Rian Somdej Toh (101st Year Anniversary Batch) – Wat Mai Amataros Bangkhunphrom – Year 2517 B.E. – Made of SILVER

Somdej Phra Phuttajahn Toh (2331 B.E. – 2415 B.E.), known formally as Somdej Phra Buddhacarya (Toh Brahmaramsi – สมเด็จพระพุฒาจารย์ (โต พฺรหฺมรํสี)), was one of the most famous Buddhist monks in the entire history of Thailand and continues to be the most widely known monk in Thailand. He is widely revered in Thailand as a monk who is said that he possessed magical powers and his amulets are widely sought after. His images and statues are some of the most widespread religious icons in Bangkok.

Somdej Toh was born in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. He studied the Buddhist scriptures of the Pāli Canon with several Buddhist masters. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for Prince Mongkut, later King Rama IV, when Mongkut became a monk. During Rama IV’s reign Somdet To was given the ceremonial name Somdet Phra Buddhacarya (Toh Brahmaramsi – meaning Teacher (Acharya) of Buddhism) by the King and used to be one of his trusted advisers, having left a lot of teaching stories around him and the King.

He was noted for the skill of his preaching and his use of Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism, and for making amulets called Phra Somdej.

This beautiful piece featured here is blessed in a Grand Ceremony attended by numerous top holy monks of the entire country.

A notable few includes:

1. Luang Pu Tohk Wat Pradu Chim Plee
2. Luang Por Theerah Wat Paleilai
3. Luang Por Neung, Wat Chulamanee
4. Ajahn Nong, Wat Sai Kao
5. Luang Por Kee, Wat Hu Chang
6. Luang Por Thong Yu, Wat Mai Nhong Pah Ung
7. Luang Pu Thiam, Wat Kasathrathirad

and many more.