The origin of the Wat Chaiyo legend, or Wat Kes Chaiyo in Ang Thong Province, begins with Somdej Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi) who crafted a large seated Buddha image (Luang Pho To) outdoors at this historic local temple during King Rama IV's reign, dedicating merit. This led to the creation of the renowned Phra Somdej Kes Chaiyo amulets famed for their sacred efficacy.
Wat Chaiyo Worawihan is a second-class royal monastery of the Maha Nikaya order, located in Village 3, Chaiyo Subdistrict, Chaiyo District, Ang Thong Province.
Phra Somdej Wat Chaiyo amulets.
The seven-layer mold is considered one of the original and highly valued rare molds.
This is another rare mold. Phra Somdej Wat Chaiyo from Ang Thong was created by Somdej Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi), former abbot of Wat Rakhang Kositaram, during King Rama IV's era in approximately 1866 CE. There are 12 popular molds of Phra Somdej Wat Kes Chaiyo, plus additional uncommon molds.
Popular seven-layer mold.
Seven-layer mold with shoulder ears.
Six-layer mold with solid chest.
Six-layer mold with continuous chest.
Seven-layer mold with arm tip (Nak Leng To).
Seven-layer mold with pillow arm.
Seven- and six-layer molds with straight shoulders.
Seven- and six-layer molds with V-shaped chest.
Knee loop mold.
Five-layer mold.
Three-layer mold.
There are also many other molds, such as the seven-layer mold with six-layer base.
Six-layer mold with protrusion.
Seven-layer mold with protrusion.
Six-layer rare mold and five-layer mold.
Three-layer mold, etc.
However, these are rarely found.
According to records by Phraya Thipkosa (Son Lohanand) and Nai Kon Sakchukorn, who documented stories from Phra Thammathaworn Chanchoti, a novice who assisted Somdej Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi) in preparing sacred powder around 1866 CE at Wat Rakhang Kositaram, amulets made then included both three-layer and seven-layer molds. The seven-layer molds were enshrined at Wat Kes Chaiyo in Ang Thong. Phraya Thipkosa also recorded that Somdej Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi) created these amulets to dedicate merit to his mother named Kes and grandfather named Chai, hence the amulets were named Phra Somdej Wat Kes Chaiyo.
Somdej Phra Phutthachan created these Phra Somdej Wat Chaiyo amulets at Wat Rakhang Kositaram, then distributed and enshrined them in the stupa at Wat Chaiyo Worawihan during his time building the large Buddha image or Great Buddha Print at this temple.
Wat Kes Chaiyo is regarded as a sacred place where people commonly pray for career advancement and protection from harm.
