The statue was commissioned by Daijokyo Buddhist Association of Japan.
Construction of the statue spanned seven years, beginning in 1982.
Approximately 12,000 stone masons were involved in the statue's physical construction.
The statue is officially recognized as the first Great Buddha built in modern India.
The internal structure houses thousands of smaller bronze Buddha idols.
The statue depicts the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, or earth-touching gesture.
The Great Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya is an 82-foot (25-meter) tall sandstone and granite figure depicting Buddha in a meditation pose. It was consecrated in 1989 by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. The structure is situated within the grounds of the Great Buddha Campus near the Mahabodhi Temple. The statue is hollow and contains 16,000 small bronze Buddha images inside its internal walls. It represents the Buddha seated upon a lotus pedestal. The surrounding garden complex features smaller statues and meditation spaces for pilgrims. The site serves as a prominent landmark in one of Buddhism's most significant pilgrimage destinations. It is built from a combination of red sandstone and granite blocks.
From the front garden path looking upward to capture the full scale of the statue against the sky.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the intense heat of the Bihar plains.
Bring a pair of socks, as walking barefoot on hot stone surfaces is required in temple areas.
Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the walk through the campus.
Do not accept unsolicited guided tours from individuals claiming to be official site historians, as these are often unofficial.
Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum or approaching the base pedestal; maintain a quiet demeanor; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected.
