Over 600 Ancient Buddha Amulets Unearthed at Ratchaburi Temple
More than 600 ancient Buddha amulets were discovered in ceramic vessels buried beneath a statue at Wat Khlong Suwan Kiri temple in Ratchaburi during renovation work. The amulets, bearing marks of a revered 19th-century monk, vary in conditi
A remarkable discovery was made at Wat Khlong Suwan Kiri in Ratchaburi when workers demolishing a hall to build a new one uncovered two ancient ceramic vessels containing over 600 powder Buddha amulets buried beneath the base of a large Buddha statue. The amulets bear the imprint of Luang Pu Phu from Wat Indrawihan, Bangkok, a venerated monk from an earlier era and a contemporary of the revered Somdej Toh of Wat Rakang.
The first vessel yielded 295 amulets, while the second contained 328, for a combined total of 623 pieces in varying conditions. Some show intact surfaces with patina, while others are discolored or fragmented into pieces. The amulets include several styles: large and medium-sized pieces, square forms, roof-topped variants, seven-tiered designs, and rounded-arm styles. However, scholars have not yet confirmed whether they are definitively from Luang Pu Phu's era.
Construction workers Chittathep, 20, and Nattapol, 34, who discovered the vessels while clearing a corner of the hall, recalled being startled to find the ancient ceramic containers filled with Buddha amulets. They immediately reported the discovery to the abbot. The abbot, Phra Khru Bai Tikasupoj Theerawattho, explained that the temple is renovating its grounds and plans to relocate buildings for a better layout. The initial construction budget stands at approximately 650,000 baht, with an additional 300,000 baht allocated for interior improvements. The temple is seeking donations for the project and will later determine pricing for those wishing to sponsor individual amulet plaques. A temple committee will meet again to finalize details.
