Before beginning a discussion on exactly what are Thai amulets, one needs to possess a basic understanding of what amulets are exactly and why they are considered objects of fascination to most. An amulet is an ornament, or a small piece of jewelry believed to bestow protection upon its user against any evil or destructive forces or diseases in general. To the layman or to an intellectual, such objects may appear to be nothing of significance: hokum to be precise.
While there is no conclusive evidence yet to support the hypothesis that such items do indeed protect an individual against harm, what is true is that it ultimately boils down to the concept of faith and belief. If the user is willing to believe in the amulet, it may alter his or her life completely.
What are Thai Amulets?
Now that the premise has been established, Thai amulets or as they are more popularly known as, talismans, are items blessed by a Buddhist monk of Thai origin. In the academic circle, such items are known as ‘votive tablets’, the word votive being crucial in this regard as it means something that is given or done to honor a god. These items are used as offerings to those who offer donations to the temples producing these amulets.
Worshippers can obtain an amulet simply by making a donation or by offering oil to the temple. The amulet is then conferred upon the individual as a gift. Henceforth, the object ceases to be a gift and transforms into a harbinger of luck, wealth, and power.
Traditions associated with Thai Amulets
There are several traditions associated with amulets of all varieties; the Thai amulet is no exception to this norm. In Thai tradition, such amulets are usually placed under stupas or temples when built. As such, when these structure collapse, several of these amulets are discovered buried in the rubble.
Almost each Thai Buddhist is seen in possession of at least a single amulet. Elderly citizens of Thailand are occasionally seen wearing such amulets as they are firmly of the opinion that it brings them peace and harmony, ultimately unifying them with god.
What are the amulets primarily composed of?
Amulets vary in shape, size and material with most composed of materials such as plaster, bone, wood or even metal. These amulets generally carry a special item of holy origin: such items include ash from incense or old temple structures, or strands of hair from an elderly monk, believed to confer protective abilities upon the items.
Once the amulet is constructed, the maker will then request the monks in the concerned temple or other temples to unify and chant the name of god, in order to bless the amulet and activate its potential. The entire process requires time, ranging from as less as a week to several years.
Famous amulets of Thai origin
While there are several Thai amulets which are considered rare or expensive, none are as rare o highly sought after as the Lp Toh Sivali, LP Pae Wat Pikulthong, Lp Toh Somdej, Lp Toh Rian, Lp Ruay Wat Tako, Lp Pae Wat Pikultong, Lp Parn Wat Bang Nom Kho, Lp Parn Wat Bang Nom Kho Bird,Lp Parn Wat Bang Nom Kho Chicken, Lp Parn Wat Bang Nom Kho Fish, Lp Parn Wat Bang Nom Kho Garuda, Lp Parn Wat Bang Nom Kho Hanuman and Lp Parn Wat Bang Nom Kho Porcupine, which consists of a set believed to bestow immeasurable luck and protection against any malevolent forces.
Of these, the most famous is the first, the LP Pae Wat Pikulthong available at https://thaiamulets888.com/lp-pae-wat-pikultong/. It is widely regarded as the ‘king of amulets’ and it is eponymously named after LuangPhor Pae Wat Pikulthong, one of the most renowned monks in Thailand. In general, unlike other amulets, Phra Somdej Kenaen Pae Pan is one of the rarest and sought after phim concsecrated by LuangPhor Pae Wat Pikulthong. Blessed in the same blessing ceremony with the highest tired Somdej of LuangPhor Pae, Somdej Pae Pan. .
The image of the Buddha crafted on such amulets is traditionally seated on the tripartite throne representing the famous Buddhist ideology of the three-world system. Despite the tripartite structure altering in further iterations of such amulets, the image of the throne remains till date.
As is the case with other Thai amulets, these amulets are also crafted from temple dirt, pollen, monk hair and other relics of a holy disposition. Perhaps the most significant ability that this amulet confers upon its owner is peace and harmony in all walks of life.
