in 2021, coinciding with the celebration of the 500th year of Christianization and globalization of the Philippines. Call it basic, still you can find chapels, theaters, and shops within the statue.

FRIA SUMITRO

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