Phra Somdej Pim Sathda Roon 1 Nur Phong BE2516 Phra Yanasangwan Wat Bowonniwet Vihara co-blessed by Luang Pu Toh Wat Pradoochimplee

Phra Somdej Pim Sathda Roon 1 Nur Phong BE2516 
Phra Yanasangwan Wat Bowonniwet Vihara 
co-blessed by Luang Pu Toh Wat Pradoochimplee 

History of the First Edition of Phra Somdej Phra Sathda (1973)

By His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand

Temple: Wat Bowonniwet Vihara

Occasion: Commemorating the 60th Birthday of His Holiness on October 3, 1973

1. Overview of the Creation

The first edition of Phra Somdej Phra Sathda was created in 1973 on the auspicious occasion of the 60th birthday of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. This sacred project was carried out at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Bangkok. The amulet was styled after traditional Phra Somdej amulets, designed in a square shape, and modeled using the image of Phra Sri Sathda as the prototype.

The initiative was led by M.L. Kaset Sanitwong, who, with deep faith in the Supreme Patriarch, presented the idea to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King graciously granted the remaining sacred powder from the production of Phra Somdej Chitralada to be used in the creation of these new amulets.

2. Mold and Artistic Process

The Royal Thai Mint was tasked with creating the mold for the amulet. The design featured a square-shaped niche enshrining the image of Phra Sri Sathda. After initial test prints, M.R. Prasomsak Charoonroj reviewed the mold and noted an imbalance in spacing above the Buddha’s head. He instructed artisans to adjust the design by adding 17 radial lines extending from the top of the Buddha’s head to improve visual harmony.

The final version was thus created in two test variants—one with no radial lines, and another with 17 radial rays. The total number of completed amulets was 6,164 pieces.

3. Sacred Ingredients

The materials used in the Phra Somdej Phra Sathda amulet included:

• Chitralada Powder – sacred powder originally created and blessed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the crafting of Phra Somdej Chitralada.

• Additional auspicious ingredients and powders collected and mixed by the organizing committee under ecclesiastical guidance.

4. Blessing and Consecration Ceremonies

The amulet underwent two significant blessing ceremonies:

• Private chanting and meditation by His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch over a 7-month period from February to September 1973.

• Formal consecration (Buddha Abhiseka) held on Friday, September 28, 1973, at the Ubosot of Wat Bowonniwet, presided over by His Holiness and attended by senior monks.

  His Majesty the King also graciously presided over the early-stage blessing ceremony in February 1973.

5. Spiritual and Historical Significance

The image of Phra Sri Sathda has long been regarded as sacred. Historically, the Buddha image was enshrined at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in the southern chapel before being moved to Wat Bang Ao Chang, Nonthaburi. In B.E. 2396 (1853), King Rama IV relocated Phra Sathda from Wat Suthat Thepwararam to be permanently enshrined at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara due to its royal and historical significance.

The 1973 Phra Somdej amulet was thus created to honor this lineage and Buddha image, and to serve as a spiritual token for the Supreme Patriarch’s 60th birthday.

6. Legacy and Reverence

This Phra Somdej is considered a nationally revered sacred object and one of the most powerful amulets associated with His Majesty the King and the Supreme Patriarch. It embodies:

• Royal Grace – made with the King’s direct contribution of sacred powder.

• Ecclesiastical Authority – consecrated and initiated by the Supreme Patriarch.

• Artistic Precision – molded with royal and religious oversight to maintain symmetry and spiritual symbolism.

Today, the 1973 Phra Somdej Phra Sathda amulet is highly sought after among serious collectors and spiritual devotees, not only for its rarity but also for its unparalleled sanctity, powerful blessings, and royal connection.