The origin of a sacred amulet legend.
Phra Rod from the Wat Mahawan site, Lamphun Province, is the supreme emperor among Northern Thai amulets, one of the five Benjapakee sets.
Phra Rod from Wat Mahawan, Lamphun Province, is the premier Benjapakee amulet of the Boonrit faction, over 1,400 years old, made during Queen Chamadevi's reign of the Hariphunchai Kingdom by the sage Ruesi Narot (Ruesi Naratha). It was created as a Buddhist offering and given to soldiers going to war, known for protection, safety, and great popularity, marking the inception of the most precious clay amulets.
The legend and origin story of Phra Rod Mahawan.
* Creation details:
* Four sages—Ruesi Narot, Ruesi Thipayarit, Ruesi Phuttharit, and Ruesi Jinna—collaborated to create it around 680–707 CE to enshrine in the stupa of Wat Mahawan (west of Hariphunchai city).
* Purpose:
* Made as a Buddhist offering and distributed to townspeople for use during wars between Hariphunchai and Khun Lua Wilangka.
* Name origin:
* The term “Rod” comes from “Phra Rod,” referring to the creator Ruesi Narot and the amulet's power to help devotees survive all dangers.
* Characteristics:
* Small clay amulets mixed with sacred herbs, available in colors such as green stone, yellow, red, black, and pikun.
Benefits:
* Exceptional protection from harm, safety, invincibility, and great popularity.
Popular Phra Rod types from Wat Mahawan.
1. Phra Rod Pim Yai (Large): The rarest and most valuable.
2. Phra Rod Pim Klang (Medium):
3. Phra Rod Pim Lek (Small):
4. Phra Rod Pim Tueng (Shallow):
5. Phra Rod Pim To (Flat):
Phra Rod Mahawan is not just a sacred amulet but also a valuable historical and artistic relic of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, remaining highly revered and popular in Thailand.
