The origin of the legend of Wat Chaiyo, or Wat Ketsachaiyo, in Ang Thong province begins with Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Brahmaramsi) creating a large meditative Buddha statue (Luang Pho To) outdoors at this ancient public temple during the reign of King Rama IV. This was dedicated as a meritorious act and led to the creation of the famed Phra Somdej Ketsachaiyo amulet known for its sacred power.
Wat Chaiyo Worawihan is a second-class royal monastery of the Maha Nikaya sect, located in Village 3, Chaiyo Subdistrict, Chaiyo District, Ang Thong Province.
Phra Somdej Wat Chaiyo
The Seven-Layer style is considered one of the earliest, most valuable, and sought-after designs.
This is another rare style. Phra Somdej Wat Chaiyo of Ang Thong province was created by Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Brahmaramsi), the former abbot of Wat Rakhang Kositaram, during the reign of King Rama IV in approximately 1866 CE. There are twelve popular styles of Phra Somdej Wat Ketsachaiyo, plus additional less common styles.
Seven-Layer Popular Style
Seven-Layer Style with Ear Flaps
Six-Layer Style with Solid Chest
Six-Layer Style with Continuous Chest
Seven-Layer Style with Arm Flare (Nak Leng To)
Seven-Layer Style Competing Pillow
Seven and Six-Layer Styles with Straight Shoulders
Seven and Six-Layer Styles with V-Shaped Chest
Knees Bound Style
Five-Layer Style
Three-Layer Style
There are also many other styles, such as the Seven-Layer Style with Six-Layer Base.
Six-Layer Style with Nodule
Seven-Layer Style with Nodule
Six-Layer Style with Superior Design, Five-Layer Style
Three-Layer Style, etc.
However, these are very rarely found.
According to records by Phraya Thipkosa (Son Lohanan) and Nayoknok Satchukorn, based on accounts from Phra Thammathaworn Janthachot, a novice who assisted Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Brahmaramsi) in preparing the powder mixture to create the amulets around 1866 CE at Wat Rakhang Kositaram, the amulets produced then included both Three-Layer and Seven-Layer styles. The Seven-Layer style was enshrined at Wat Ketsachaiyo in Ang Thong Province. Additionally, Phraya Thipkosa noted that Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Brahmaramsi) created these amulets to dedicate merit to his late mother named Kets and father named Chai, hence the amulets were named after the temple as Phra Somdej Wat Ketsachaiyo.
Somdet Phra Phutthachan created these Phra Somdej Wat Chaiyo amulets at Wat Rakhang Kositaram and distributed them, placing some in the treasure chamber of Wat Chaiyo Worawihan during the time he was making the large Buddha image or Mahaputtha Pim at this temple.
Wat Ketsachaiyo is considered a sacred place where many people come to pray for prosperity, progress, and protection.
