Revered Monk Luang Por Jan's Amulets Gain Popularity
Luang Por Jan Khotsako, a revered monk from Uttaradit Province known for his scholarly mastery of Buddhist texts and compassion, created blessed amulets that became highly sought after for reported protection and prosperity.
Phra Kru Navakarn Khotsit, or Luang Por Jan Khotsako of Wat Had Song Kwaew in Tron District, Uttaradit Province, was a highly respected teacher revered by Uttaradit residents and given the honorific title "Deity of Had Song Kwaew." His birth name was Chan Treepoot, born on Monday, March 14, 1881, at Had Song Kwaew village in Tron District, Uttaradit, to parents Ki and Bua Treepoot.
As a child, he was gentle and obedient, never troubling his parents, and showed great compassion toward friends and animals. So compassionate was he that he would secretly release fish his father had caught and set them free in the Nan River, sometimes causing his family to go without food. He spent most of his free time at the temple learning to read, write, and chant with the monks until evening.
In his era, compulsory education did not exist; learning relied on personal initiative and study with monks at temples. From an early age, he showed keen interest in Thai and Khmer texts and reportedly could chant fluently alongside the monks. Recognizing his devotion, his parents had him ordained in 1910 at age 13. He became renowned for his skillful and clear recitation of the Patimokkha and sacred Buddhist chants.
Upon reaching full ordination age, he was formally ordained at Wat Ban Kaeng Tai in Ban Kaeng village, Tron District, in 1919, with Phra Wichian Panyamuni, a former provincial sangha leader, as his preceptor; Luang Por Pum Chantaro, abbot of Wat Khlueang Kracha, as his second preceptor; and Phra Kru Methawarakun, abbot of Wat Ban Kaeng Tai, as his third preceptor.
He studied both Pali and Sanskrit, and devoted time to learning and preaching the Dharma under Luang Por Pum at Wat Khlueang Kracha on the opposite riverbank. He earned recognition as a noted preacher throughout Uttaradit Province. He also studied Khmer language and texts under Luang Por Pum and Luang Por Thongkham of Wat Thathong in Wang Kapi Subdistrict, Mueang District. According to accounts, both Luang Por Pum and Luang Por Huab of Wat Samakkayaram had traveled to study Khmer texts from Luang Por Ngern of Wat Bang Klarn, Phichit Province.
Eventually, he was appointed as abbot of Wat Had Song Kwaew, where he oversaw monks and novices while supporting lay devotees for many years. He served as a preceptor for countless boys and men seeking ordination as novices and monks. Through his virtuous conduct and compassionate practice, he earned deep reverence. When he created amulets and blessed objects that were distributed and worshipped, devotees reported experiencing happiness, prosperity, and protection from calamities. This enhanced his reputation as one of Thailand's most renowned and respected spiritual teachers.
On December 5, 1956, he received a royal promotion in monastic rank to Phra Kru Navakarn Khotsit. He commissioned many series of amulets, including the first edition in 1948 distributed to kitchen staff, editions in 1961 and 1973 (Five Saturdays series), and the 1977 series (80 Years Sayid) along with other blessed objects such as black-and-white photographs in one-inch and postcard sizes, lockets, five-inch replica images, golden lucky geese amulets in male and female pairs (second series), silver-encased protective amulets, sacred thread amulets, and clip-on charms.
Throughout his life, he used his knowledge to continuously support his community and disciples. He was a monk who loved solitude, maintained simple monastic discipline, and never boasted of himself. He passed away peacefully at Wat Had Song Kwaew on August 8, 1979, at 24:40 hours, at the age of 82, with 60 years in the monastic order. Due to his disciples' deep faith and reverence, they were granted permission to create the first commemorative amulet series in 1948.
