Phra Somdej Song Garuda Pim Klang (Medium) BE2518 (1968) Wat Sin Kan (Thung Si Gun) Donmuang King Rama IX (9) (Bhumobol Adulyadei) with temple box

Phra Somdej Song Garuda Pim Klang (Medium) mixed with gold flakes BE2518 (1968) Wat Sin Kan (Thung Si Gun) Donmuang King Rama IX (9) (Bhumobol Adulyadei) with temple box

 

1. Amulet

• Amulet Name: Phra Somdej Song Garuda Pim Klang (Medium)

• Year: B.E. 2518 (1968)

• Temple: Wat Sin Kan (Thung Si Gun), Don Mueang, Bangkok

• Edition: Royal commemorative batch associated with King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej)

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2. Background & Significance

• This amulet was commissioned and overseen by King Rama IX as part of his personal efforts to support Thai Buddhism and promote peace and unity across the nation.

• The Song Garuda (Double Garuda) design symbolizes both royal authority and divine protection, merging Buddhist sanctity with monarchy symbolism.

• The Pim Klang size is a medium-format of the Somdej family, making it suitable for both altar placement and personal wear.

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3. Purpose of the Making

• Created as a sacred object for protection, spiritual merit, and prosperity, to be distributed in connection with temple development and national religious events.

• It aimed to promote national harmony during the early developmental phase of Don Mueang and to support Wat Sin Kan in religious education and community outreach.

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4. Materials & Visual Features

• Sacred Powder (Nur Phong) mixture includes:

  • Crushed ancient amulets

  • Temple incense ash

  • Powder from sacred scripture wrapping cloth

  • Soil from royal temple grounds

  • Gold flakes mixed into the surface, clearly visible on most amulets, symbolizing divine illumination and royal merit

• Molded in the Somdej-style with a dual Garuda base, representing heavenly guardianship over the Buddhist teachings and the Thai nation.

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5. Consecration & Ritual Blessings

• The amulet underwent a multi-stage consecration process including:

  • Preliminary chanting and sanctification by monks at Wat Sin Kan

  • Major Buddha Abhiseka Ceremony, attended by high-ranking monks of Bangkok’s inner districts

  • Use of Chinnabanchorn, Itthipiso, and Garuda katha as principal mantras

  • Rituals supervised in spirit by royal patrons, with oversight from King Rama IX’s religious council

  • Amulets placed in temple boxes afterward to preserve sanctity

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6. Temple Box

• Each amulet was distributed with its original temple box, featuring Wat Sin Kan insignia, ensuring authenticity and ritual integrity

• These boxes are now a key collector’s indicator for first-batch, 1968 issues

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7. Recognition, Rarity & Value

• Highly sought after due to:

  • Direct association with King Rama IX’s personal patronage

  • Rare use of visible gold flakes embedded in sacred powder

  • Dual-Garuda symbolism

  • Pim Klang format’s collectibility

• Strong reputation for Klaew Klaad (evasion of danger), Metta Maha Niyom (loving-kindness and popularity), and Maha Lap (great fortune)

• Considered a milestone royal temple issue of the late 1960s

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8. Summary

The Phra Somdej Song Garuda Pim Klang B.E. 2518 of Wat Sin Kan, Don Mueang is one of the most spiritually significant amulets issued under King Rama IX’s reign. With royal involvement, a rare dual-Garuda motif, and gold flakes embedded in sacred powder, this edition stands out both spiritually and historically. The original temple box further validates its authenticity and ceremonial importance, making it a prized possession for both devotees and collectors.