Oval Amulet of Luang Pu Krap Draws Devotion at Wat Krok Krak
Devotees at Wat Krok Krak in Samut Sakhon province revere oval amulets of the late abbot Luang Pu Krap, believed to offer protection from dangers and eye ailments. The temple's venerated Buddha image wears eyeglasses—a practice begun a cent
Phra Kru Tham Sakorn, known as Luang Pu Krap Yanawat, was the former abbot of Wat Krok Krak in Samut Sakhon province and former head of the Maha Chai subdistrict council, earning reverence from local residents for his learning and wisdom. Born on January 13, 1893, to parents Krap and Nai Kai Khao and Nang Loi, he entered monastic life on March 12, 1913, receiving the monastic name Yanawat after studying Buddhist scriptures at Wat Rat Rangsarn before relocating to Wat Krok Krak. He was appointed abbot in 1920 and granted the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Kru in 1970 under the honorific title Phra Kru Tham Sakorn.
Wat Krok Krak is home to a revered Buddha image known as Luang Pho Pu, a spiritual guardian of the Maha Chai watershed region, distinguished by the unique practice of adorning it with eyeglasses. According to the current abbot, Phra Kru Wisutthisitthikun, this tradition began nearly a century ago when a red-eye epidemic swept through the village. Villagers made vows for recovery at the statue, and when the outbreak ceased, they applied gold leaf to the Buddha's eyes as a votive offering. Luang Pu Krap, concerned the ancient image would be damaged, instead substituted eyeglasses—a practice that devotees have maintained ever since. When thieves once attempted to drill into the statue's cavity, Luang Pu Krap discovered the damage, sealed it with clay and rubber, and performed a ritual on the 15th waning day of the first lunar month, establishing the annual "Luang Pho Pu Day" festival celebrated with free music and entertainment.
Wat Krok Krak commissioned a cast image of Luang Pu Krap in his likeness for devotees to venerate, receiving gold leaf offerings like the original statue, adorned with eyeglasses. Those suffering from eye ailments believe the combined spiritual power of both images brings relief. Amulets produced from the temple have gained widespread popularity, particularly the oval-shaped medals from 1967, cast in both silver and copper with an integral loop. The obverse bears Luang Pu Krap's half-length portrait in monastic robes with Thai script reading "Phra Kru Tham Sakorn (Krap) Yanawat," while the reverse features a yantra symbol and text reading "Wat Krok Krak, January 31, 1967." Devotees believe that wearing such a medal offers protection from all dangers and misfortunes. Luang Pu Krap passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 1974, at the age of 81 in his 61st year of ordination.
