Somdej Toh Phrommarangsi, Wat Rakang

Biography of Somdej Toh Phrommarangsi – The Great Monk of Wat Rakhang

Somdej Phra Buddhacarya (Toh Phrommarangsi), also known as Somdej Toh, Luang Pu Toh, or Luang Phor Toh, is one of the most revered monks of the Rattanakosin period. He is remembered as the creator of the Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang amulet and a master of Vipassana meditation, widely respected for his wisdom, wit, and compassion.

Somdej Toh Phrommarangsi, Wat Rakhang

Early Life and Ordination

Somdej Toh was born on Thursday, 12th waxing moon of the 5th lunar month, Year of the Monkey, Chula Era 1150 (1788 CE), in Ayutthaya. His mother was Lady Ngud Ket, while his father remains unclear. At 13, he ordained as a novice at Wat Yai Muang Phichit and later as a monk in 1808 (B.E. 2351) at Wat Takrai, Phitsanulok, under royal sponsorship.

Spiritual Training

He studied with many masters, most importantly Somdej Phra Sangkharaj Suk Kai Theun, who taught him Vipassana, Samatha meditation, and sacred sciences, including the knowledge of amulet creation. His years of ascetic travel deepened his practice and wisdom.

Leadership at Wat Rakhang

In 1852 (B.E. 2395), he became abbot of Wat Rakhang Khositaram. Although he disliked formal rank, he was eventually bestowed the title Somdej Phra Buddhacarya in B.E. 2407. He restored the ubosot, Buddha images, and made the temple a center of spiritual life in Bangkok.

Legends and Anecdotes

  • The Center of the Earth – To foreigners asking for proof, he declared every spot is the center of the earth, illustrating with a circle around his fan.
  • Lottery Tale – When asked about winning numbers, he replied: “My lottery numbers slip through the cracks.”
  • Mae Nak Ghost – He subdued the ghost of Nang Nak by sanctifying her forehead bone, ensuring she never haunted again.

Creation of the Phra Somdej Amulets

His greatest legacy is the creation of the Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang amulets, later part of the Benjapakee set. Sources differ, but all agree he aimed to preserve Buddhism through these amulets, producing vast numbers, especially 5-tier, 6-tier, 7-tier molds and special types like Bodhi-leaf and Garuda-head. Many were enshrined at Wat Chaiyo, Ang Thong.

Types of Amulets

  • 3-tier
  • 5-tier
  • 6-tier
  • 7-tier
  • Bodhi-leaf
  • Lotus-bud
  • Garuda-head (Kaiser)
  • Sanghati
  • Double-base

Over time, records describe 29 well-documented types, with as many as 73 variations in existence.

Death and Legacy

Somdej Toh passed away on June 22, 1872 (B.E. 2415) at the age of 85. He had been a monk for 64 years and abbot of Wat Rakhang for two decades. Today, his Phra Somdej amulets are revered for protection, prosperity, invulnerability, and metta, and are considered priceless treasures of Thai Buddhism.

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