Rian Gao Sangkarach Gao Rachagarn Suwannabhumi Witayalai Commemorative Coin: A Thai Royal Amulet of Historical Importance
The Rian Gao Sangkarach Gao Rachagarn Suwannabhumi Witayalai coin is a highly sacred and revered Thai amulet of national and historic importance. Commissioned by Luang Por Plueang of Wat Suwannabhumi, this coin features nine high Sangha monks and the first nine kings of the Chakri Dynasty. Luang Por Plueang invited the great Luang Por Mui of Wat Don Rai and various other masters of the time to assist in the empowerment of the amulets.
The Royal Figures Depicted on the Coin
On one face of the coin, the nine kings of the Chakri Dynasty are featured. They are:
- Pra Jao Prohm Maharach
- Pra Jao Meng Rai Maharach
- Por Khun Ramkamhaeng Maharach
- Pra Jao U-Tong Maharach
- Pra Naresuan Maharach
- Pra Narai Maharach
- Pra Jao Thaksin Maharach
- Pra Putta Yord fa Jula Loke Maharach
- Pra Bpiyamaharach
On the other side of the coin, the nine Sangkaracha monks are depicted. They are:
- Somdej Pra Sangkarach (Sukh Gai Thuean)
- Somdej Pra Maha Samana Jao Grom Pra Bparamānuchit Chinoros
- Somdej Pra Maha Samana Jao Grom Prayābovoresariyālonkorn
- Somdej Pra Maha Samana Jao Grom Pra Yaw Chinayānawārōros
- Somdej Pra Sangkarach Jao Pra Jao Vorawongs Ter
- Somdej Pra Sangkarach (Pae)
- Somdej Pra Sangkarach Jao Grom Luang Vachirayānawongs
- Somdej Pra Sangkarach (Plod)
- Somdej Pra Sangkarach (Yoo)
Purpose of the Creation of the Amulet
The purpose of creating this amulet was to commemorate the building of the Roeng Rien Suwannabhumi Witayalai Dhamma College for teaching the Pariyatti Dhamma to Buddhist monks. The amulets were released in the year 2505 BE and were handed out to devotees for a mere 2 Baht donation. This led to the amulet being known as the ‘Pra Sorng Baht’, meaning ‘2 Baht Buddha’.
The Buddha Abhiseka Ceremony
The Buddha Abhiseka Ceremony included the presence of the following Master Monks:
- Somdej Sangkarach Pha (Wat Pra Chetupol)
- Tan Jao Khun Sawai (Wat Ban Krang)
- Luang Por Plueang (Wat Suwannabhumi)
- Luang Por Mui (Wat Don Rai)
- Luang Por Dam (Wat Nor)
- Luang Por Dtaem (Wat Pra Loi)
- Luang Por Ort (Wat Sala Khaw)
- Luang Phu To, of Wat Lard Tarn.
The Second Edition of Amulets
Luang Por Plueang did not release a second edition of amulets for six years after the first edition. When he released the second edition of Ria Gao Sangkarach Gao amulets, which have been seen to have been made in reverence to both the nine great monks and the nine great Kings of the Chakri dynasty, by various temples and master monks. This particular amulet design is hence a classic and well-known object of faith for Thai Buddhist people.
In conclusion, the Rian Gao Sangkarach Gao Rachagarn Suwannabhumi Witayalai commemorative coin is a highly sacred and revered Thai Buddhist coin amulet of national and historic importance. Commissioned by Luang Por Plueang of Wat Suwannabhumi, the amulet features nine high Sangha monks and the first nine kings of the Chakri dynasty. It was created to commemorate the building of the Roeng Rien Suwannabhumi Witayalai Dhamma College for teaching the Pariyatti Dhamma to Buddhist monks. The amulets were released in the year 2505 BE and were handed out to devotees for a mere 2 Baht donation.
This first edition coin is popular both with Thai Buddhists who revere the Sangkaracha monks and with those who collect royal amulets and regalia. It is a classic collector’s item, especially for those who collect all series of the 9 Sangkarach 9 Rachagarn amulets. The amulet is a testament to the craftsmanship of the various master monks who were invited to assist in its creation, and a symbol of the deep reverence that Thai Buddhists have for their religious history and traditions.
