Phra Nak Prok, Bai Makham Size, First Edition, Wat Chulamanee, B.E. 2537

B.E. 2537

The Naga-sheltered Buddha in the bai makham (tamarind-leaf) size, first edition of Wat Chulamanee, B.E. 2537 (1994). The Buddha sits in meditation beneath the hood of a seven-headed naga; the reverse bears a yantra. As far as the images in this record show, it was made in gold, silver and copper.

The Phra Nak Prok in the bai makham size, first edition of Wat Chulamanee was made in B.E. 2537 (1994). It is a small amulet known by its size as the “bai makham” (tamarind-leaf) pattern, the image being no larger than a tamarind leaf and thus well suited to being carried on the person.

The obverse shows the Buddha in the Nak Prok posture (sheltered by the naga), seated cross-legged in meditation upon the coils of the naga king, with the hood of a seven-headed naga spread above his head — after the episode in the Buddha's life in which Mucalinda, king of the nagas, rose up and spread his hood to shelter the Lord Buddha from the rain.

The reverse bears a yantra of sacred letters running vertically down the centre of the image.

Photographs of the various materials

Gold

Silver

Copper

Note

Details of the consecration rite, the numbers produced, and the full range of materials for this edition await confirmation from the temple. The account above records only what the surviving images show.

Note: this account is compiled to document the amulets of Wat Chulamanee and is not intended for any purpose of trade.