Sanjusangendo

1001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face

Category Rites and Rituals

Image of Sanjusangendo located in Kyoto, Japan
Image of Sanjusangendo located in Kyoto, Japan Image of Sanjusangendo located in Kyoto, Japan Image of Sanjusangendo located in Kyoto, Japan Image of Sanjusangendo located in Kyoto, Japan
Rites and Rituals http://atlasobscura.com/category/cultures-and-civilizations/rites-and-rituals

The Sanjusangendo, or Hall of 33 Bays, in Kyoto is a 390 ft. long wooden building built in 1266. Officially known as Rengeo-in, this Tendai Buddhist temple houses 1001 carved statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, each with a unique face. It is said that we can all find our own face in one of the Buddhas if we look hard enough.

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  • & Anonymous March 16, 2010
    It's really amazing that this level of craftsmanship could have been done over 700 years ago. When you compare one statue to the next they are virtually identical as if they came off an assembly line. Truly an amazing work of art. <a href="http://americanfinancetoday.com/">Hank</a>
  • & Anonymous December 9, 2009
    I've been here a couple times. The inside is truly awe-inspiring. If you stand at the right angle, it looks like the rows of golden Kannons just go on forever. The place also houses interesting statues of several other famous deities, and in Japan it's famous for its archery competitions.