Phra Kru Pim Soom Thong Nur DIn Wat Klang Thung, Ayutthaya, Est. 400-500 years (with DD-Pra Certificate)

Phra Kru Pim Soom Thong Nur DIn 

Wat Klang Thung, Ayutthaya, Est. 400-500 years

(with DD-Pra Certificate)

History of Phra Kru Pim Soom Thong

(Nur Din – Clay Amulet, Wat Klang Thung, Ayutthaya, ca. 400–500 years old)

Historical Background of Wat Klang Thung

• Location: Wat Klang Thung, Ayutthaya Province, Central Thailand.

• Era of Establishment: The temple is believed to have been constructed during the late Ayutthaya period, approximately 400–500 years ago.

• Cultural Role: Like many Ayutthaya-era temples, Wat Klang Thung served as both a religious and community center, where amulets and sacred objects were created to promote faith, protection, and merit-making.

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Purpose of Creation

• Religious Protection: The amulets were created as Phra Kru (buried trove amulets), intended to be interred within the temple’s stupa or Chedi as part of a ritual to consecrate and safeguard the temple grounds.

• Merit-Making: They were also designed to distribute spiritual merit to donors and devotees, linking them with the sacred power of Buddhism.

• Long-Term Preservation: By burying these amulets in a Kru (reliquary chamber), they were both protected and spiritually charged over centuries.

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Design and Pim (Mold)

• Pim Soom Thong: The word “Pim” refers to the mold or style of the image, while “Soom Thong” may describe a specific posture or pattern characteristic of Ayutthaya-era craftsmanship.

• Stylistic Features:

  • Influenced by early Ayutthaya Buddhist art, blending Sukhothai elegance with Ayutthaya strength.

  • Typically features the Buddha seated in meditation posture, simple yet dignified.

  • Distinctive archaic clay impression, often showing natural wear, surface granules, and patina due to centuries of preservation.

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Materials (Nur Din – Clay)

• Primary Substance: Sacred clay (Din Phong) mixed with powders.

• Additives: Often included temple earth, herbal powder, pollen, and traces of earlier sacred substances.

• Sacred Preparation: Clay was blessed and molded under chanting, then sun-dried or kiln-fired.

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Consecration and Burial (Kru)

• Ritual Process: After molding, the amulets were consecrated through chanting ceremonies led by monks of Wat Klang Thung.

• Interment: Placed inside the temple’s main stupa or hidden compartments within the Ubosot or Chedi.

• Spiritual Purpose: Intended to guard the temple from destruction, preserve the Dhamma in the locality, and act as a time capsule of merit for future generations.

• Discovery: Centuries later, when the Kru chambers were opened, these amulets were unearthed—hence the name Phra Kru Pim Soom Thong.

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Age and Estimation

• Estimated Age: Approximately 400–500 years, dating back to the late Ayutthaya period (circa 16th–17th century CE).

• Historical Context: This was a time of flourishing Buddhist art and expansion of Ayutthaya as a powerful kingdom. Amulet-making was widespread and deeply tied to both state and religion.

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Spiritual Significance

• Protective Power: Believed to shield wearers from harm, danger, and misfortune.

• Metta (Loving-kindness): Enhances compassion, charm, and goodwill.

• Merit Connection: Owning or venerating these amulets connects one with the accumulated merit of centuries of monks and lay devotees.

• Sacred Legacy: Represents Ayutthaya craftsmanship and the enduring devotion of Thai Buddhists over generations.

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Rarity and Collectibility

• Condition: Genuine pieces often display signs of age, including soil encrustation, worn edges, and natural cracks from long burial.

• Rarity: Considered highly rare due to the limited number discovered in Kru excavations.

• Value: Recognized as a heritage-class amulet prized by collectors for its age, history, and authenticity.

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✅ In summary: Phra Kru Pim Soom Thong, Nur Din of Wat Klang Thung is an Ayutthaya-period amulet created 400–500 years ago, consecrated and buried within the temple’s Kru chamber for preservation and protection. When unearthed, these amulets revealed the artistry, faith, and spiritual power of their era, making them invaluable both as sacred objects and historical artifacts.