Phra Somdet Wat Rakhang Khositaraam (พระสมเด็จวัดระฆังโฆสิตาราม)

Thai. Name of a popular and well-known Buddhist amulet from Wat Rakhang Khositaraam Woramahawihaan (วัดระฆังโฆสิตารามวรมหาวิหาร) in Bangkok, which depicts a Buddha image seated in the pahng samahti or meditation pose, and is believed to offer protection against weapons, and to provide cures and steadfastness. It was first made and consecrated by Somdet Phra Phutthajaan (สมเด็จ พุฒาจารย์), who is also known as Toh Phromrangsih (โต พรหมรังสี - fig.) and who made them with various holy mixtures, such as relics, holy woods, several kinds of pollen, and other amulets that he collected from different places during pilgrimages. The amulet became well-known and popular as a cure against Asiatic cholera in the time of Somdet Buddhajahn. When it was first produced in mass by artisans from the royal court, and while many were distributed among the populace, the rest was kept in the main chedi of Wat Rakang. It is part of a set of five amulets, that are collectively known as Phra Khreuang Benjaphahkhih (fig.), which are associated with the five elements, and of which Phra Somdet Wat Rakhang Khositaraam represents the element of earth. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回