Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao 3rd Prizewinner Ancient BenjapakeeAmulet (38)

A 3rd Prize winning Competition Standard Master-Class amulet of the Benjapakee Immortal Classic Family, the Pra Somdej Wat Bang Khun Prohm Kru Gao (Chedi Yai), Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao. An Immortal Classic and one of the most famous Thai Buddhist Amulets of all time, as well as being amongst the top preferred amulets of the serious devotee and wealthy collector of the accepted amulets of Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri, of Wat Rakang Kositaram.

Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao 3rd Prizewinner Ancient Benjapakee Amulet - Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri of Wat Rakang.

Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao 3rd Prizewinner Ancient Benjapakee Amulet – Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri of Wat Rakang.

The Pra Somdej of Somdej Dto are the number one amulets of all time, be they from Wat Rakang, Wat Bang Khun Prohm,or Wat Gaes Chaiyo. Made in the period between 2411 and 2413 BE, three years before the passing of Somdej Dto himself, and buried in the Stupa until their distribution in 2500 BE

Rear face view of Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao 3rd Prizewinner

Rear face view of Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao 3rd Prizewinner

This amulet comes with its third prize winning certificate micro-chipped certificate card of the Chomrom Pra Tae Mueang Siam Amulet Appreciation society and complimentary box with third prize ribbon sticker. We offer free Gold, Waterproof or Solid Silver Casing with this amulet. whichever you prefer. Free EMS Shipping is also included in the price

The rear face shows the presence of all the classic features and muan sarn ingredients of a true Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm of Somdej Dto, with Kraap Kru on the front face revealing it to have been placed within the larger Chedi Stupa of the 2500 BE Opening. The Kru Gao (Chedi Yai) amulets are more highly preferred than the Kru Hmai (small Chedis) amulets, which were found later within the nine smaller Chedi Stupas surrounding the main central Stupa.

Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm is one of the classic Pra Somdej amulets available and is along with Pra Somdej Wat Gaes Chaiyo perhaps the next in line to the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang amulet as far as popularity, beauty, sacredness of Puttapisek ceremony and price range.

 

 

Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Kru Pra Chedi Yai (Large Chedi Kru amulets)
The Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm amulets classified as a Kru Pra Chedi Yai, have 9 different Pim Song, and were made in the period between 2411 and 2413 BE. Not all of the Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm were placed in the Kru, it took many years to create and press them and many would be in a receptacle in the Kuti and would be handed out by him during the time he created and empowered them.

 

This explains the absence of Kraap Kru in some exhibits, as well as being purely logical and the most probable chain of events to have occurred. The Thaan Saem is one of the 5 Pim Song of Pra Somdej, which exist in both the Kru Wat Rakang and Kru Bang Khun Prohm amulets. Pra Somdej Wat Rakang have Five major category of Pim Song, whereas the Pra Somdej has four more Pim Song, making it nine major Pim in all.

 

 

These 9 Pim are; Pim Yai, Pim Sangkati, Pim Song Chedi, Pim Prok Po, Pim Gaes Bua Dtum, Pim Thaan Koo, Pim Sen Dai, Pim Ok Krut.

History records that, in the year of the Dragon 2411 BE, Samian Tra Duang Tongoses made restoration work Wat Bang Khun Prohm Nai (Wat Mai Amataros), and renewed the temple along with the building of a new Chedi Stupa, in order to place Pra Somdej amulets, which Samian Tra Duang invited Jao Prakhun Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Toh) Prohmrangsri, of Wat Rakang Kositaram to place there, as well as to empower. The amulets were made in the Pra Somdej Traditional formula of 84,000 pieces (same as the number of suttas of the Pra Tammakhant).

 

After Somdej Dto had blessed and empowered them, Samian Tra Duang was allowed to place then in the Kru hiding place within the Chedi Stupa behind the Upopsadha shrine room. During the time from then, the Chedi was sometimes accessed and amulets were removed from time to time, and even some thieves dug holes and stole some.

 

This became so bothersome that the Kru had to be broken open officially on 24th November in 2500 BE.

 

The opening took all day, until at approximately 8 pm, the very last Pra Somdej amulets were removed. Many of them were very thickly coated with ‘Kraap Kru’ (residues and growths). The amulets were allowed to be rented out by devotees, until the year 2509. The total amount of money raised from the rental of these amulets amounted to about 4 Million Thai Baht.

