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'Phra Pidta Luang Pho Kaew Wat Khrueawan' King of Phra Pidta
"Phra Pidta" is another type of amulet that features unique Buddhist art. It prominently represents the "implication" or "mystery" of Buddhist art, which involves the closure of the anus or the sealing of the entrance to the exit of all defilements. In the human body, there are nine openings, including 2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 ears, 1 mouth, as well as the front and back two excretory channels, collectively forming the "nine orifices." This serves the purpose of preventing defilements from the outside from entering the inside, especially for the practice of meditation.
Thailand began creating Phra Pidta amulets during the late Ayutthaya period. From available evidence, the first Phra Pidta amulet discovered was made of metal. It is known as "Phra Pidta Kru, Wat Tai Yan, Sankhaburi District, Chainat Province." Their popularity began to rise during the early Rattanakosin period and has continued since. Various materials are used to create these blessed amulets, including lead and lead-based substances, powder mixed with lacquer, palm leaf powder, mass powder, bronze material, Mek Phan material, Mek Sit material, and more.
In the procession of famous and revered ancient monks, you can find many variations of Phra Pidta, such as Phra Pidta Luang Por Kaew from Wat Khrueawan, Chonburi Province, Phra Pidta Wat Phlap from Ratchasitharam Temple, Phra Pidta Wat Nang, Phra Pidta Wat Thong, Phra Pidta Luang Pu Suk, Phra Pidta Rae Bang Phai from Wat Moli, and Phra Pidta Luang Pu Yim, among others. However, when people think of "Phra Pidta mixed with love," they often associate it with Phra Pidta Luang Pho Kaew from Wat Khrueawan, Chonburi Province. This particular amulet is renowned for being the best Phra Pidta made from a mixture imbued with love, aside from its beautiful appearance, it is believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and protection. The saying "Great charm and kindness" is associated with it, where even the smallest of efforts can have a significant impact.
Phra Pidta from Luang Pho Kaew is highly regarded and often referred to as the "King of powdered Phra Pidta." It is considered one of the sets in the "Benjapakee Phra Pidta," which holds the highest value today, especially when authentic and in perfect condition, each amulet can be worth tens of millions. These amulets are made from a mixture that includes 108 auspicious herbs, such as kai kuk wood, rak parasite, gooseberry parasite, tamarind parasite, and more. This mixture is combined with itthije powder, pathamang powder, Buddhakhun powder, ground into a fine powder, and then filtered. Love water is used as a binder, along with lacquer seeds from the auspicious lacquer tree. The result is a finely detailed Buddha image with brown and red pigments, often resulting from the sparse growth of herbal plants. If the amulet is worn, the fine, brownish-black texture inside is sometimes visible, referred to as "shell meat" due to its appearance resembling an old polished shell. Some amulets are lacquered or gilded, with a triangular shape and curved corners similar to a fingernail. The main Buddha image is depicted in a seated, cross-legged position, with a plump body, raised hands, and closed eyes, conveying protection for the entire face. The front print is divided into five types: large print, medium print, small print, mini print, and molded print, each with its unique characteristics. The presence of the "Siramonthon Line" (radius line) around the head, a protruding navel, and the right elbow slightly higher than the left are important features to consider in an authentic Phra Pidta Luang Pho Kaew amulet.
The large print features a prominent, swollen hand covering the face on both sides, with no visible fingers. The arms have smooth ends and are of the same texture as the neck. A grille is present on the top, though the depth may vary. The Buddha image's right ear is attached to the chest, while the left side is slightly apart. The right breast is slightly higher than the left, and the wrists are small with a visible groove. The arms, from shoulder to elbow, are chubby and thick, curving outward like muscles. The legs in a meditative pose are thick on both sides, with a sharp, deep diagonal groove.
The medium print has a rounded head, with the face obscured due to the raised and closed hands, concealing the fingers. Both ears are close to the face, creating a rounder and larger appearance. The arms, from the shoulders to the elbows, are thick and plump, dropping down. The arms from the elbows to the wrists are also plump and thick but smaller. Some wrists are not continuous with the hands, resembling amputated arms. The kappa (elbows) on both sides are rounded and long, almost touching the thigh, with a convex Utara.
The small print also has a rounded head with the face obscured by raised and closed hands, without visible fingers. Both ears are close to the face, giving a rounder and larger appearance. The arms, from the shoulders to the elbows, are thick and plump, dropping down. The arms from the elbows to the wrists are plump and thick but smaller. Some wrists are not continuous with the hands, resembling amputated arms. The kappa (elbows) on both sides are rounded and long, almost touching the thigh, with a convex Utara.
The back mold of Phra Pidta Luang Pho Kaew can be categorized into three types: a pattern back print, a smooth back print, and a Yantra back print. The pattern back print resembles the front but with deeper concaves, often oval like a duck's egg. Fingers on the hands may be faintly visible. The depth and depth of the printing may vary. The smooth back print is self-explanatory, with a smooth and normal back. The Yantra back print features a stamped Yantra, which is deep, sharp, and consistent, adding more magical intensity compared to other prints, though these are rare.
In conclusion, Phra Pidta amulets made from a mixture of lacquer, as created by Luang Pho Kaew from Wat Khrueawan in Chonburi Province, hold great value, often reaching millions depending on their condition. These amulets are highly sought after for their beauty and protective qualities, making them prized possessions for collectors and believers alike.
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