Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: The "Thousand Faces" of Tanjungpinang
On the edge of Tanjungpinang, more than 500 granite arhat statues, each with its own expression, make this temple one of Bintan's most unusual religious sights.
Locals in Tanjungpinang usually call it Vihara Patung Seribu, the "temple of a thousand statues", or Patung Seribu Wajah, "a thousand faces". Its official name is Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, a Buddhist place of worship on the outskirts of the city in the area known as Batu 14, along the road towards Kijang. Besides serving worshippers, it has become one of the most visited religious attractions on Bintan.
Not a thousand, but more than five hundred
Despite the nickname, the main statues number a little over 500. They depict lohan, or arhats, disciples of the Buddha who in Buddhist tradition have attained enlightenment. Each figure is carved from granite, stands around 1.7 to 2 metres tall and, according to several sources, was made by stone carvers from China.
What keeps visitors lingering is the faces. No two are alike: some laugh broadly, others look thoughtful, fierce or mischievous. Each also holds its own attributes, such as a staff, a bell, a hat or an animal. Lined up in neat rows in the open air, they create a striking and very photogenic scene.
What you will see
- Rows of hundreds of arhat statues across the open grounds.
- A large statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, after whom the temple is named.
- Three bodhisattva figures, including Guan Yin, and dozens of other deities.
- A stone gate carved with dragons and a red pagoda.
Visitor etiquette
- This is an active place of worship, so keep your voice down.
- Dress modestly.
- Do not climb or sit on the statues, and leave altar offerings untouched.
- Give worshippers space and avoid photographing them at close range.
The temple is easy to reach by car or taxi from central Tanjungpinang. Since the statues stand in the open, a morning or late-afternoon visit is best, when it is cooler and the light is softer for photos.