Daibutsu – The Great Buddha of Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is an immense statue of Buddha in his Amida’s form. The statue of the Amida Buddha is made out of Bronze. It is an open-air statue. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is located in Kamakura city of Japan. The statue has its positioned on the peaceful ground of the Buddhist temple named Kotokuin. The temple is regarded as one of the holiest places in the city. The Great Buddha is one of the few popular symbols of Japan. The Great Buddha is commonly known as Daibutsu.

 

The height of the Daibutsu statue is around 13.35m whereas the weight of the statue is about 93 000 kilograms. The statue of the Great Buddha is considered the largest Buddha monument after Todaiji which is located in Nara. Many people believe that the Daibutsu is the most impressive Buddha monument present in Japan.

Daibutsu

As in Nara, initially, the Diabutsu statue was placed inside a temple. The statue was created in the year 1252 AD during the Kamakura period. The temple was a huge wooden structure. A tsunami took place in the region in the late fifteen century. In this tsunami, the temple was completely washed out. As a result, the statue was found standing in the open air. Later no temple was constructed around the statue.

 

The statue of the Great Buddha is placed in the seated position of Lotus. Also, a Dhyani Mudra is formed with his hand. The Dhyani Mudra is the gesticulation of contemplation. The expressions of the Great Buddha are very peaceful. The statue has a fine-looking background of a thickly forested hill. With all these wonderful sites the statue of the Great Buddha is surely an impressive scene.

 

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

The statue of the Great Buddha is an Amidha Buddha and is considered the center of Pure Land Buddhism. This section originally belongs to China but with time it has gained huge importance since the early twelve century even in Japan. The popularity is the same even today and is increasing with the single passing day. The fundamental lessons are that in the course of dedication to Amida Buddha, which is articulated during the various mantras and the genuineness of heart, the individual will make his way to the Pure Land or “Western Paradise” after his death. It is considered a lovely dominion through which it becomes easy to achieve nirvana.

The Daibutsu is positioned in an open atmosphere. The head of the statue is alarming on top of the numerous pine trees. The face of the statue is placed in the direction of the calm water of the deep oceans of the imaginary Nirnava. The figurine of Buddha is a hodgepodge of sections of bronze, also the exterior is being done up with the help of the file. There is much-distinguishing uniqueness in the various parts of the statue’s body.

 

The eyes of the Great Buddha are horizontal in shape, whereas the eyebrows are having semi-circular shapes. On the forehead of the Great Buddha, you will see a white-colored curl. It is believed that the curl produces numerous light rays to the various worlds in the universe. The white curl is made up of around 13.5 kilograms of pure-quality silver. The face of the Great Buddha shows an Ionian smile. The edge of the nose has its beginning from the brow which maintains the amazing of Greek Art. The legs of the statue of the Great Buddha have crossed also they are slightly disposed of in the forward direction. The statue is posed in a normal meditating way. This position for meditation was basically used by the Indians but was later adopted and still is used by the Japanese Buddha. Mostly the position is highly adopted by the Buddhist followers of Zen. The visitors feel very much close to the Great Buddha when they approach the statue as the eyes direction form a right angle when it faces the ground.

 

 

Getting there

The airport that is located close to the Great Buddha is Kansai Airport. Hase Station is the nearest located Railway station to the Great Buddha. Hase Station is an important station on the Enoden Railway route. On the Enoden Railway route, the Hase station is the 3rd station after the main station Kamakura. When you get out of the Hase station you are required to walk hardly for around 5-10 minutes to reach the Great Buddha.

 

Opening Timings

The Great Buddha is open for public visits from seven in the morning up to six in the evening. During the winter season, public visits are closed by 5:30 in the evening.

 

Entrance Cost

Every adult visiting the Great Buddha is required to pay ¥200 at the entrance booth whereas the entrance cost for children is ¥150. If you are willing to go into the interior of the statue you are required to pay an additional amount of ¥20.

 

Photography

Photography is permitted in the interior as well as in the exterior of the Great Buddha.