Phra Rhod is the oldest amulet in Thailand, dated back over 1,300 years.
Phra Rhod was created by the Queen Chama Dhewi when she came from Lawoh (Lopburi) to Haripoonchai (Lampoon) to rule the city in B.E. 1223. On this occasion, Queen Chama Dhewi built 4 temples at each corners of the city, called “Jatu Buddha Prakarn” and the 4 great hermits were invited into this ceremony. The 4 hermits had created their own amulets and keep safe in Chedi of 4 temples in North, South, West and East of Haripoonchai city. The purpose was to expand the Buddha religion and bless the city.
Mahawan Temple (Mahawanaram Temple) was one of the 4 temples, located in the west of Lampoon. Within Mahawan Temple, there was a large Chedi which contained Phra Rhod, made by Phra Sumnanartara Lersi who came from the west of the city (Chuha Mountain (Doi Intanon) and Sanumahapon (Mahawan)).
The name of Phra Rhod was from hermit’s name, “Nartara Lersi” and changed to “Na Rhod”. The meaning is protection and being safe from all dangers and disasters.
Phra Rhod was found at Mahawan Temple. Buddhistic Art was during the middle age of Haripoonchai (Lampoon), 13th to 14th century, after Dvaravati period.
The appearance of Phra Rhod is the sitting Buddha Image with the gesture of Subduing Mara which is the uniqueness of North Indian Buddha Image (Mahayarn).
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| Luang Phor Piti Pong, Samnak Sung Weng Papo, Songkhla. |
