Legends of Phuket

Phuket is famous for its rich history and mythology. Local legends, passed down from generation to generation, form an important part of this tropical island’s cultural heritage. They tell the story of how the island came to be as we know it today and provide a unique insight into the traditions and beliefs of the people.

Legend of the island’s origins

One of the most famous legends tells the story of the island’s origins. There are several variations of this myth, but they all agree that Phuket was once a large coral reef that is said to have been blessed by the gods. One version claims that the island was created as a sanctuary for spirits who needed refuge from evil forces. Other versions depict Phuket as a sacred island where great gods and spirits held festivals.

Legend of four spirits guarding Phuket

The inhabitants of Thailand for many centuries very strictly observe the rules of building cities, namely, the principle of creating four sacred pillars. Thais still believe that at the base of the pillars rest the spirits of the greatest people, protecting them from possible troubles and misfortunes. Phuket also has such structures that were built in the XIX century. These are 4 sanctuaries, which are considered “pillars of the island” and in our time.

One of them is located in the Baan Muang Mai area, near Thepkrasattri Rd. This structure was built already in the new times. The second pillar is installed near the seashore and is close to the Heroines Monument. The third can be found in front of the entrance to Wat Rang Pasak temple on Soi Pasak 4. The fourth pillar is located in the Lagoon near the Movenpick Bang Tao hotel complex.

The Legend of the Big Buddha

Phuket’s largest Buddha statue and the temple next to it are recognizable symbols of Phuket. They are located on a hill with a breathtaking view of the sea and the island. Although the statue itself is new and was built at the beginning of this century, there are already many legends surrounding it. The locals believe that it was on this hill called Nakaked that the spiritual teacher himself meditated and it was here that he reached enlightenment. That is why it is customary to make wishes in the temple and near it – according to the monks, they are sure to come true.

The Legend of the Goddess Pranang

Pranang Beach in Krabi is known as “the cave of phalluses”. There are exotic myths about it, associated with the name of the goddess Pranang. There are several versions of the origin of the legend. According to one of them, a princess from India died during a shipwreck, and her soul found peace in the coastal grotto. According to another legend, the girl was the wife of a fisherman, and loved her husband very much, but one day he went fishing and did not return. Longing Pranang spent days and nights waiting for her beloved, but having lost hope, she threw herself into the sea.

Traditional offerings to the goddess Pranang have an unusual character: locals carry there a symbolic image of phalluses. However, phalluses (or lingams) are one of the sacred symbols of Hinduism, a reflection of the divine reproductive power.

The Legend of the Three Monks

Many Phuket legends are connected with temples. For example, the famous Wat Chalong temple was made famous by three monks, one of whom later became the abbot of the temple. They cured people thanks to their knowledge and miraculous abilities. Now there are statues of the three monks in the temple, which are covered with gilded papers. According to legend, one should stick it on the place that hurts and then everything will go away.

Bust of Buddha

Another legend is connected with the bust of Buddha, which is located in the ancient temple of Wat Phra Thong. It was built in 1750, and is one of the most unusual not only in Phuket, but in the whole of Thailand. The fact is that usually Buddha statues have three standard positions – lying, sitting and standing. But at Wat Pratong there is a bust of the Buddha.

It is not known why such a sculpture appeared in the temple, but there is a legend. In ancient times there was a meadow where a peasant boy was grazing his cow. He got tired and decided to take a nap, and tied the cow with a rope to a piece of iron sticking out of the ground. In the evening a terrible thing happened: the boy suddenly died. His father had a dream in which he learned that his son had died because he had disrespected the Buddha statue by tying the cow to it. It turned out that the boy had tied a rope to a lock of hair of the statue’s head, which was buried in the ground. The boy’s father tried to pull the Buddha out of the ground, but was only able to dig up a bust of him. Everyone who tried after him died mysteriously, so it was decided to build a temple around the bust of the Buddha and forbid excavation.

A temple at the site of the battle with the Burmese

Another legend is associated with the oldest temple complex in Phuket, called Phra Nang Sang Temple or White Blood Temple. The exact date of construction is unknown, but the building is at least a quarter of a century old.

There is a version that the construction of the temple began in 1785 on the site of a battle with Burmese invaders. The rulers of Burma dared to attack because they knew that all the men of the island had gone to the mainland to defend the northern borders of the kingdom, and only weak women were left. But the women were brave and cunning: they armed themselves with moulage weapons and simulated a fighting army. Then the Burmese were frightened and retreated. The militia was led by sisters Chan and Muk, to whom the locals erected a monument in gratitude.

Phuket legends are not only fascinating stories about ancient times, but also an important part of the island’s culture. They reflect the locals’ close relationship with nature and mystical forces, as well as their respect for ancestors and gods. These myths live on in the mouths of the people and continue to be passed on to new generations, creating a unique island atmosphere that attracts tourists and adventurers from all over the world. And for even more mystical legends and facts about Phuket Island, check out our Excursions and Temples section.