Interesting facts about the bronze statue of Phat Ba, the tallest in Asia, on top of Black Lady Mountain (Nui Ba Den).

With a total height of 72m, cast from over 170 tons of red copper using European high-pressure mechanical processing technology, the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue (Phật Bà Tây Bổ Đà Sơn) in Tay Ninh has set the record for "Tallest Bronze Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue in Asia located on a mountaintop" and "Tallest Bronze Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue in Vietnam located on a mountaintop".

Since time immemorial, in folk beliefs, the Lady Buddha has always been an eternal symbol of wisdom, virtue, and boundless compassion. Each time one worships the Lady Buddha, the heart feels light and serene, as if all worries are left behind.

Perhaps that's why, amidst the vast, heavenly expanse of mountains and clouds of the famously sacred Black Lady Mountain, Sun Group corporation and sculptor Pham Ba Dua have meticulously crafted a spiritual masterpiece that blends into the land and sky of Tay Ninh, fully embodying the standard elements of Vietnamese Buddhist statues.

The Lady Buddha statue on top of Ba Den Mountain is created in the style of Buddhist statues from the Le Dynasty. According to the author, Bodhisattva statues from earlier periods had a rather simple, rudimentary, and unpretentious sculptural style, mainly in a seated posture, which was not truly suitable for an outdoor statue in Tay Ninh. Meanwhile, Buddhist statues sculpted in pagodas during the Le Dynasty have strong lines, rich decorative patterns, and are beautiful with a distinct Vietnamese character. Therefore, this creation will both fully preserve the formal elements and the spirit of ancient Vietnamese Buddhism, while also achieving grandeur for a Great Buddha statue project located in a unique place like Ba Den Mountain.

“ During the creation process, we consulted some models of Quan The Am Bodhisattva statues at northern pagodas such as Tram Pagoda (former Ha Tay), Gian Pagoda (Cam Giang, Hai Duong), as well as some Quan The Am Buddha statues that are currently national treasures preserved in the museum of history and fine arts ”, emphasized sculptor Pham Ba Dua.

However, the unique point is that the author did not completely copy from any sculptural model, but rather selected patterns, ornaments, robes, clothing, and hats to create the statue of Goddess Buddha Tay Bo Da Son, ensuring the rules in Buddhist statue creation, while still fully conveying the spiritual requirements for the statue of Quan The Am.

“ From the above ideas, we have created a statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva by combining patterns on the lotus base. The hat is styled in the manner of the Le dynasty, not to be confused with the way Chinese Buddhist statues are made with headscarves, which is still being done in many places ” - the author stated.

Meanwhile, according to artisan Nguyen Trong Hanh – who transferred the statue model to red bronze material and is also the project manager – the statue of Goddess Buddha Tay Bo Da Son hides within it many essences of Vietnamese Buddhist culture and architecture.

Specifically, Goddess Buddha Tay Bo Da Son wears a crown carved with the image of Amitabha Buddha, honoring the sharp wisdom and universal compassion of the Buddha for the world. The statue's left hand holds a vase of nectar, pouring downwards, symbolizing the act of bestowing blessings and saving people from suffering. The right hand is raised in the Karana Mudra, signifying the renunciation of evil deeds.

“The lotus pedestals of other countries generally do not feature patterns, but are either plain or have simple vertical lines. Only the statues of Buddha in Vietnam include this element," said sculptor Pham Ba Dua.

For the Tay Bo Da Son statue, the patterns and motifs of the lotus pedestal are modeled after the lotus petals of Buddha statues from the Le dynasty, with cloud shapes and three water droplets, symbolizing prayers for favorable weather.

“ With this statue model, the project will be a prominent highlight not only for the complex of Ba Den mountain relic site – Tay Ninh, but also for the entire Southern region, contributing to the creation of unique and attractive tourist destinations for domestic and international visitors ," the sculptor emphasized.

In the early days of the new spring, pilgrims visit the majestic yet compassionate Bodhisattva statue, stroll amidst the beautiful scenery of flower streams flowing on Ba mountain peak, enjoy culinary delights at Van Son restaurant on the mountaintop, conquer the roof of the South, and pray for a prosperous and peaceful new year. Truly, there is nothing more to wish for.

Most Venerable Thich Niem Thoi – Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Tay Ninh province: The Bodhisattva statue project on Ba Den mountain peak embodies a profound meaning: Praying for the people of Tay Ninh in particular and Vietnam in general to have all wishes fulfilled and be auspicious. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Tay Ninh strongly approves. In the future, the project will be a legacy for descendants and will endure through time”.