Wat Phra Yai

Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddha Temple is located in Koh Samui island, Thailand. This is the 12 metre height gold painted Buddha statue. It was built in the year 1971.

The speciality of this statue is Buddha in a state of calm and purity and resolve, having over come temptation and fear sent at him by Mara Lord of illusion. (Mara is the demonic celestial king who tempted Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) by trying to seduce him with the vision of beautiful women who, in various legends, are often said to be Mara's daughters).

The posture the Buddha's statue is known as Mara's posture. the left hand rests palm open and up in the statue's lap, the right hand facing down over the right knee to the ground.

There are many shops, restaurants around the temple and also there is a beach known as Big Buddha Beach or Bang Rak. There are small stalls near the Temple where we can find tourist items as well as amulets and other Buddhist items.