Phra Somdej WatRakhang (King of Amulet)

Image Source : Unknown Owner

            The Buddha amulet Somdej Wat Rakang was given the name as the "King of all amulets" of Benjapakee amulets. Somdej Wat Rakang made by Somdej Phra Phrom Puttajarn Toh-rangsri or Somdej Toh. He's a son of King Rama II and Nang Ngud of Kamphaengphet Province. Somdej Toh is a son of King Rama II and Nang Ngud who born in Kamphaengphet Province. He was born before his father became King.

He was born before his father became King. Somdej Toh ordained as a novice monk at an age of 13 and become a monk at 21. Somdej Toh ordained as a novice monk at an age of 13 and Become a monk at 21 Well-versed in Buddhist teachings, he was named Maha Toh, the King's monk. In the reign of King Rama IV, he was made Abbot of Wat Rakang-kositaram. Well versed in Buddhist teachings, he was named Maha Toh, the King's monk. In the reign of King Rama IV, he was made Abbot of Wat Rakang Kositaram. He was promoted continuously and finally received the title of Somdej Phra Puttajarn Toh in 1872. He was Promoted Continuously and finally received in respect of the title of Somdej Phra Toh Puttajarn in 1872. His tenure in the monastery began in the reign of King Rama 1 until the reign of King Rama 5, a total of 65 years.  He passed away in 1872 at the age of 85. 

The venurable monk was known to be a good speaker as well as a highly intelligent and compassionate person.The venerable monk was known to be a good speaker as well as a highly compassionate person. He was also persistent and patient. He was also persistent and patient. He made many Buddha images for temples and most particularly 73 models of Phra Somdej. He drew many Buddha images for temples and most particularly models of Phra Somdej.     At present PhraSomdej WatRakhang is number one and the most famous of all Thai amulets made and blessed.  

Phra Somdej Wat Rakang is probably the most famous Buddhist amulet in the whole Kingdom of Thailand. This is simply due to its sacred Buddhist values made by a highly respected monk in the 19th century, Reverend Somdej Phra Puttajarn Toh Prommarangsi of Wat Rakang Kosittaram in Bangkok. This highly revered Phra Somdej votive tablet originated from Wat Rakang "Temple of Bell" in Bangkok.

First, it is extremely hard to find a genuine piece of Phra Somdej Wat Rakang and not to mention about owning a genuine piece.  We should feel very fortunate even if we can own a remade model with left over ingredients or remade model which contain broken fragments of these genuine pieces. We encourages every amulet enthusiasts to pay high respect to this well known votive tablet whether its old or new Phra Somdej Wat Rakang.  

Phra Somdej Wat Rakang was made from five kinds of sacred powders namely Pattamung, Ithije, Maharaj, Puttakun and Treenisinghe. The process starts with incantation of Holy Scriptures, writing sutras and holy symbols (yantra) with chalk on a slate board, erased and rewrote several hundred times over and over again.  The dust gathered thus signifies the sacred powder of the ritual.  This first collected powder is called Pattamung. Pattamung powder is then mixed with water to mold into a pencil shape, sun-dried and the used in writing another chapter of sutras. The process of writing and erasing is repeated as many times as stipulated in the holy sutras. The dust gathered from the second rite is Ithije.  The same process is performed until all five ingredients have been collected. The ingredients of five kinds are then mixed together and added to the bulk substance which consisted of ground shells as main part, others included dried cooked rice powder, crushed banana, different kinds of pollen grains, different kinds of sacred powders, holy water and Tung oil which acted as a cement substance.




All kinds of ingredients mentioned above are thoroughly mixed in bulk.  Then a small part of the ingredients is pressed into each mold made of slate. The five molds named as follows;

1 Pim Pra Pratarn or Pim Yai

2 Pim Jedee

3 Pim Gate Buatoom

4 Pim Tarnsaam

5 Pim Prokpoh

After each batch were made, incantation was recited alone over the amulets to be sacred as much as possible. Then they were given to persons who believed and respected on those Pra Somdej amulets.  Most of Phra Somdej Wat Rakang are not kept in the pagoda except a small number was found mixed with another Phra Somdej Bangkoonprom in the pagoda of Wat Bangkhunprom in Bangkok.

General composition known today on the magic sciences of creating Somdej Wat Rakang.  During inspection under good magnifying glass one may see one or a combination of the physical compositions listed here. 

Since the magical sciences were handed down from its originator; Somdej Toh to succeeding abbots after he passed away, we have strong reason to believe that most of Wat Rakang Somdej’s ingredients and making procedures today are similar with the past.  The notable difference is the beautiful appearance of newer Somdej as today’s modern mold technique are much more advanced than ancient molding technique by hands.  

We may be able to find some physical compositions in newer Somdej Wat Rakang e.g. B.E.2499 and even some newer B.E.2537 to have certain similarities to the ancient Somdej Wat Rakang.  One must also take note that each individual Somdej are unique and its characteristics and physical compositions will differ from one another although they came from the same mold on the same batch. 

Early somdej made during Somdej Toh's time are hard to come by nowadays and they command a hefty price in the market.  However, broken fragments and leftover powders from early Somdej Wat Rakang pieces that are grounded and made later around circa B.E. 2499 can still be found. 

It must also be noted that these circa B.E.2499 WRK somdej pieces are not made by later masters e.g. LP Nak or LP Hin.  These are named "Ajahn Toh" simply because they contained leftover from Ajahn Toh sacred powders or broken fragments and very likely mass chanted.  These are very good somdej as substitutes to the original Somdej Wat Rakang.