Phra Somdej Ketmongkol Lang Yant Sao Ha (Roon 2) • BE 2512
Wat Pho Nimit • Sacred Powder (Pong Phuttakhun) • Five-Line Yantra Reverse
Main obverse — Buddha in Maravijaya over stepped throne; crisp powder grain and age-earned matte patina.
Historical Significance
Issued in BE 2512 (1969 CE) at Wat Pho Nimit, this Roon 2 (“Second Batch”) followed the success of the first Ketmongkol issue. It represents the late-Rattanakosin devotional revival when temples mobilised sacred objects to fund restoration and anchor community faith. Consecrated in Putthapisek (ritual empowerment), it was created for auspicious fortune (mongkhon) and broad protection for lay devotees.
Front view.
Contextual Insight: The “Ketmongkol” naming signals prosperity rites; the reverse Hah Taew draws from protective wicha (esoteric know-how) shared across central Thai and Khmer monastic networks. This Somdej-plus-yantra format is less common and prized by collectors who study cross-lineage protective iconography.
Reverse — Hah Taew (Five-Line) yantra in Khom script; even press, light edge flake from long wear.
Temple of Origin & Master’s Discipline
Wat Pho Nimit is noted for disciplined chant cycles and seated meditation (samādhi) in its consecration work. The workshop kept Somdej proportions austere: clean steps, firm shoulder line, and compact halo — hallmarks of a devotional piece meant for daily wear. The guiding tradition is mongkhon-katha (“auspicious invocations”), integrating paritta suttas with regional wicha.
Side — layered sacred powder matrix with natural drying waves and hand-press feathering.
Materials & Craftsmanship
| Material | Pong Phuttakhun sacred powders; temple soil; scripture-ash (Ittijay); herbal binders; fine mineral grit. |
| Mold / Pim | Somdej Ketmongkol pim; strong step geometry; compact oval halo; balanced shoulder slope. |
| Consecration | Multi-cycle Putthapisek; prosperity (ket-mongkhon) and protection (klaew-klaad) chants; candle-smoke sealing. |
Side — powder stratification and natural micro-pitting associated with late-1960s formulations.
Spiritual Function & Doctrinal Purpose
According to Thai Buddhist belief, the piece supports Klaew Klaad (danger evasion), Metta Mahaniyom (social goodwill), Maha Lap (fortune), and Kongkrapan (robust protection). The reverse Hah Taew is read as five strands of safeguard and auspicious momentum for everyday life.
Rarity & Collector Significance
Assessed as Rare / collector-grade among late-BE2500s Somdej issues. Collectors look for correct step ratios, halo contour, pressed grain, and period patina. Documented casts with intact yantra reverse and minimal edge loss are increasingly sought after as mid-century temple productions gain scholarly attention.
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Disclaimer: This write-up supports cultural and academic appreciation of Thai Buddhist material heritage. Authentication notes aid study and personal appreciation and are not legal or forensic certification.