And today we will pay attention to an attraction that often causes extreme emotions.
Some are impressed with it, others shake their noses expecting a bigger "show".
I am one of the first, so I hope to show you what make this place magical!
Today I will write about Big Buddha, visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket!
This place is open to pilgrims and visitors every day from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
The entrance is free of charge, as is the parking available to all guests.
However, you can make a voluntary donation at any time to support the expansion of the place.
Work on the completion of the Big Buddha itself has been completed, but around it you will see some unfinished construction work.
Now you are probably wondering what kind of experiences this place can bring you?
Therefore, I invite you to get to know 3 of them!
1. Breathtaking views!
The Big Buddha is a 45-metre statue representing the Buddha himself, located at the top of Nagakerd Mountain.
It is also the ideal viewpoint from which you can admire the Phuket Town, Kata Beach, Karon Beach and Chalong Bay.
The breathtaking landscape stretches for miles and you can enjoy it from anywhere at the top of the hill.
Just see it for yourselves!
For these views it is worthwhile to follow a steep and often twisting road. When entering the mountain, be careful because some of the trails stages are located right on the edge of the cliff.
To get to the hill you can ride a scooter, rent quads, tuk-tuk car or a taxi. I advise you not to walk on this path on your feet unless you have above-average condition and lungs bigger than an ordinary man in the street.
2. Meeting with the Buddha and his companions
This 45-metre monument is really impressive. Long stairs lead to the Great Buddha, which increase its majesty.
Standing at the bottom and looking at this huge figure we can feel how small we and our problems are.
At this point, it is worth taking a moment to reflect, which may be encouraged by the holy symbol of Zen - Ensō.
This is a black circle painted with a single brush stroke, which symbolizes absolute illumination and the universe.
Around the Buddha you will find dozens, if not hundreds, of smaller and larger monuments of the Thai monks and different gods and goddesses.
We can see here the influence of India and China.
You can admire the image of Siva, Brahma, Phra Mae Thoranee, Ganesha, the Nāga snake and many, many others.
In front of the statues you can often see incense, as well as gifts from food and drink.
These gifts are offered to them because, from the perspective of Buddhist beliefs, the goddesses, like people or animals, are considered to be Sansaric beings. This means that, just like us, they are passing away and thus experiencing hunger or suffering.
3. A blessing from a Buddhist monk!
When visiting Big Buddha, make sure you wear the right clothes to cover your shoulders and legs.
If you have covered your body properly, you can go for a blessing.
On the left, before the stairs leading to the Big Buddha, you will find a roofed place, where you can receive the honour of blessing.
Remember to remove your shoes, bend the knees and lean forward in front of the Monk before you step into the small lift.
Then he will sprinkle water on you, say a short prayer and tie a bracelet on your wrist to remind you of the ceremony.
For me it was a tremendous experience because for a long time I have been interested in Buddhist practices. If you too I invite to write “"Ajahn Brahm"” in Youtube and listen to this wonderful Monk who seems to have the right words for every occasion.
The trip to the Big Buddha was a great experience.
Thanks to it, one of my greatest dreams came true, which was to receive a blessing from the Monk himself.
This is the second of five places worth visiting on Phuket Island.
If you want to get to know three more of them, leave me a follow!
@see-it-feel-it
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