The Emerald Buddha (Thai: Phra Geow Morakot or Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon ) is a revered jadeite statue in the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha Temple Wat Phra Geow. It is the religious and symbolic emblem of the Chakri dynasty. 75 cm high, she is usually dressed in gold and wears 3 different gold outfits depending on the season. The King of Thailand himself takes charge to change the outfit of the Emerald Buddha at the appropriate time.
The 3 golden outfits of the Emerald Buddha. * Legend says that this statue was discovered in an ancient stupa at Wat Pa Yia (Chiang Rai) in 1434. Its history is turbulent to say the least, with many miracles and strange phenomena. Several kings fought over it, and over time it changed temples several times. It was first preserved in Lampang, then Chiang Mai, then in Laos in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, before being taken over by the Thai, preserved for a few years in Thonburi (at Wat Arun) before being placed in its current location in 1784!