Phataphin (Wealth Fetching Fishes) Ngern Thong BE2490-2499 Luang Phor Chong (Lp Chong / Lp Jong) Wat Natangnok

Phataphin (Wealth Fetching Fishes) Ngern Thong BE2490-2499 

Luang Phor Chong (Lp Chong / Lp Jong) Wat Natangnok with Thaprachan Certificate

Biography

Title: The History and Significance of Luang Phor Chong’s Ta Pian (Wealth-Fetching Fish) Amulet

Creator: Luang Phor Chong, Wat Na Tang Nok, Ayutthaya Province

Period of Creation: Circa B.E. 2490–2499 (1947–1956 CE)

Amulet Type: Silver (Male) and Gold (Female) Ta Pian Fish Pair

---

1. Origins in Buddhist Legend

The Ta Pian fish (ปลาตะเพียน) holds a deeply symbolic role in Thai Buddhist tradition, with its origins traced back to one of the countless Jataka (past life) incarnations of the Buddha. According to Thai Buddhist lore, during one of these lives in which the Bodhisattva was practicing the perfections of Dhamma (Bodhisattva Path), he was reborn as a Ta Pian fish.

In that life, the Bodhisattva Ta Pian fish was renowned for his benevolence. He selflessly assisted seafaring merchants by guiding and protecting their boats during trade voyages and, as a result, ensured their safety and commercial success. This compassionate act imprinted a legacy of prosperity and protection that has been carried forward in Thai cultural symbolism.

---

2. Symbolism of the Ta Pian Fish

In Thai tradition, fish represent abundance and sustenance, reflected in the common proverb:

“Nai nam mee pla, nai na mee khao”, meaning “In the water, there is fish; in the field, there is rice.”

This reflects the ideal state of prosperity and food security.

The Ta Pian fish also holds important significance in Chinese and Sino-Thai communities, particularly among the Teochew. In Chinese culture, the word for fish (yu) is a homonym for abundance or surplus, leading to auspicious phrases such as “yu yu you yu” (abundance year after year). At traditional Teochew weddings, fish dishes are commonly served to symbolize ongoing wealth and prosperity for the couple.

---

3. Amulet Design and Materials

Luang Phor Chong crafted the Ta Pian amulets in paired form, symbolizing balance and dual fortune. Traditionally:

• The male Ta Pian is made in silver (Ngern).

• The female Ta Pian is crafted in gold (Thong).

Though referred to as silver and gold, the color differentiation was typically achieved through electroplating techniques applied to a base alloy, usually bronze or mixed sacred metals.

Each Ta Pian amulet features sacred Buddhist yantras, meticulously inscribed onto the metal sheets before casting. These include:

• Yant Phra Kawambodi (Sangajayana) – for wisdom and spiritual protection

• Yant Phra Sivali – associated with luck and abundance

• Yant Nang Kwak – for attracting wealth and business success

The inscribed metal sheets are melted, recast, and then pressed into fish-shaped molds. A hole is added to the top fin, allowing the amulet to be hung in homes, shops, on boats, or even worn on one’s person (such as in a shirt pocket).

On the abdomen of each Ta Pian, a Thai word identifies the sex of the fish (male or female), in keeping with traditional pairing symbolism.

---

4. Ritual Consecration and Blessing

The Ta Pian amulets made by Luang Phor Chong were consecrated with a high level of ritual integrity. After forming the physical body of the fish amulet, they were blessed in ceremonial gatherings. These rites often involved continuous chanting of protective Buddhist mantras, the most notable being:

• Katha Na Cha Li Ti – the Essence of Phra Chim or Sivali Kata, known for attracting wealth, luck, and favor

Luang Phor Chong’s consecration methods were rooted in deep meditative discipline and the authentic lineage of Thai Buddhist wicha (sacred sciences), making his amulets particularly potent.

---

5. Cultural and Practical Usage

The Ta Pian amulet served both spiritual and practical purposes for traditional Thai communities:

• Shopkeepers hang them at the front and back of their store to attract wealth and guard the business.

• Farmers suspend them in granaries or fields to protect crops from insects and increase productivity.

• Sailors and merchants in ancient times would place a Ta Pian pair at the bow and stern of their boats to guide safe travel and ensure successful trade.

• In modern urban settings, many wear the Ta Pian pair as pocket charms or hang them above entryways for household blessings.

---

6. Historical Significance of LP Chong’s Batch (BE 2497)

The most sought-after edition of Luang Phor Chong’s Ta Pian fish was made around B.E. 2497 (1954). These amulets are now rare and highly collectible, distinguished by their:

• Authentic handcrafted form

• Traditional yantras

• Clearly defined male/female abdominal inscriptions

• Original blessing lineage directly from Luang Phor Chong

---

7. Legacy and Value

Today, Luang Phor Chong’s Ta Pian Wealth-Fetching Fish amulets are considered iconic in the realm of Thai sacred objects. They are widely admired not only for their unique design and Buddhist symbolism but also for their field-tested spiritual efficacy—particularly in the areas of:

• Business luck and commercial growth

• Household protection

• Fertility of the land and fortune in agriculture

• Spiritual charm and metta (kindness)

Collectors, businesspeople, and devotees continue to revere these amulets as timeless representations of abundant blessings, both in material and spiritual forms.