Here's everything you need to know about the iconic Buddha statue in Phuket island.
Phuket Big Buddha is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Thailand. Located at the top of Nakkerd hills in Phuket, this statue is 45 meters tall and 25.45 meters in width. The place is ideal for practicing spirituality and remains very peaceful with the soft Dharma music, monks' chanting, tinkling of small bells and prayer flags flapping in the wind. Also, the spectacular 360-degree views of the island from up there will leave you mesmerized.
Depicting Buddha in a meditating position, the statue is indeed an architectural masterpiece. In 2008, it was declared as the "Buddhist Treasure of Phuket" by Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand.
It is officially known as "Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri" which means "the Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Naga Hill". The name is a combination of native Thai, Pali and Sanskrit words.
The construction of this iconic statue began in 2004. It was made after the catastrophic tsunami as a symbol of hope for the future.
The statue is built with donation from the local people and foreigners. There's a box where you can donate money for the construction/repairing of the statue. Also, you can purchase a gold leaf offering and the money directly goes to the construction.
Phuket Big Buddha is the third tallest statue (the first two are the Great Buddha of Thailand and Luangpho Yai) in Thailand.
While there is no strict dress code, one is not allowed to visit this place wearing shorts, short skirt or anything above the knees. You can rent sarong (for free) covering full body just outside the site.
The entire statue is made of reinforced concrete. As it's totally covered with Burmese white marble (engraved with messages of love and hope), the statue looks stunning on a bright day.
Just beside the Big Buddha statue, there's also a smaller statue of Buddha which is 12 meters tall. It's made from bronze.
The Big Buddha statue is dedicated to Thailand's late king Bhumibol Adulyadej. On the other hand, the smaller Buddha statue is dedicated to his queen Sirikit.
As we previously mentioned, the top of the statue offers a stunning view of the island. It includes Phuket Town, Karon beach, Kata beach, Chalong Bay etc.
There's a historical gallery where you can learn about different stages of Buddha's life and some Buddhist teachings. Also, you can get an idea of the construction process of this statue through the sketching.
Phuket Big Buddha remains open from 8 am to 7:30 pm. However, visit the place before 6 pm to catch the breathtaking view of sunsets.
