Sacred Amulet News – Coins of Luang Pho Jan, Wat Bang Mohn, Ayutthaya Province

Luang Pho Jan Janthasaro of Wat Bang Mohn was a renowned Buddhist scholar of ancient Ayutthaya who earned widespread reverence as a venerable teacher of his era. Born on a Monday in the 8th lunar month of B.E. 2380 in Bang Mohn Sub-district, Maha Raj District, Ayutthaya Province, to parents Nai Thob and Nang Sap, he received his early education at the temple, becoming literate in both Thai and Khmer scripts. At age 23 in B.E. 2403, he took monastic vows at Wat Bang Mohn under distinguished preceptors.

Luang Pho Jan embodied the ways of ancient monasticism, maintaining strict adherence to Buddhist precepts and teachings. Free from greed, he devoted himself to helping those in distress, which attracted many animals to seek refuge at the temple. As his knowledge deepened, he was appointed chief administrator in B.E. 2435, earned the title of preceptor in B.E. 2439, and later became deputy abbot. He ordained countless young men from the region—so many that nearly all villagers of Maha Raj became his disciples across generations of families.

A passionate scholar and collector of knowledge, he preserved valuable ancient texts for future generations to study. Recognized as a visionary, he maintained these treasures as exemplars of learning. Though he passed away over 90 years ago, his legacy endured. Through his compassion, strict moral conduct, and unwavering commitment to Buddhist teachings, he earned universal respect from both monastics and laypeople. He diligently trained monks and novices in strict discipline and taught nearby communities to pursue virtue without hesitation.

With steadfast dedication to supporting Buddhism and caring for the temple, Luang Pho Jan transformed Wat Bang Mohn into a flourishing institution in the Bang Na area, complete with quarters, teaching halls, and schools. The temple itself dates to the Ayutthaya period and has been continuously restored. The name "Wat Bang Mohn" derives from the presence of Rakhine people who migrated from ancient Ayutthaya to settle and make their living in this area. The temple is now officially called "Wat Bang Songop."

Luang Pho Jan devoted his entire life to religious service and good works until his peaceful passing on the third waning day of the third lunar month of the year Tao, at 4 p.m., corresponding to February 12, B.E. 2470. He lived 90 years, completing 67 Buddhist vassa (rains retreats). His funeral ceremony drew large crowds of devoted disciples and supporters.

Many sacred objects and amulets were created in his memory, with cast coins bearing his likeness becoming particularly famous. These coins were first cast in B.E. 2465 during a seven-fold merit-making ceremony celebrating his 84th birthday, organized by his disciples and supporters. At that time, Maha Thap Chalaiwares, one of his distinguished disciples, requested permission to create a life-sized bronze statue for veneration at Wat Bang Mohn. Permission was granted to also produce commemorative cast coins made of brass-blended metal. Approximately 1,500 coins were minted and distributed to reverential disciples and devotees as items of veneration, each valued at one baht.