 

This money was used to construct the new Uposadha shrineroom, and the renovate and restore the old Chedi Stupa, as well as making a bronze statue of Tan Jao Prakhun Somdej Toh, which was completed and celebrated in 2509 at the same time as celebrating the building of the Putta Sima (temple walls), and the burial of the ‘Look Nimit’ (all Uposadha shrine rooms must have a Look Nimit ball buried under it).

Micro Chipped Certificate of 3rd Prize Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao

Micro Chipped Certificate of 3rd Prize Pra Somdej Bang Khun Prohm Pim Sen Daay Kru Gao

The depletion of this series led to the creation of yet another immortal legend of the Pra Somdej Niche in 2509, namely the Pra Somdej Wat Bang Khun Prohm 09 Edition, which is in itself one of the most highly collected amulets of serious collectors and devotees, and also carry relatively elevated prices.

This Classic edition of Somdej Bang Khun Prohm, are considered to have extremely powerful Buddha magic in them due to the richness of sacred powders and powerful blessings contained within from great master Somdej Dto.

Pra Khun Phaen Song Pol Yai Fak Kru No 1000 Luang Phu Tim

Khun Phaen Prai Kumarn Pim Song Pol Yai Takrut Koo No.1000 with Authenticity Certificate Silver Casing Luang Phu Tim. This amulet is one of a batch which was placed in Kru Burial Chamber (Hence ‘Pra Kroo’), and has Kraap Kru midlew, adding to its beauty and sacredness. The Song Pol Yai is said to possess powerful Serm Yos Magic to increase chances of promotion of status.

This amulet (Official registry number #1000) comes with certificate of authenticity from the November Amulet competition of the Luead Ban Kaay Luang Phu Tim amulet association, which we will send with the amulet for you to keep, This Pim Song Pol Yai Long Kru was made both with single Takrut Maha Bpraab, and with twin Takrut Koo Sariga version. This exhibit has a Takrut sariga Koo twin Takrut inserted in rear face.

A most exquisitely beautiful Pra Khun Phaen Prai Kumarn Pim Song Pol Yai (Fak Kru – hidden in burial chamber), in Nuea Khaw Hniaw Sukh Pasom Pong Prai Kumarn Long Sai Rae Tong, with twin Takrut Koo Sariga in rear face, by Luang Phu Tim, of Wat Laharn Rai. This Pra Khun Phaen has been authenticated and issued with Certificate of Authenticity from the Samakom Pra Krieang Luang Phu Tim Luead Ban Kaay Amulet Association of Rayong, with signature of its President Dr. Pisek.

This exhibit has Kraap Kru from dwelling for years within a hiding place Kru Chamber, with highly refined details and features, and worthy of show and is accepted for presentation in many official competitions, such as the Glum Anuraks Pra Krueang Luang Phu Tim Luead Ban Kaay, of Rayong, which is headed by Ajarn Doctor Pisek Sri Sawad, top expert of Luang Phu Tim amulets, and President of the Luead Ban Kaay Amulet appreciation society.


Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw 200 Year OId Hiding Place Amulet of Somdej Dto

Presenting an eminent and extremely rare Pim from the highly preferred and sought after Kru Tap Khaw amulet pantheon; The Pra Khun Phaen Pim Ha Liam Kru Wat Tap Khaw Sukhothai, of Somdej Pra Puttajarn Dto Prohmrangsri (Wat Rakang Kositaram). An amulet that is older than Somdej Dto’s Masterwork, the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang, which dates at about 40 years younger than the Khun Phaen Tap Khaw.

The Khun Phaen Kru Wat Tap Khaw, is considered an ‘Ongk Kroo’ (teacher model), for reference study of the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang amulet, and is evaluated as such for the following reasons 1. The amulet was almost certainly made by Somdej Dto Prohmrangsri, 2. This amulet is visibly older than the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang, and hence is a good teacher as to how sacred clay that is more than 150 – 200 years old should look under the eye loupe. And, 3. The Muan Sarn Sacred Clay is almost identical in its appearance and ageing characteristics to the clay found in the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang amulet.

Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw 200 Year OId Hiding Place Amulet of Somdej Dto

Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw 200 Year OId Hiding Place Amulet of Somdej Dto

These amulets are compared to the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang of Somdej Dto Prohmrangsri , but are much more affordable in the current time. However, the Pra Kru Wat Tap Khaw series hiding place amulets are now becoming extremely rare, and have entered the Master-Class Pra Niyom Category. These amulets are yet another priceless possession of the devotee and collector of the Pra Dtragun Somdej Dto (Pantheon of amulets that are directly or indirectly associated with Somdej Dto in their making).

The Kru Wat Tap Khaw was discovered in 2480 by a Mr. Dteng (Surname not known), who found them whilst digging around the temple grounds. The Kru was found to have amulets buried which were made during three different Eras of History;

The first era was created in the Sukhothai Era, and were made from fine Nuea Pong Puttakun powders. A large number of different models were found, such as the Pra Pratan Porn, the Pra Ruang Nang, Pra Rueang Yern, Pra Lila. The amulets of this era have a creamy milky white clay hardened like stone, extremely similar in Muan Sarn to the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang Kositaram and to the amulets of Wat Plab.

Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw Pim Ha Liam

Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw Pim Ha Liam

The amulets of the second era found were from the early Ratanakosin period (somewhere around the time of King Rama 3), and are hence roughly of an age between 150 and 200 years old. This group of amulets were also made from Nuea Pong Puttakun, which have an almost identical appearance with the sacred clay of the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang Kositaram of Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri.

Below; Gallery of  Close up Macro Images of the Features and Aspects of the Muan Sarn Clay of the Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khae amulet

A very large number of different kinds of amulet designs were found in this batch, some in greater numbers than others. Amongst the many Pim found in this batch were the Pra Luang Por Dto, Pra Khun Phaen Ha Liam, Pra Khun Phaen Khai Pa Seek, Pra Sam, Pra Narai Song Pern, and Pra Ruang, which were all obviously made in reverence to the previous periods of Thai Buddhist Arts of History.

Close up Macro Image of the Features and Aspects of the Muan Sarn Clay

Close up Macro Image of the Features and Aspects of the Muan Sarn Clay

When all aspects of these amulets are considered and the amulets themselves are examined in all their aspects, it is the common conclusion with experts that the Great Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri of Wat Rakang Kositaram must have played a part in their making. Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri is known to have hidden amulets in temples around the country, mostly in Central Thailand and in the North, and the amulets themself do not differ in ‘Nuea Ha’ (content), to the Pra Somdej Wat Rakang Kositaram. This makes the amulets of course a perfect reference study teacher model (Ongk Kroo) for training the eyes to recognise a true ancient Pra Somdej Wat Rakang Kositaram amulet.

These amulets have also been found in the Kru hiding place of the Kru Pra Yern Luang Por Dto of Wat Intrawiharn (Wat Bang Khun Prohm) of Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri, which strengthens the evidence that Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsriwas responsible for their making. Below is a video in HD with an unbiased narrative on the Kru Wat Tap Khaw amulets, given by Ajarn Spencer Littlewood

The amulets found in the Kru which came from the third era, were made and hidden during the time of King Rama 6, reaching up to the time of His Majesty Rama 9. This amulets of this batch were found in many forms and reminiscent or straight replicas of amulets of the great Masters of those times, such as the Pra Pim of Luang Por Ao, and Luang Phu Phueak, of Wat Ging Gaew.

Khun Phaen Kru Wat Tap Khaw 200 Year OId Amulet

Khun Phaen Kru Wat Tap Khaw

The Muan Sarn Sacred Powder clay of this third group of amulets, do not have the same agédness or appearance to its substance as the previous two batches mentioned, and have a much younger appearance in the features of the sacred clay. Some amulets even copied the Pim Song (models) found in the previous two eras of amulets found in the Kru, which causes suspicion about this third batch.

Because of the much younger age and appearance of this batch which was buried at a later era, and the replicas found in the batch, confusion arose, causing the whole Kru Wat Tap Khaw find to come under scrutiny and suspicion about their true age, and for quite a long time the amulets were overlooked, due to the fact that few people realised that the amulets of the two other eras were indeed much more ancient.

Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw 200 Year OId Hiding Place Amulet of Somdej Dto Prohmrangsri Wat Rakang

The educated collector and student hence must have selectiveness when examining the amulets of the Kru Wat Tap Khaw, because of the three different batches found, which have similar Pim Song in all of them. An experienced collector should hence use his experience to estimate the age of the clay of the amulet to define which of the three batches/eras the amulet came from (especially between second and third eras).

One does not however need to have immense expertise to tell the difference, because the second era amulets (the ones assumed to be made by Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri), have a much older appearance, and a much harder stone-like clay. In the case of the Kru Wat Tap Khaw amulets, one should place higher value on recognising the age of the clay, than recognising the Pim Song (design model), because the model is found in more than one era batch. In short, the designs were replicated in all batches, but the age of each amulet cannot be replicated, and is the definitive measure.

Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw - Somdej Dto Prohmrangsri Wat Rakang

Close up of the face features and hardened clay (Nuea graeng) of Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw amulet – Somdej Pra Puttajarn Dto Prohmrangsri Wat Rakang

The inner circle aficionados of this series of Hiding Place Amulets have various beliefs depending on which group of aficionados;
The main group assume that it was the Great Khrua Ta Saeng of Wat Mani Chonlakhant in Lopburi who made the first batch during the time or Rama the 3rd. Khrua Ta Saeng was the Kroo Ba Ajarn of the Great Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri, who encountered him on Tudong forest wandering in the Ayuttaya region.

Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri of Wat Rakang Kositaram

Somdej Dto with the famous Pra Somdej Gang Pla amulet of the Kru Tap Khaw Hiding Place Find

This was during the time that Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri went missing from Wat Rakang Kositaram and spent 15 Years in the forests around the Northern regions of Thailand and could not be found, and it was during this time that Somdej Dto received the Wicha Pra Somdej and other methods of making Sacred Powders from Khrua Ta Saeng, and Kata Akom for subduing Maras, Ghosts and Demonic Spirits.

Khrua Ta Saeng liked to make amulets in the ancient Sukhothai and Ayuttaya periodic styles of artistic interpretation. He would make many kinds of ancient amulets and hide them in Kru in temples around both Sukhothai and Ayuttaya Regions. One very famous and recognisable amulet of Khrua Ta Saeng is the Hlang Hoo Hai, which has two holes in the back face of the amulet. The first era batch of the Kru Wat Tap Khaw amulet find has also examples of Pra Luang Por Dto Hlang Hoo Hai, which is very rare and highly preferred.

Khun Phaen Kru Tap Khaw Amulet

The rarest amulet of all of the first era batch of Wat Tap Khaw from Khrua Ta Saeng is the Pra Somdej Pim Gang Pla, theTri Gaay (Pra Sam), the Pra Khun Phaen Ha Liam, Pra Khun Phaen Khai Pa Seek, and the Pra Narai Song Pern.

There is written documentation form Luang Phu Kam of Wat Amarint, who was a Gaeji Ajarn who lived at the same time as, and who was a close friend of Somdej Dto, that amulets had been made by these masters. It is written that Luang Phu Kam had asked Somdej Pra Puttajarn Dto to make some sacred powder amulets in the style and fashion that was known and popular to the people of Ayuttaya, Sukhothai and Lopburi.

The very same models (Pim Song) of amulet which were found in the Kru Wat Tap Khaw are mentioned in this documentation as having been made by Somdej Dto, and so there is little doubt remaining in the origins of the second era batch of the Kru Wat Tap Khaw.

Below; The written documentation from Luang Phu Kam regarding Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri’s involvement in the Kru Wat Tap Khaw amulets.

The Kru Wat Tap Khaw first and second era batch amulets are most certainly the best remaining chance to own an original amulet of Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri, as well as being a perfect study reference pice, as Ongk Kroo teacher for the study of the Muan Sarn clay of the Immortal Pra Somdej Wat Rakang Kositaram of Somdej Pra Puttajarn (Dto) Prohmrangsri, Wat Rakang Kositaram.


Pra Kong Lampun Kru Wat Tap Khaw

Ancient Amulet has now expanded the Pra Kru section of the Store with some Subcategories for easy research, when seeking to study one particular type of Pra Kru from one particular amulet hiding place find. Just surf to the Pra Kroo Section to see the subcategories, which will grow as we document each particular Hiding Place Find Edition.

