New Amulet Release Honors Revered Monk Luang Pu Phu
A rare silver centennial medal honoring revered Buddhist monk Luang Pu Phu, cast in 1931 when he turned 100, remains one of Thailand's most sought-after amulets among collectors for its intricate design and spiritual significance.
Phrakhru Thammanukul, or Luang Pu Phu Chantakesaro, was the former abbot of Wat Indra Vihara in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district, a renowned Buddhist master of his time. He was the principal disciple of Somdej Phra Phutthajarn (To), receiving transmission of numerous Buddhist teachings and disciplines.
Born in Wang Hin village, Muang district, Tak province, in 1830, he became a novice at Wat Tha Khoi at age nine, where he studied Khmer script and Thai literature. At twenty-one, he took full ordination at Wat Tha Khoi under Phrakhru Un, receiving the monastic name Chantakesaro. He maintained strict ascetic practice throughout his monastic life, regularly undertaking intensive meditation retreats alongside Somdej Phra Phutthajarn (To Phromrangsi) and other senior masters.
With unwavering dedication, he pursued mastery of various Buddhist disciplines until becoming exceptionally renowned. He passed away on Saturday, May 6, 1933, at 1:15 a.m., at the age of 104, having completed 83 Buddhist years. His most celebrated amulets include his walking staff and various Buddha images highly revered for their spiritual potency.
Amulets were created to commemorate his contributions, particularly to support the construction of a major Buddha image. In 1931, a silver centennial medal was cast, featuring his full-length seated image to celebrate his reaching one hundred years of age. This unique medal, given to his disciples as a blessing, is among the most sought-after amulets of its kind.
The medal follows the royal fan-shaped design, featuring a peaked grain-shaped frame encircled by peacock motifs. The border contains rows of fish eggs, while the center displays his full seated figure in meditation posture, draped in robes and seated on a throne inscribed with "Age 100 Complete." The reverse bears raised sacred yantra (mystical diagrams), with a crescent moon at the top and the Khmer letter 'U' in the center, topped and bottomed with additional yantra elements. This medal remains highly coveted among amulet collectors.
