Thousands of people of different faiths are expected to visit the world's largest jade Buddha during a 10-day stop at a Tampa-area temple.
The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, which weighs more than 4 tons and is about 10 feet tall, will be on display starting today through March 14 at the Minh Dang Quang Temple, 5607 Town 'N Country Blvd.
"The jade is really beautiful and they (people) have to see it to believe it," said Kacey Le, who is working a security detail and also will be performing during the tour stop.
Valued at $5 million, the precious stone has been making its way around the world to allow people to take in the size and rarity of the statue. The tour began in 2009 and is expected to last several years before the statue makes its way back to its permanent home at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia.
The Buddha, which arrived Tuesday after a stop in Orlando, will be unveiled at an 11 a.m. Saturday ceremony. Other days during the stop the public can arrive as early as 5 a.m. to check out the statue. The Buddha will then head to Sugar Land, Texas, before making its way back to the Sunshine State for an April 9-18 stop in Miami.
The temple's jade Buddha welcoming committee raised $15,000 to pay for the statue's visit to Town 'N Country.
For information about the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, visit www. jadebuddha.org.au/en.
For information about the Minh Dang Quang Temple, visit www.phapvienminhdangquang.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Jade Buddha for Universal Peace
WHERE: Minh Dang Quang Temple, 5607 Town 'N Country Blvd.
WHEN: Today though March 14
TIMES: 11 a.m. today is the unveiling. Otherwise, viewing will begin at 5 a.m. and last until 10:30 or 11 p.m.
COST: free
INFORMATION: (813) 885-5037 or www.phapvienminhdangquang.com
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