This was taken in the same area as the funny anti-littering sign. This bronze buddha statue dating back to 1252 is 13.35 m (43.8 ft) high, and there is opening around the back where the public can go inside (for a fee). I found it faintly disrespectful to clamber inside buddha - maybe it is just me.
This buddha is famous and even referred to in Rudyard Kipling's "Kim".
The base was damaged in an earthquake in 1923 and repaired in 1925. Works to repair the statue and strengthen the neck took place in the early 1960s.
At one time in its history the statue was gilded, I'm told some gold leaf remains near one of his ears. Makes me think of Oscar Wilde's "The Happy Prince" (the fact that it was covered in gold leaf once)
Great shot, and what interesting info! Never heard of being able to go inside a buddha before, strange concept! And wow at the 1252 dating, that's pretty old!!
Nice POV and great exposure, so much character revealed in the patina and relief features. Looks like a beautiful day. I can understand your reluctance to go inside, seems contrary to enlightenment going in where the sun don't shine. I suppose it could argued that it's a different aspect of the Buddha.
Did you do the hike along the ridge from the train station to get there? Great shot! I am loving your dip into the past as youve bought back many happy memories (much newer than yours though) of our travels to the same spots.
@palusami yes the hike was hard work in the chilly air but we saw so many temples and shrines en route, we got off at one station and hiked across the hills and ended up going home from the station down the hill from the buddha, great day
