Hase-dera Kannon-do Hall
The main attraction at Hase-dera. Kannon-do Hall houses a magnificent statue of Hase Kannon. It is 9.18 meters (30.1 ft.) tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one: three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342. Although Kannon is usually described in English as “the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy,” strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine. Kannon is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva–a Bodhisattva is a future Buddha, destined for enlightenment, who has vowed to save all sentient beings–and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
Source: www.hasedera.jp/en/about/
Hase-dera Kannon-do Hall
The main attraction at Hase-dera. Kannon-do Hall houses a magnificent statue of Hase Kannon. It is 9.18 meters (30.1 ft.) tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one: three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342. Although Kannon is usually described in English as “the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy,” strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine. Kannon is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva–a Bodhisattva is a future Buddha, destined for enlightenment, who has vowed to save all sentient beings–and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
Source: www.hasedera.jp/en/about/