Wat Khanon Nang Yai, located in Ratchaburi Province, is not merely a temple but a vital cultural repository dedicated to the preservation of Nang Yai, a magnificent and ancient form of Thai shadow puppetry. Unlike the smaller, more common Nang Talung style, Nang Yai uses large, intricately carved buffalo hide puppets that can measure up to two meters tall, requiring performers to dance and move vigorously behind a backlit screen.The temple's dedication to this art form has made it the single most important center for Nang Yai preservation in Thailand. Its most treasured possessions are the 313 antique Nang Yai puppets, many of which date back to the reign of King Rama V (late 19th century). These puppets are true masterpieces, depicting characters and scenes primarily from the Thai national epic, the Ramakien (the Thai version of the Ramayana). Each puppet is a single piece of thick, dried buffalo hide, painstakingly carved and perforated to allow light through, creating complex shadows and dramatic effects on the screen.Wat Khanon's dedication goes beyond preservation; it keeps the tradition alive. The temple maintains a dedicated troupe of performers who continue to practice and stage performances, usually on Saturdays, ensuring that the elaborate choreography, traditional music, and storytelling skills are passed down to new generations. A dedicated Nang Yai Museum on the temple grounds allows visitors to appreciate the puppets up close and understand the history and delicate craftsmanship involved. Therefore, a visit to Wat Khanon is a profound cultural experience, offering a rare glimpse into a classical Thai performance art that is both deeply spiritual and breathtakingly dramatic.