Leshan Buddha, China: The one that calmed the Seas
For the past 13 centuries the Leshan Giant Buddha, China has been towering over the Min River in the province of Sichuan. As timeless and as tall as ever, this pre-modern colossal monument echoes the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. Taking over 90 years to carve it out, today it has become a Unesco World Heritage site. Try visiting on weekdays; the weekends around the statue becomes crowded.
The 233 ft giant Buddha statue is one of the tallest in the world with 18 ft eyebrows and a 20 ft nose and a pair of ears so spacious that it can hold at least two people inside.
As you explore, knowing the behind story, youĺl realize the title Śea Calmer'is justified. Many Chinese poetry, stories and songs feature this monumental giant. As far as the story goes, Hai Tong, a monk took the initiative of this construction purely for the safety of the people who earned a living around the confluence of the rivers, from the strong currents. So, thinking that Buddha will curb the water spirit and bring it under control, he started. After he passed away, two of his disciples continued the construction. As a result of this humongous construction, too much stone was removed from the cliff that deposited in the river below. And so, the statue actually succeeded to alter the currents making the waters safe for ships to pass.