The real reason I wanted to go to Kamakura was to see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu).
Yes, it is really really big. Including the base, it measures 13.35 meters (43.8 feet) tall and weighs about 121 tonnes (267,000 pounds). According to temple records, the statue dates from around 1252. It is made of bronze.
Behind the Big Buddha is Kangetsudo Hall, which was once part of the imperial palace in 15th century Seoul before being moved first to Tokyo, then to Kamakura.
8 comments:
That is an amazing Buddha, so old and huge. Can I ask why the windows in the back?
I hope acid rains do not damage this historic statue.
I have been to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
I imagined it when I saw it in the textbook, but I was surprised that it was very big.
Initially,it was inside a large shrine instead of being exposed to the rain.
However,a big earthquake caused a tsunami and destroyed the shrine.
I heard that the Great Buddha was also submerged in seawater at that time.
Still,the Great Buddha is still imposing.
The Great Buddha must wish for the happiness of Kamakura and the visitors like you.
Oh, this brings back wonderful memories! Did you go inside? When I saw that I thought, "I'm really in Japan!"
Yes, this statue is really impressive. As it is sitting in the open air you can see it from a distance and take in its size. The Great Buddha of Nara is also formidable but you stand so close to it inside the temple building that you can't really 'see' it.
The Buddha in Kamakura has been vandalised with grafitti at least once... that is a danger when it is not protected by a building.
When I was there in 2006 visitors could go inside the buddha. I wonder if that’s still allowed. It was interesting to see the interior construction, but it was quite warm inside. I imagine that the open windows are necessary for breathing in that space.
How wonderful! And it has survived for so many centuries! It certainly was a great thing to see.
xx, Carol
That buddah is impressive! Why are there windows on his back - can you go inside?
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