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History of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and the Making of Phra Somdej Sitklao Amulets

Nonthaburi Province, Thailand

1. Historical Background of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, located along the western bank of the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi Province, is a royal temple of significant historical and cultural importance. The temple was established during the reign of King Rama III and reflects the monarch’s devotion to religion and Thai architectural heritage.

The temple’s foundation dates back to October 22, 1847, when King Rama III ordered its construction to honor both himself and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, his royal daughter. The temple was built on the historic site of Niva Fortress (also known as Fort Pomegranate), which held royal military significance. This location is believed to be the birthplace of King Sri Sula Lai, mother of King Rama III, further adding to its royal reverence.

The temple’s construction was overseen by Phraya Klang (Diss Bunnag), who at the time held the title of Somhaphoklomom. He was tasked with building a grand brick wall around the temple grounds, designed in the style of the Grand Palace. The temple was officially completed in 1847, and was given the name Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, meaning “the temple in honor of His Majesty.”

2. Monastic Leadership and Royal Patronage

On March 4, 1850 (BE 2393), Phra Preecha Chalerm, a highly respected teacher from Wat Arun Ratchawararam, was appointed as the temple’s first abbot. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat was one of the last religious construction projects initiated by King Rama IV before his passing in 1851.

During the construction, King Rama III emphasized the completion of religious sites to preserve Thailand’s Buddhist and cultural legacy. After his death, the responsibility for the temple’s completion was entrusted to Phraya Thipakornwong (Khum Bunnak), who ensured its finalization by BE 2401 (1858 CE).

3. Creation of the Phra Somdej Sitklao Amulet

The sacred Phra Somdej Sitklao amulet is among the most historically significant items created at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. These amulets were crafted during the reign of King Rama IV, under the supervision of the temple’s first abbot, Luang Pho Ket, also known as Phrakhru Preechachalerm (Ket).

The purpose of creating the Phra Somdej Sitklao was to preserve the sacred artistry and spiritual power of Somdej amulets while offering devotees a talisman of protection, virtue, and merit. The consecration ceremony was elaborate, involving:

• Renowned monks, scholars, and artisans

• Prolonged chanting of Buddhist scriptures and invocations

• Ritual mixing of sacred powders and spiritual substances

The amulets were meticulously molded with high craftsmanship. A blend of fine white powder, sacred yellow soil, and magical substances formed the unique Nur Phong (powder texture), which exhibits a smooth surface, delicate detailing, and signs of traditional hand molding.

4. Characteristics and Artistic Styles

Phra Somdej Sitklao amulets from Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat are known for the following features:

• Material: Predominantly made from sacred white powder; some rare pieces use a blackish compound made from burnt sacred leaves and crushed relics.

• Appearance: Smooth, firm texture with distinctive facial features and body contours of the Buddha image. The base of the Buddha typically sits on a three-tiered platform.

• Variations: Different Pim (molds) are found within this batch, each with decorative variations around the Buddha image, such as lotus designs or arches, reflecting the artistic influence of the early Rattanakosin period.

5. Continued Legacy under Later Abbots

Later, during the tenure of Phrakhru Preechachalerm (Cheng)—the third abbot of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat—between 1915 and 1922, the temple underwent significant restoration, including the renovation of the central pagoda and the continued creation of sacred amulets.

These amulets preserved the original formulas while incorporating new ceremonial techniques. They remained faithful to the temple’s spiritual heritage and were distributed among devotees and collectors who valued their origin and authenticity.

6. Historical and Comparative Significance

Amulets from Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat are often compared to the prestigious Phra Somdej Wat Rakang, due to their similar style, material composition, and ceremonial depth. They are considered by collectors and historians as part of the authentic Somdej lineage, with a unique artistic signature that differentiates them from other temples.

Amulets with provenance from Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat are particularly valuable when accompanied by documentation or certificates from established verification centers such as Thaprachan.