Rahotsu (Spiral Hair Curls)
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螺髪(らほつ)

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 colossal Shakyamuni Buddha Parinirvana statue, which is the symbol of Nanzo-in (41 meters long, 11 meters tall, weighing 300 tons, and the world's largest bronze statue of its kind), has a total of 686 spiral-shaped hair knots called "rahotsu" adorning its head. On display here is an actual sample of one of these knots. The largest example measures approximately 30 centimeters in both diameter and height, weighing around 30 kilograms. Since it is difficult to view the Parinirvana statue itself up close and observe its intricate details, this sample allows visitors to truly appreciate the overwhelming scale of this remarkable work.

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