Rahotsu (Spiral Hair Curls)
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Rahotsu (Spiral Hair Curls)

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A life-sized sample of "ushnisha curls," the spiral hair on the head of the Buddha Nirvana statue. There are 686 in total, with the largest measuring 30 cm in diameter and height, weighing up to 30 kg.

The symbol of Nanzo-in is a colossal Shakyamuni Buddha Parinirvana statue (41 meters long, 11 meters high, 300 tons in weight, and one of the world's largest bronze sculptures). The head features 686 spiral curls called ushnisha locks, a traditional element of Buddhist iconography.

On display here are actual sample pieces from the statue. The largest example measures approximately 30 centimeters in both diameter and height, weighing around 30 kilograms.

Since it is difficult to examine the fine details of the Parinirvana statue itself up close, these samples allow visitors to truly appreciate and comprehend the overwhelming scale of this monumental work.

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