Buddhists, tourists pay homage to Maitreya Bodhisattva statue on Ba Den Mountain

Under the leadership of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) of Tay Ninh Province, the Consecration Ceremony of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue on the top of Ba Den Mountain was held with great solemnity Jan. 28, including sacred rituals such as chanting prayers, purification ceremonies, and recitation of blessings.

Located at an altitude of 900m on the peak of Ba Den Mountain, the giant Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue stands 36 meters tall, with a maximum width of 45 meters and a surface area of 4,651 square meters.

This sculpture, weighing 5,112 tons, is a unique creation in Vietnam, composed of 6,688 natural sapphire stones assembled to resemble terraced fields.

Each sapphire stone was carefully selected for color, veining, and precise dimensions before being sculpted according to the design template.

The Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue on Ba Den Mountain is one of the largest statues of Maitreya Bodhisattva in the world, in terms of both height and weight. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

The emotional speech at the ceremony by Venerable Elder Vien Minh, Deputy Dharma Master of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said that the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue symbolizes the virtues of compassion and generosity and is the future Buddha, representing the prosperity and peace of our country's future.

"I am delighted and commend the merit of Sun Group, its leaders, and all employees who have wholeheartedly built a beautiful tourist area, enriching the spiritual life, promoting the beauty of Vietnam, and contributing to the prosperity of the Vietnamese economy," he said.

The most touching moment of the ceremony was when over 20,000 lanterns, inscribed with prayers by Buddhist followers, locals, and tourists, were lit, creating a magical and sacred space.

Each lit candle carries the wishes of tranquility and prosperity from Buddhist followers, tourists, and locals.

The entire square space under the foot of the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha at Ba Den Mountain was illuminated during the lantern offering ceremony, creating a grand lantern festival.

"Although I have been to Ba Den Mountain twice, this is the first time I have participated in such a large-scale lantern offering ceremony. Especially since this is the first time, I have seen the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue, made of the largest jade stone in the world, I feel even more touched and fortunate. Being able to come to pay homage to the compassionate Western Bodhisattva, I also feel serene, compassionate, and forget about everyday worries, feeling happier," said Ngo Bich Lien from Can Tho.

Visiting the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue on Ba Den Mountain offers a unique opportunity for spiritual and cultural enrichment. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

The addition of the Wishing Bridge, a 90-meter-long crescent-shaped bridge, provides a symbolic and visually stunning experience for pilgrims and tourists.

The Wishing Bridge, adorned with golden metallic tiles depicting cloud patterns, symbolizes prosperity and tranquility, enhancing the spiritual journey to the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue.

Serving as a bridge to the statue and offering panoramic views of the vast plains and Dau Tieng Lake, the Wishing Bridge enriches the overall experience of the pilgrimage.

Nestled behind and surrounding the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue is a colossal, 35-meter-high artificial waterfall, creating a dazzling and enchanting scene atop Ba Den Mountain.

The world-renowned Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue, crafted from top-quality granite, stands at the center, while the waterfall is complemented by a modern fountain system, a first-of-its-kind technology in Vietnam, and an array of impressive lights and culturally rich dance performances by actors.

Together, they form a grand and artistically rich water music show, reflecting the spiritual and cultural essence of the region.

The Consecration Ceremony of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue, along with the appearance of the Wishing Bridge and the grand and impressive water music show, have contributed to the completion of the spiritual and cultural complex on top of Ba Den Mountain.

At the ceremony, Vo Duc Trong, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Ninh Province, said that with the contribution of Sun Group, Ba Den National Tourist Area has been thoroughly invested with many internationally renowned works such as the highest statue of Tay Bo Da Son Buddha on the mountain peak, the largest cable car station in the world, and a Buddhist exhibition center applying the world's leading advanced technologies.

"Today, with the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue made of the world's top large sapphire stone, created in a special method never seen before in Vietnam, Sun Group has created a new symbol of a new stature for Tay Ninh tourism," he said.

Since Jan. 27, Buddhist followers and international tourists have had the opportunity to enjoy a special art performance to celebrate the Consecration Ceremony of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue at the square beneath the statue of the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

On this occasion, the exhibition "Great Peace, Great Prosperity" is being held until March 2024, showcasing over 50 ancient statues, six precious artifacts, and three paintings revolving around the story of Di Lac Bo Dai Hoa Thuong (Maitreya), and the set of statues symbolizing the desires for happiness, prosperity, and peace.