| Wat Phra Yai | |
|---|---|
วัดพระใหญ่ | |
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| Location | |
| Country | Thailand |
  Shown within Thailand | |
| Geographic coordinates | 9°34′15″N100°03′35″E / 9.570804°N 100.059845°E /9.570804; 100.059845 |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1972 |
Wat Phra Yai, known in English as theBig Buddha Temple, is aBuddhist temple onKo Phan (also spelledKoh Fan or Koh Faan), a small island offshore from the northeastern area ofKo Samui,Thailand, connected to that island by a shortcauseway 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) north ofSamui International Airport. As its name indicates, it is home to a giant, 12-metre-high (39-foot) gold-painted Buddha statue. Since being built in 1972, it has become one of Ko Samui's main tourist attractions and a major landmark.[1]
The Buddha statue depicts Buddha in a state of calm and purity and resolve, having overcome temptation and fear sent at him byMara, Lord of Illusion. Known as the Mara posture, the left hand rests palm open and up in the statue's lap, the right hand facing down over the right knee, almost to the ground.[1]
There is a second, smaller Buddha statue, depicting theMaitreya of the Future[1] and a collection of bells around the temple's rear side.
The temple design has elements of animism, Brahminism and Buddhism in its architecture. As in many Thai temples,nāga statues line the staircase. There is a bazaar within the temple grounds selling tourist items as well as amulets and other Buddhist items.[1]
There are many restaurants and shops around the temple in the area known as Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak).[2]
The Buddha is near a beachtown calledBang Rak, now often called Big Buddha Beach. It is 7.5 km (4.7 mi) northwest fromChaweng and 3 km (1.9 mi) east fromBophut. The temple is located on Thai highway 4171, which is a side route off of Highway 4169, the main route around the island.[1]
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9°34′15″N100°03′38″E / 9.5708°N 100.0606°E /9.5708; 100.0606