Sendai Daikannon

仙台大観音

"This iconic statue stands so tall that it is visible from various places, giving the impression of watching over everyone nearby."

- Maythaporn Pirancharoen

Historical background

Sendai Daikannon (仙台大観音), officially known as the Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon (仙台天道白衣大観音), is a large statue located in Sendai. It portrays a white-robed Kannon, also known as the mother of Kannon who gives birth to all Buddhas, and is counted as one of the 33 Kannon. At the time of its completion in 1991, it was the tallest statue in the world. It is the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan and as of 2023 and the eighth-tallest statue in the world. The total length of the Kannon statue is 100 meters in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the development of the Sendai city system, and the basement is 21 meters below ground in hopes of prosperity in the 21st century.

Characteristics

The statue

In her right hand, she holds a wish-granting jewel that will grant our wishes, and a water jar in her left hand that stores the water of wisdom, which she pours out to us and bestows wisdom. The dragon's mouth at the entrance promises good fortune.

It is believed that if you place your hands together in prayer and recite the mantra of the White-Robed Kannon, "On Shibeitei Shibeitei Handara Basinisowaka," all misfortunes will disappear and misfortunes will become good fortune.

"This iconic statue stands so tall that it is visible from various places, giving the impression of watching over everyone nearby." (Maythaporn Pirancharoen)

Inside the statue

There is a small entry fee of 500 yen to enter the statue. Visitors take an elevator to the 12th level then walk down to the ground.

Inside on the first floor are many large statues of Buddha and mythical kings. There are the 12 Divine Generals who are the warriors with weapons, wearing heavenly armor. They appeared in response to the twelve great wishes of worldly benefits. Since there are twelve, it is said that it always protects at twelve o'clock in twelve directions. They also protect us as the guardian deity of each 12 Oriental Zodiac signs. Opposite the generals are the 33 Ouge-shin (incarnations) that help sentient beings with their worries.

On the twelfth floor, the Goshinden, the heart of Kannon, is located in the golden treasure pagoda in the center. There is Nyoi-Hoju, a special pearl that grants wealth, fortune, wisdom and wishes. In addition, the pedestal on which the Nyoi-Hoju is enshrined contains a beautiful blue lapis stone that represents the water of wisdom.

Next to the Goshinden is Hotei-sama where you can rub the part of the statue’s body on the same area as your health concerns.

"The top floor also provides the beautiful view of Sendai city as a whole." (Maythaporn Pirancharoen)

At each level, there are eight Buddhas displayed in timber cabinets, 108 in total, representing 108 worldly desires. It is believed that when you have completely extinguished your 108 worldly desires, that is when you reach the state of being called " Nehan Gedatsu (Enlightenment Nirvana Liberation)."