Buddhist Amulet Circles: The Medal of Luang Pho Noom Thammarama from Wat Nang Nai Thammigarama
Buddhist amulet medals from revered Thai monks are highly sought by collectors and devotees for their spiritual significance and craftsmanship. The article profiles rare first-edition medals from four respected masters, including Luang Pho
"A mind free from sin sees the consequences of wrongdoing, so why would one commit physical or verbal misdeeds?" - A dharma teaching from Luang Pho Cha Suphattho of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani province.
Luang Pho Noom Thammarama of Wat Nang Nai Thammigarama in Ang Thong province is highly revered for his amulets, particularly the first-edition medal from 1954. Known as the "Large Yantra Medal," this oval-shaped amulet with handles was produced in 5,000 pieces. The front features a half-body image facing forward, surrounded by small fish-egg borders, with "Reverend Upachaya (Noom)" inscribed above. The back features a yantra design without borders. After Luang Pho Noom consecrated the medals through a complete quarterly blessing ceremony, they received overwhelming interest, requiring two additional productions—creating the distinctions of Large, Medium, and Small Yantra versions. Today, the Large Yantra Medal is quite rare.
Phra Kru Vornathrongsi, or Luang Pho Pui Punnyasiri, former abbot of Wat Ko in Suphanburi province, created the "Wok-Bottom Medal," a special edition commemmorating the construction of the Sala Kalyani (Dharma Hall) at Wat Ko in 1979. Made of copper, this medal features a bowl-like design with the monk's image on the front and "85" on the back—believed by locals to represent his age at the time. The reverse is inscribed with "Special Building Edition" and identifies the creator and temple. This medal has become another highly popular amulet.
Phra Kru Wetchakamkanaraksa, or Luang Pho Taab Attakamo of Wat Makham Riang in Sara Buri province, created the first-edition image medal in 1972. This full-bodied seated meditation image amulet with handles was produced in 6,000 pieces from alpaca metal. The front features a scales-pattern border with the seated Luang Pho Taab in full form, inscribed with his name below. The back displays his personal yantra with the temple name underneath. All pieces are meticulously crafted and spiritually empowered.
Phra Kru Visut Bundittho, or Pho Tan Nuan Parisuttho, former abbot of Wat Praditsaram (Wat Sai Rai) in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, is a highly revered southern Thai master whose amulets of all editions are popular and spiritually potent. Particularly sought-after is the first-edition image medal from 1982, created to commemorate his 60th birthday blessing on July 13, 1982, offered by Phra Kru Adul Thammapaon (Luang Pho Phudung), abbot of Wat Phu Khao Lak and a relative. This oval-shaped medal with connecting handles features a full meditation image on the front and a yantra on the back. The border inscription reads "Merit Completion 5 Cycles, Phra Kru Visut Bundittho, Wat Praditsaram 15.7.25" and was cast in copper with aged patina. The first production created 4,000 pieces, later supplemented with an additional 4,000. These medals are now quite rare.
