Under the leadership of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) of Tay Ninh province, the Consecration Ceremony of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue on the top of Ba Den Mountain was held with great solemnity, including sacred rituals such as chanting prayers, purification ceremonies and recitation of blessings.

Located at an altitude of 900m on the peak of Ba Den Mountain, the giant Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue stands 36 meters tall, with a maximum width of 45 meters and a surface area of 4,651 square meters. This impressive sculpture, weighing 5,112 tons, is a unique creation in Vietnam, composed of 6,688 natural sapphire stones assembled to resemble terraced fields. Each sapphire stone is carefully selected for colour, veining, and precise dimensions before being sculpted according to the design template.

The Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue on Ba Den Mountain is currently the largest statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva in the world, in terms of both height and weight.

The emotional speech at the ceremony, by Venerable Elder Vien Minh, Deputy Dharma Master of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, shared: “The Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue symbolises the virtues of compassion and generosity, and is the future Buddha, representing the prosperity and peace of our country's future. I am delighted and commend the merit of Sun Group, its leaders, and all employees who have wholeheartedly built a beautiful tourist area, enriching the spiritual life, promoting the beauty of Vietnam, and contributing to the prosperity of the Vietnamese economy.”

The most touching moment of the ceremony was when over 20,000 lanterns, inscribed with prayers by Buddhist followers, locals and tourists, were lit, creating a magical and sacred space.

Each lit candle carries the heartfelt wishes of tranquillity and prosperity from Buddhist followers, tourists and locals.

The entire square space under the foot of the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha at Ba Den Mountain seemed to be illuminated during the lantern offering ceremony, creating a grand lantern festival like never before.

“Although I have been to Ba Den Mountain twice, this is the first time I have participated in such a large-scale lantern offering ceremony. Especially, it is the first time I have seen the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue made of the largest jade stone in the world, so I feel even more touched and fortunate. Being able to come to pay homage to the compassionate Western Bodhisattva, I also feel serene, compassionate, and forget about everyday worries, feeling happier” shared Ms. Ngo Bich Lien (Can Tho).

Visiting the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue on Ba Den Mountain offers a unique opportunity for spiritual and cultural enrichment. The addition of the Wishing Bridge, a 90 m-long crescent-shaped bridge, provides a symbolic and visually stunning experience for pilgrims and tourists. The Wishing Bridge, adorned with golden metallic tiles depicting cloud patterns, symbolizes prosperity and tranquillity, enhancing the spiritual journey to the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue. Serving as a bridge to the statue and offering panoramic views of the vast plains and Dau Tieng Lake, the Wishing Bridge enriches the overall experience of the pilgrimage.

Nestled behind and surrounding the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue is a colossal, 35-meter-high artificial waterfall, creating a dazzling and enchanting scene atop Bà Đen Mountain. The world-renowned Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue, crafted from top-quality granite, stands at the centre, while the waterfall is complemented by a modern fountain system, a first-of-its-kind technology in Vietnam, and an array of impressive lights and culturally rich dance performances by actors. Together, they form a grand and artistically rich water music show, reflecting the spiritual and cultural essence of the region.

The Consecration Ceremony of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue along with the appearance of the Wishing Bridge, and the grand and impressive water music show have contributed to the completion of the spiritual and cultural complex on the top of Ba Den Mountain.

Sharing at the ceremony, Mr. Vo Duc Trong, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province, expressed: “With the contribution of Sun Group, Ba Den National Tourist Area has been thoroughly invested with many internationally renowned works such as the highest statue of Tay Bo Da Son Buddha on the mountain peak, the largest cable car station in the world, and a Buddhist exhibition centre applying the world's leading advanced technologies. Today, with the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue made of the world's top large sapphire stone, created in a special method never seen before in Vietnam, Sun Group has created a new symbol, a new stature for Tay Ninh tourism.”

Since the afternoon of January 27, Buddhist followers and international tourists had the opportunity to enjoy a special art performance to celebrate the Consecration Ceremony of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue at the square beneath the statue of the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue.

On this occasion, the exhibition “Great Peace - Great Prosperity” is being held until March 2024, showcasing over 50 ancient statues, 6 precious artefacts, and 3 paintings revolving around the story of Di Lac Bo Dai Hoa Thuong (Maitreya), the pharmacists, and the set of statues symbolising the desires for Happiness, Prosperity and Peace.