The opening ceremony of the Buddha idol in a state of Nirvana took place on March 30 at Hoi Khanh Pagoda, Thu Dau Mot Commune, Binh Duong Province.
Thousands cram to catch a glimpse of the lying Buddha.
The giant Buddha is 52 metres in length, 24 metres high, and located within the Binh Duong Buddhist Culture Centre. Surrounding the Buddha are 840 lotuses made from concrete and many disciple idols.
The Buddha covers an area of 3,200 square metres. Underneath the Buddha are four large rooms used for study, conference and library purposes.
The main staircase leading up to the Buddha consists of 49 steps, symbolising the 49 years he practiced Buddhism. Around the statue is a terrace and along the staircase and terrace are 52 stone lamps symbolizing the 52 articles offered to the Buddha during the Nirvana ceremony.
In addition, the platform of the Buddha is carved with 20 reliefs showing the Buddha from his birth to when he entered Nirvana. The 4 terraced roofs are carved with dragons and lotus leaves, creating a sharp and magnificent look for idol.
Before the opening ceremony, the Provincial Standing Committee (Binh Duong Buddhist Association) had held a festival to offer articles to the Buddha. President Nguyen Minh Triet sent 2 congratulatory verses to the pagoda for this special occasion.
The Vietnam Record Book Centre acknowledged that this is the largest reclining Buddha idol in Vietnam.
Buddhist disciples walking near the idol.
Buddha reliefs underneath the platform.
