Wat Bangkhunprom Chendi History

 

The discovery of the Phra Somdej amulets from the Bang Khun Phrom crypt revealed an unusual method for retrieving these sacred objects. A bamboo pole, approximately 2 wa (4 meters) long, was modified by breaking through all its joints and inserting a thick, raw thread through the hollow. The thread, knotted at the end and spread into a tassel, was dipped in clay, forming a ball roughly the size of a hand span. This bamboo pole was inserted through a ventilation hole into the pagoda’s crypt, where the Phra Somdej amulets were stored. By lowering the pole, the clay-covered tassel would come into contact with the amulets below. Depending on one's luck, some amulets would adhere to the clay, though repeated attempts were often needed to secure any.

This retrieval process happened on three major occasions:

First Retrieval (B.E. 2425 / 1882):
Luang Wit Samruam recounted that the initial retrieval occurred around B.E. 2425, when he was 12 years old (and he was 97 when recounting this in March 2005). This initial event followed the growing fame of Phra Somdej amulets after B.E. 2416, shortly after the passing of Somdej Phra Buddhacharn Toh. These amulets were reputed for their healing powers, which led to an increased demand. While Phra Somdej amulets from Wat Rakhang were already depleted, it was known that Somdej Phra Buddhacharn Toh and his attendant, Ta Duang, had placed more at Wat Bang Khun Phrom around B.E. 2413. As a result, people sought ways to retrieve them from the pagoda. This first retrieval reportedly yielded the highest number of amulets due to the abundant initial supply.

Second Retrieval (1893 / R.S. 112):
In 1893, during the period of tension between Thailand and France, there was a surge in demand for Phra Somdej amulets as protection against potential conflict. At that time, people flocked to Wat Mai Bang Khun Phrom to obtain these amulets. Luang Sri Saraban recalled arriving at the temple to find the grounds crowded with people competing for amulets. Phra Aksorn Sombat, a prominent tycoon from the area and grandson of Ta Duang (who had restored the temple), was responsible for overseeing the retrieval process. Phra Aksorn Sombat himself acquired around 500 amulets. Given the large number he collected, he even ground broken amulets into powder, remolding them into new Phra Somdej amulets with a denser texture, then returned these recreated amulets to the original Phra Somdej stupa.

Third Retrieval (1907):
The last major retrieval in 1907 was extensive, lasting several months, but yielded fewer amulets than expected, often revealing only bricks. To address this, someone proposed pouring water through the ventilation holes, allowing it to erode the soil layer over the amulets, thereby exposing them. Water was poured continuously, sometimes all night, allowing the crypt to dry before resuming. This method revealed a higher number of amulets, though sporadic retrieval continued for months after until it gradually ceased.

These three major retrieval events helped circulate Phra Somdej amulets among devotees, preserving their legacy as sacred items with strong spiritual and historical significance.

Opening the Phra Somdej Bangkhunprom Crypt (Chendi)

In B.E. 2500 (1957), Wat Bangkhunprom (now Wat Mai Amataros) sought assistance from the Fine Arts Department to officially open the Phra Somdej crypt. Field Marshal Prabhas Charusathien, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was invited to preside over the ceremony on November 24. The amulets uncovered during this opening were dubbed “New Kru Somdej Bangkhunprom” by collectors and devotees. After sorting, 2,950 amulets were found in excellent condition, each stamped with the temple's seal to prevent counterfeiting. These amulets were distributed to the public as part of a merit-making initiative and were quickly rented out. A significant number were given to Field Marshal Prabhas Charusathien and high-ranking officials who came to support the temple.

According to legend, around 84,000 Somdej amulets were originally placed in the crypt to represent the number of teachings in the Buddhist doctrine (Dharma Khandha). The “New Somdej Bangkhunprom” amulets displayed slight variations due to the hurried nature of their creation and pressing process, resulting in some molds appearing shallow or less defined. During the official release, batches of amulets were stamped every 100 pieces for ease of distribution, though some amulets remained unstamped.

A substantial number of these Somdej amulets were given to Field Marshal Prabhas Charusathien in recognition of his sizable donation to the temple, totaling approximately 1.5 million baht. He stored a large portion of the amulets at Ban Sam Ruedu in Lampang Province, under the care of his mother, Chao Buathong (Na Lampang) Charusathien. Over time, many of these amulets were donated to temples throughout Lampang and distributed to the public during merit-making events such as Kathin, Pha Pa, and other special occasions, reaching people in Lampang and nearby regions.