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Five hundred expressive statues of Arhat surrounding the great Acala Vidyaraja and lining the approach to the Shakyamuni Parinirvana statue in two locations, with a tradition that visitors will always find one that resembles them.
The Five Hundred Arhats (Gohyaku Rakan) are five hundred disciples of Buddha who gathered after Shakyamuni's passing to ensure his teachings would be correctly transmitted to future generations. At Nanzoin Temple, these five hundred arhats are arranged in two groups: one cluster surrounding the Great Immovable Wisdom King (Daishō Fudō Myōō), and another lining the approach path leading toward the Nirvana statue of Shakyamuni. Each statue is carved with a completely distinct expression and posture—some smiling, others appearing surprised, and still others absorbed in quiet meditation—making them endlessly captivating to observe. It is said that "you will surely find one that resembles you," allowing visitors to enjoy the experience of searching for an arhat statue that matches their own appearance as they walk along the path toward the Nirvana statue.
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