Pra Pim Pra Rod Kru Tap Khaw Ancient Amulet Find

Right now there are three new categories added to Ancient Amulet Pra Kru Section, which we have also made separate info pages about, and can be read on the following links;

Pra Kru Wat Sadter Amulets

Pra Kru Wat Tap Khaw Amulets

Pra Kru Wat Khao Pra Dtai Amulets


Pra Kru Wat Geng Jeen Amulets Ayuttaya Period

The Pra Kru Wat Geng Jeen amulet find was discovered in the year 2515 BE (approximately), in the old deserted temple of Wat Geng Jeen, in Rayong Province. Despite the fact the temple was in disrepair and without any resident monks, the history of this temple is known and documented. It is known hence, from historical reasearch, that Pra Ajarn Geng was the abbot at the time of the burial of the amulets and made them in over 70 models, all made from cast alchemical lead artifact alloy.

The Pra Kru Wat Geng Jeen amulet find occurred around the year 2515 BE, at the abandoned temple of Wat Geng Jeen, in Rayong, when a large batch of leaden amulets were discovered at the temple. The amulets were created towards the end of the Ayuttaya period, just before the Ratanakosin Era. The amulets were created by Pra Ajarn Geng, who was then the abbot of Wat Geng Jeen. The amulets were found in many different designs and images, numbering over 70 different Pim in all. Some are very common to find still, and others are much rarer.

The Kru Wat Geng Jeen amulets are known for their ‘Sanim Daeng’ reddish beige rust forming as ‘Kraap Kru on the front, and that most of them were originally coated in gold leaf in manu cases. The rear faces of the amulets have a fine layer of white cement from the Kru chamber adhering to the surface, which is one of the criteria used for recognising this particula Pra Kru, for they all have some to greater or lesser degree on the rear face.

The rarer and more highly sought after models include the Pim Mara Wichai Thaan Pha Tip, the Pim Samati Thaan Song Chan, the Pim Mokkhallana or Saributra (Pim Sawok – praying monk listening to the Buddha – can be seen as either Maugalyayana Arahant, or Sariputra Arahant), and the various models of which only few were found, and are extremely rare, such as the Pra Sangkajjai, Prajam Wan Birthday Buddhas, Pim Pra Nakprok, and the Pim Pra Pratan Thaan Tip.

Below; One of the Preferred Models of the Kru Wat Geng Jeen Amulet Find; the Pim Samati Thaan Sorng Chan

Pim Samati Wat Geng Jeen

Pra Ajarn Geng, the maker of the amulets back in the late Ayuttaya period, was a famous Kammathana Master Monk of his time. It is believed by experts that Pra Ajarn Geng, the maker of the Pra Kru Wat Geng Jin amulets, was the original Kroo Ba Ajarn who bestowed his magical Wicha onto some of the Great Masters of Olden days we know, such as Luang Por Dto of Wat Khao Bor Tong, Luang Por Am, of Wat Nong Grabork, the Great Luang Phu Tim of Wat Laharn Rai, and Luang Por Tarb of Wat Nong Grabok Kheun Pheung.

Below; One of the other preferred models of the Kru Wat Geng Jeen; the Pim Thaan Pha Tip

Pra Kru Wat Geng Jeen Pim Thaan Pha Tip Niyom

Here we can see a preferred Pim Niyom model of the Pra Kru Wat Geng Jeen Cast Leaden hiding place amulet find, from the Ayuttaya Period, this model being popularly called the Pim Pra Sawok, also known as ‘Pim Pra Mokkhalla’ and ‘Pim Pra Saribut’

Pra Kru Wat Geng Jeen Nuea Chin Pim Pra Sawok Niyom - Sacred Leaden Ancient Hiding Place Amulet Late Ayuttaya Period

The words ‘Pra Sawok’ means ‘Savaka’, or ‘disciple’ of the Buddha. It refers in this case to the Arahants Sariputra and Mokkhallana (also called Maugdalyāyāna, and Maha-Moggallana).The image can indeed be used for either of these Arahants, as they are both mostly featured in this sideways praying posture seated either side of the Dais the Buddha sits on under the Bodhi tree.

Pim Pra Prajam Wan Birthday Buddha