PHRA SOMDEJ WAT PLUB

Phra Somdej

Phim Samathi Kao Kwang (wide knee),

Wat Plub or Wat Raataitaram.

Historical Details.

Wat Plub or Wat Raatsitaram, Amphur Bangkok Noi, Thonburi is an ancient temple and in fact one of the oldest in the Bangkok region. Amulets from this temple are highly desirable, collectively known as Pra Wat Plub they are considered some of the most sacred.

A local legend tells the story of an albino squirrel that had been witnessed furtively dart in and out of a small orifice at the base of an old chedi within the temple compound.

A junior monk and some locals wanted to evict the animal and were poking around in the opening when it became apparent that the  chedi was a repository for sacred amulets, which were later recovered, about 70 years ago in BE 2485, for safe keeping.

The significance of the squirrel in the discovery of this cache was reflected in the name originally given to these amulets, Pra Kru Chedi Grarok Peuak.

About 50 years ago, BE 2495, the Abbot of the temple officially opened the chedi, and a large hole was revealed contained further amulets. These amulets were believed to have been originally blessed by Somdej Gai Thuean, the Supreme Patriarch, who was once also Abbot of Wat Plub.

The amulets themselves consisted of a white powders, Pong Putakhun, Pong Norasing, ground shells, pollens etc in fact very similar to those used to create the Somdej Orahang pim, or the first somdej and this was how the age and origin were confirmed. This powder type is also very similar to that used for the original Wat Rakhang pims.

Its is a fairly soft to hard material, prone to cracking, similar to crazing on bird eggs. Due to the length of time in the kru. Generally these pims appear white  stained with yellow due to heavy moisture content or rain damage. The rain actually reacts with the calcium hydroxide or lime content of the sacred powder, which over time changes to a form of limestone or gypsum, which often manifests itself in the form of tumors after being exposed to heat. Interestingly it was found that these could easily be removed revealing a smooth surface.

Many different types of pim were discovered, Pim Dukdta Yai, Pim Dukdta Yai Chaloot (tall doll) Pim Dukdta Lek, Pim Pung Bpong Yai (bulging belly), Pim Pung Bpong Lek, Pim Samathi Yai, Pim Samathi Kaento, Pim Samathi Kao Kwang (wide knee), Pim Pitda, Pim Song Na, etc etc.

Background Information :

Although the Phra Somdej amulets first created by Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh may be the best known and some of the most expensive amulets in the market, they are not as some believe the origin of this style of pim.

Actually the first prototype was the “Phra Somdej Orahung amulet” consecrated by Somdej Phra Sankarach Gai Thuean at Wat Mahathat. In fact this legendry monk was also the teacher of Somdej Toh and King Rama II, III, and IV.

It was recorded that the sacred monk was born, according to the Thai lunar calendar, on the Friday of the second month of B.E.2276 during the reign of King Boromkote of Ayudhaya ’s dynasty.

In B.E.2310, when Somdej Phra Sungkarach Suk Kaiturn was 34 years of age, the Burmese army invaded Thailand and destroyed Ayudhaya. Somdej Pra Sungkarach Gai Thuean moved to Thonburi, then the new capital of Thailand, and was appointed as the abbot of Wat Tahoy.

King Rama I, also born during the period of King Boromkote in B.E. 2279 established Bangkok as the new capital of Thailand in B.E.2325 he invited Somdej Phra Sungkharach Gai Thuean to take up residence at Wat Rachsittaram.

In B.E.2363, he was appointed as the fourth Supreme Patriarch of Thailand (then known as Siam). He became resident at Wat Mahatat for around one year before he had passed away at the age of 90.

Somdej Phra Sungkharach Gai Thuean was respected as an important living witness to Thai history as he was the only Supreme Patriarch to have seen, during his lifetime, the Burmese destruction of Ayudhaya City and three separate Thai  dynasties including, Ayudhaya, Thonburi and Rhattnakosin

Somdej Phra Sankarach Gai Thuean was highly respected for his sacred power, many people having experienced his miracles, most of whom became his faithful devotees.

Popular legend says that this great monks could even call wild hens and cocks from the forests into the temple through his sacred spells. So it was that he became to be known as Gai Thuean which lireally translated meant “wild hens and cocks”.

It was also recorded that during his stay at at Wat Rachsittaram (Wat Plub), Somdej Pra Sungkharach Gai Thuean dedicated his life to develop the temple. He was highly respected for his devotion by many Kings of Rhuttanakosin dynasty including King Rama I, II, III, and IV, particularly King Rama II, III, and IV who often visited his temple to listen to his teachings and Lord Buddha’s Dharma.

Because of his fame and sacred power, many devotees had asked him to create a series of  sacred amulets, and in B.E.2360, the first series of Phra Somdej Orahung  amulets were created, known as “Pim Kesplaewplerng”.

These amulets were created during his residence at Wat Plub. After the first series he was asked continually to create more amulets which he did and were generally distributed free to both the poor and the general public.

Thanks for reading.

Have a wonderful day