The origin of the sacred amulet legend.
The Phra Rod amulet from Wat Mahawan, Lamphun Province, is the supreme emperor among Northern Thai amulets and one of the five sets of the Benjapakee amulets. It is a highly revered Benjapakee amulet of the Boonrit faction, over 1,400 years old, created during the reign of Queen Chamadevi of the Hariphunchai Kingdom by the hermit Narod (Rishi Naratha). It was made for Buddhist worship and distributed to soldiers going to war. Its main powers are protection, safety, and great charm. It is regarded as the original masterpiece of valuable clay amulets.
The origin and history of the Phra Rod Mahawan amulet.
* Creation: Four hermits—Rishi Narod, Rishi Thipayarit, Rishi Phuttharit, and Rishi Chinana—collaborated to create the amulet around 680–707 CE to be enshrined in the chedi of Wat Mahawan (west of Hariphunchai city).
* Purpose: Made for Buddhist worship and distributed to the townspeople to use in warfare during Hariphunchai’s conflict with Khun Lua Wilangka.
* Name origin: The word “Rod” comes from “Phra Rod,” named after the creator hermit Narod and the amulet’s power to help one “escape” all dangers.
* Characteristics: Small clay amulets mixed with sacred herbs, available in various colors such as mortar green, yellow, red, black, and Pikul color.
* Powers: Ultimate protection, invulnerability, and great charm.
Popular molds of Phra Rod from Wat Mahawan.
1. Phra Rod Large Mold: The rarest and most valuable.
2. Phra Rod Medium Mold:
3. Phra Rod Small Mold:
4. Phra Rod Shallow Mold:
5. Phra Rod Toe Mold:
Phra Rod Mahawan is not just a sacred amulet but also a precious historical and artistic relic of the Hariphunchai Kingdom that retains its sacredness and remains highly popular throughout Thailand.