1. Overview of the Buddha Statue on Ba Den Mountain
Located on the peak of the mountain at 986m within the Sun World Ba Den Mountain complex, the Buddha statue on Ba Den Mountain – the Buddha Lady Tay Bo Da Son is a magnificent spiritual work and a sacred symbol of Southern Vietnam. Crafted entirely from bronze, the statue holds the record for the tallest bronze Buddha Lady statue in Asia located on a mountaintop, exuding a majestic yet approachable beauty amidst the grand sky and clouds of Tay Ninh.
The Buddha statue on Ba Den mountain is located on the summit of Ba Den mountain, 986 m high. (Source: Collected)
Inaugurated in 2021, the Buddha statue has quickly become an attractive destination on the spiritual tourism journey for millions of visitors. Not only a symbol of compassion and peace, the work also demonstrates creativity, honoring the unique cultural and spiritual values of the "roof of the South".
2. Introduction to the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue work
2.1. Basic information about the Buddha statue on Ba Den mountain
Located on the summit of Ba Den Mountain at an altitude of about 986 m, the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue immediately stands out amidst the clouds and sky of Tay Ninh. With a height of up to 72 m and crafted from over 170 tons of red copper, this bronze statue sets a record as the "Tallest bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy located on a mountaintop in Asia". The entire work uses modern copper welding technology and high-pressure techniques, ensuring hundreds of years of durability and maintaining its exquisite beauty against harsh nature.
2.2. Unique architecture and design
Seated on the highest peak of Ba Den mountain, the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue makes a strong impression with its majestic presence amidst the clouds and sky of Tay Ninh. The statue is cast in red copper, standing on a large lotus pedestal, directing its compassionate gaze towards the fertile plains and the vast Dau Tieng Lake. Every carved detail is meticulously crafted, embodying the compassion and wisdom of Goddess Quan Am. The work deeply reflects the philosophy of "blending with nature", clearly showing the creative imprint and honoring the distinctive spiritual values of Sun World Ba Den Mountain.
Design of the 72m high Avalokitesvara Buddha statue made entirely of bronze. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Surrounding Space of the Statue
Surrounding the Black Lady Mountain Buddha statue is a magnificent and nature-harmonious spiritual complex, where every detail is crafted to honor the sacred beauty of Tay Ninh's land and sky. Standing out amidst the white clouds are four bronze statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, majestic guardians protecting the four directions, symbolizing strength, integrity, and the protection of all beings, ensuring favorable weather for the world.
Looking down from above, the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue appears to be seated on a giant lotus amidst the clouds, surrounded by tiered circular platforms resembling blooming lotus petals. Amidst this scene, a waterfall cascades from above, winding through five large ponds arranged in descending order towards the East, creating a pure sound and a sense of meditation. On each pond are figures of four Guanyin Bodhisattvas: Medicine Buddha Guanyin, Lotus-Holding Guanyin, Water-Sprinkling Guanyin, and Universal Gate Guanyin, symbolizing the four noble virtues of compassion, saving suffering, and rescuing beings.
At the base of the statue is a four-tiered pedestal with a unique concentric design, covering a total area of over 4,400 m². The interior space is planned as a modern Buddhist exhibition center, where visitors can venerate the Sarira of Sakyamuni Buddha, explore a model of an ancient pagoda using modern 3D technology, experience a 3D light projection show recreating Buddhist legends, and admire the 19.8m high Prajnaparamita Sutra pillar cluster rising from the sacred mountain.
3. Spiritual Significance and Cultural Symbolism
3.1. Symbol of Compassion and Benevolence
Nestled amidst the clouds and sky of Tay Ninh, the Black Lady Mountain Buddha statue is a sacred symbol of compassion, saving suffering, and protecting all beings. The Bodhisattva's benevolent gaze overlooks the vast plains, as if radiating a peaceful energy, illuminating the southern land. Many Buddhists consider this place a sanctuary for their hearts, making pilgrimages to pray for peace and blessings, and to find inner peace amidst the sacred space of the Zen mountain peak.
The Statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is a symbol of compassion and benevolence. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Harmony between religion, life, and nature
The statue on Ba Den Mountain is skillfully designed, blending with the mountainside and the sky, creating a majestic yet harmonious picture. Every architectural detail aims at the philosophy of “preserving nature and honoring spirituality”. The majestic posture of the statue against the Tay Ninh sky serves as a point of intersection between religion and life, where people can feel a deep connection with nature and the universe, making every moment of worship a moment of contemplation and peace.
