Tallest statues around the globe unveiled
Amidst evolving cultural landscapes, statues are enduring icons of a society's cultural heritage, religious faith, artistic creativity, and historical memories.
According to a quote made by Palczewski from Theresa VanWormer's review of the importance of statues, the carvings “Guide people in their thinking about those facts from the past, how to act in the present, and what possible futures to seek… they also direct people's views of themselves.”
However, certain statues stand out amidst these monumental creations through their immense size and splendour. Here is a compilation of some of the world's most towering statues, guided by insights from World Visualized, as highlighted by The Atlantic.
Statue of Unity in India
The tallest statue in the world is the Statue of Unity. It is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister. Located in Gujarat, this colossal structure stands at an impressive 597 feet and 182 metres, surpassing the previous record holder, the Spring Temple Buddha in China.
Spring Temple Buddha in China
The Spring Temple Buddha located in Henan Province, China, held the title of the world's tallest statue for over a decade. This astonishing structure stands at 420 feet and 128 metres. According to The Economic Times, it was built at $55 million in 2002 after the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.
Laykyun Sekkya in Myanmar
In the city of Monywa, Myanmar stands the Laykyun Sekkya, a massive Buddha statue that reaches a height of 380 feet and 115.8 metres. This impressive structure has 31 levels inside, representing the stages of life in Buddhist belief.
Vishwas Swaroopam in India
The "Statue of Belief," also known as "Vishwas Swaroopam," is a majestic representation of Lord Shiva located in Rajasthan, India. It was crafted by the skilled sculptor Naresh Kumawat and was unveiled to the public on October 29, 2022. This sculpture stands as the world's highest statue of Shiva, measuring 347 feet and 106 metres.
Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the Ushiku Daibutsu is a bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha that stands at an impressive 330 feet and 100 metres. This statue was built to commemorate the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Guishan Guanyin in China
China boasts the gargantuan Guishan Guanyin, a statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin that reaches a height of 325 feet and 99 metres. The government of Ningshan County, supported by contributions from local enterprises and faith-based groups, allocated an investment of 260 million yuan (approximately USD36 million) to finalise the construction in 2009.
