Phra Somdej 9 Chan Nur Phong BE2515 Wat Doi Suthep Consecrated by Luang Phor Kuay (Lp Kuay) Wat Kositaram and many reputable monks
Phra Somdej 9 Chan Nur Phong BE 2515
Temple: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Presiding Consecrator: Luang Phor Kuay (Lp Kuay), Wat Kositaram
Circa: BE 2515 (1972 CE) | Material: Nur Phong (Sacred Powder)
Introduction to Phra Somdej 9 Chan: A Royal-Level Blessing
The Phra Somdej 9 Chan (Nine-Tiered) amulet from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Thailand's most spiritually significant powder amulets from the modern era. Consecrated in the monumental year BE 2515 (1972 CE), this piece is not only associated with the issuing temple in Chiang Mai but also with the involvement of the legendary master, Luang Phor Kuay (Lp Kuay) of Wat Kositaram, and many of the era’s most revered monks. Struck from potent Nur Phong (Sacred Powder), the Phra Somdej 9 Chan carries immense power for protection, prestige, and spiritual advancement, marking it as a highly collectible and powerful item blessed during a royal-level ceremony presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
%20Wat%20Kositaram%20and%20many%20reputable%20monks.png "The revered Phra Somdej 9 Chan Nur Phong BE 2515")
Figure 1: Front view of the Phra Somdej 9 Chan Nur Phong BE 2515 from Wat Doi Suthep.
Historical Context: The B.E. 2515 Grand Ceremony
The creation of the Phra Somdej 9 Chan is tied to one of the most significant amulet blessing ceremonies of the post-WWII era. Held at the majestic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai Province in B.E. 2515 (1972 CE), the event was a national spiritual gathering. This amulet was made alongside the famous Phra Ruang Rang Puen amulet, signifying its importance and the level of spiritual power infused into the batch. The ceremony was a landmark event, presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, bringing together dozens of the most respected masters in Thailand.
Purpose of Creation: The Amulet's Mandate
The Phra Somdej 9 Chan was produced by Wat Doi Suthep as part of a sacred, royal-endorsed initiative. The purposes of making the amulet included:
- To support restoration and development projects at the temple.
- To promote Buddhism and distribute spiritually empowered objects for protection among the faithful.
- To commemorate a grand national-level blessing ceremony involving some of the most venerated monks in the country.
Materials and Craftsmanship: The Potency of Nur Phong
Molded in the classic rectangular Somdej form, the amulet features the Buddha in the meditation posture, seated distinctly on nine layers of base (chan), which is symbolic of spiritual advancement and attainment through the nine stages of purification in Theravāda Buddhism. The material used, Nur Phong (Sacred Powder), was a powerful blend of highly auspicious components:
- Sacred powders from old amulets (Phra Kao).
- Incense ash and candle wax from prior high-level Buddhist rituals.
- Pollens and sacred soils gathered from important temple grounds and holy sites across Thailand.
- Powdered remains from revered previous batches of Wat Doi Suthep and collaborating masters.
The amulet typically displays a light beige to pale gray color, reflecting the mixed organic composition, and often has a soft, chalky texture with visible inclusions.
Figure 2: Detail showing the unique texture of the Nur Phong material.
Consecration and Spiritual Empowerment: The Gathering of Great Monks
This Phra Somdej was consecrated during the same royal-level Phutthaphisek ceremony as the revered Phra Ruang Rang Puen amulet in B.E. 2515. The sheer spiritual weight of this event is evidenced by the list of participating masters, confirming the intense empowerment the amulets received.
Key Masters Participating in the Ceremony:
- Luang Phor Kuay (Wat Kositaram)
- Luang Phor Kasem (Wat Suan Dok)
- Luang Phor Waen (Wat Doi Mae Pang)
- Luang Phor Toh (Wat Pradoochimplee)
- Ajahn Nam (Wat Dhammasathit)
- Ajahn Chum Chaikiri
- Luang Phor Ngern (Wat Don Yai Hom)
- Kruba Chum
- Kruba Kham Saen
The empowerment session included long recitations of protective and auspicious Pali sutras, meditative energy transfer by the monks through deep *samadhi*, and ritual invocation of *devas* and *bodhisattvas* for protective energy.
Figure 3: Reverse side detail, often revealing unique natural powder characteristics.
Spiritual Significance and Benefits: Protection, Wealth, and Charm
As a Phra Somdej, this amulet is primarily a piece of high spiritual merit, but its creation by masters like LP Kuay infuses it with comprehensive worldly benefits, making it an extremely potent talisman for holistic support. The benefits and advantages of wearing the Phra Somdej 9 Chan include:
- Protection (Klaew Klaad & Kongkraphan): Provides powerful protection from harm, danger, and spiritual threats. The deep blessing by the many masters is believed to offer invulnerability and safety.
- Wealth and Nobility (Choke Laap & Serm Yot): How it brings wealth and nobleman support is through enhancing the wearer's career, authority, and destiny (serm duang), attracting influential people (noblemen) and opportunities that lead to financial growth and stability.
- Love and Kindness (Metta Mahaniyom): How it brings love and kindness from people is by radiating a charismatic aura, ensuring the wearer is well-liked, respected, and receives goodwill and support in social and professional circles.
- Attraction (Maha Saney): While not its primary function, the Metta Mahaniyom power subtly increases the wearer's personal magnetism, indirectly aiding in success and attraction to the opposite sex.
- Spiritual Growth: Supports the wearer's morality, enhances mental clarity, and strengthens Dhamma practice due to its Nine-Tiered symbolism.
Figure 4: Profile view showcasing the high arch and molded depth of the amulet.
Rarity and Collectibility: A Monumental Batch
The Phra Somdej 9 Chan BE 2515 is considered valuable and highly sought after. Why it is rare stems from its connection to the highest levels of Thai Buddhist sanctity and its historical context:
- Royal Association: The batch was blessed in a ceremony presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, instantly elevating its prestige and collectibility worldwide.
- Master Lineage: The consecration brought together a gathering of legendary monks—many now deceased—whose combined spiritual power is considered unmatched. Collectors seek pieces touched by masters like LP Kuay and LP Toh.
- Limited Availability: While produced in large numbers for distribution, original pieces with clear temple provenance and clear features are now increasingly rare and highly desired by collectors of royal-batch amulets and followers of the participating masters.
Summary and Conclusion
The Phra Somdej 9 Chan Nur Phong BE 2515 from Wat Doi Suthep is a magnificent piece of Thai Buddhist history. It represents a confluence of northern and central Thai spiritual traditions, consecrated by a galaxy of revered masters, including Luang Phor Kuay. More than just an amulet, it is a spiritual tool that offers robust protection, attracts wealth and nobleman support, and promotes spiritual growth and goodwill in daily life. For the serious devotee, this amulet is an essential link to a golden age of Thai monastic power.
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