3.3. Cultural and tourist highlight of Tay Ninh
Not only does it hold profound spiritual value, but the statue on Ba Den Mountain also serves as a new identity symbol for Tay Ninh tourism, a destination for millions of domestic and international visitors. With its magnificent beauty, this place has been chosen as an image for national tourism promotion, appearing in many major cultural and artistic programs. The Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue is not only the “heart” of Sun World Ba Den Mountain but also the soul of the sacred land, where spirituality, culture, and the endless beauty of Southern nature converge.
4. Best time to visit
To fully appreciate the sacred beauty of the statue on Ba Den Mountain, visitors should come in the early morning, when the dawn light paints the clouds and mountains pink, and mist still swirls around the statue. In that moment, the image of the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha appears amidst a sea of white clouds, majestic yet gentle, bringing a rare sense of purity and peace, an experience only found at the “rooftop of the South”.
In the afternoon, visitors can worship Buddhist structures around the mountaintop. (Source: Collected)
The afternoon from 4 PM to 5:30 PM is also an ideal time for worship and sightseeing. As dusk falls, the sun pours golden light onto the shimmering bronze, making the Goddess of Mercy statue appear radiant and mystical, as if covered by a compassionate halo. Additionally, during the Ba Den Festival held every January of the lunar calendar, the pilgrimage atmosphere becomes more sacred and bustling than ever.
5. Spiritual experiences and scenery around the Buddha statue
5.1. Visiting the pagoda complex
Before worshipping the Buddha statue on Ba Den mountain peak, visitors can stop by the complex of ancient pagodas scattered at the foot of the mountain, such as Ba Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, and Ha Pagoda. Each pagoda has a serene appearance, with architecture harmonizing with nature, hidden amidst green trees and year-round misty smoke. The temple bells ring in the tranquil space, taking people away from the noisy rhythm of life to find peace. This is also a familiar pilgrimage stop for Southern Vietnamese people during holidays and Tet, praying for peace and good fortune.
5.2. Admiring the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue
Within the Sun World Ba Den Mountain complex, alongside the majestic Tây Bổ Đà Sơn Goddess of Mercy statue, visitors can also admire the Maitreya statue, a symbol of joy and happiness. The statue is placed amidst the vast mountainous landscape, with a gentle face and a benevolent smile, bringing a sense of peace and happiness to worshippers. Under the early sun or golden sunset, the Maitreya statue seems to shine against the sky, reminding everyone of optimism, generosity, and the Buddhist philosophy of peaceful living.
The Maitreya Buddha statue is a symbol of joy and happiness. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Buddhist Exhibition Area
Directly below the pedestal of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue of Tay Bo Da Son, visitors will enter a modern Buddhist exhibition space, honoring cultural and spiritual values amidst the sacred mountain. With a concentric design spanning over 4,400 m², the exhibition area subtly combines traditional elements with modern technology, offering an experience that is both sacred and intimate.
Here, visitors can worship the Sarira of Sakyamuni Buddha, admire models of ancient pagodas recreated with vivid 3D light technology, or immerse themselves in light shows narrating Buddhist parables. Each area evokes a journey towards goodness, leaving visitors with a sense of peace and profoundness upon exiting the space.
5.3. Prajnaparamita Sutra Pillar
A special highlight within the spiritual architectural complex is the Prajnaparamita Sutra Pillar, standing 19.8 meters tall, rising from the heart of the sacred mountain towards the Tay Ninh sky. The structure is intricately carved, inscribed with ancient sutras, symbolizing wisdom and the light of enlightenment illuminating everywhere. As the wind blows, the resonant sound from the pillar is like chanting echoing through the mountains, bringing peace to the soul. The pillar is not only a symbol of wisdom and compassion but also a testament to the harmonious blend of architecture, art, and spirituality.
6. Visiting Experience and Notes
To ensure a complete pilgrimage to the Black Lady Mountain Buddha statue, visitors should plan their visit between 6 AM and 9 PM daily. When entering the Buddhist worship areas, please choose modest and respectful attire, avoiding short skirts or off-the-shoulder tops to show reverence at the sacred site.
Prepare for your visit to worship at the pagoda and admire the Buddha statue with a solemn attitude and appropriate attire. (Source: Collected)
Additionally, it is advisable to wear sneakers or light flat shoes for easy movement on stone steps and sloping paths. In the worship area, visitors are limited in taking photos or videos, maintaining a quiet and respectful atmosphere. A small preparation will make your visit to Sun World Ba Den Mountain more pleasant, meaningful, and complete.
The pilgrimage to the Buddha statue on Ba Den Mountain is not only a journey to a sacred spiritual place but also a journey to find peace amidst the land and sky of Tay Ninh. Amidst the floating white clouds, the compassionate gaze of the Buddha of Tay Bo Da Son seems to spread a peaceful energy, illuminating everyone's soul. Stopping at the
