SKU: A668

Phra Somdej Kudithong 2395
Somdet Toh (Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phromarangsi  / Ajahn Toh)
Wat Kudi Thong, Ayutthaya
Year: BE 2395

This legendary ancient amulet is believed to have been created by Somdej Toh, in collaboration with Phra Ajahn Saeng. It is highly admired for its beauty. The texture is dry and firm, often bearing traces of age, such as old stupa deposits and natural soil stains. The piece is extremely old, with actual sheets of gold embedded on the surface, clearly visible to the naked eye.

A key unique feature of this amulet group is the presence of gold sheets embedded on the front surface of the amulet. The number of sheets varies, some have none, while others have 3, 5, 7, 9  or even more gold sheets, which are extremely rare and highly valuable. This embedded gold is considered a signature trait of this batch.

According to belief, these gold sheets came from the gold used by King Prasat Thong to cover Phra Ajahn Dee’s kuti (monk’s dwelling) after he ascended the throne, as foretold in prophecy. When the kuti eventually decayed with time, the gold remained intact. Therefore, Somdej Toh and Phra Ajahn Saeng decided to embed the gold into amulets for future generations to venerate and remember.

Phra Somdej Kru Wat Kudi Thong

Historical records show that Phra Somdej Wat Rakang and Phra Somdej Bang Khun Phrom were also found in this Kru. Over 50 different molds were discovered, most in standard Phra Somdej size. The most common type is the “Sen Dai” (Thread Line) mold, but there are also large molds, Chedi-shaped molds, Lek Meu (Fingernail) molds, and many others.

These amulets were crafted by local artisans using local sacred materials like incense sticks, lime, and seashells. The texture is a mixture of lime and powder, dry and hardened, often with age marks like tofu-skin crust and soil stains. The colors vary—white, light yellow, cream, light brown, black, pale red, and light green (like green incense). If the color resembles green knife-sharpening stone, it is especially rare and commands a higher price.

The History of Phra Somdej Kru Wat Kudi Thong Related to Somdej Toh

During King Rama III’s reign, Somdej Toh avoided being appointed to a high ecclesiastical rank by going on a tudong (wandering monk journey) and residing with Phra Ajahn Saeng in Ayutthaya (believed to be Wat Kudi Thong). There, he created “Sen Dai” mold amulets and enshrined them in the Kru along with other amulets made by Phra Ajahn Saeng. It is believed that these Sen Dai mold amulets from Wat Kudi Thong were the prototypes for Somdej Toh’s later creations at Wat Rakang.

Several authors of Somdej Phra Buddhacharn (Toh) Phromrangsi’s biographies wrote consistently that before 2395 B.E. (1852 CE) :

“…He later studied Wicha (occult sciences) under Phra Ajahn Saeng in Lopburi Province… Khrua (senior monk) Saeng was widely respected for his mystical knowledge. Originally from Lopburi, he often traveled to Bangkok, known among the nobility and officials. He built a tall chedi at Wat Maneechon Khun (Wat Ko), founded by Chao Phraya Yommarat (Choei), the ancestor of the Yommaphai family. However, Khrua Saeng did not reside there permanently. Before Buddhist Lent, he would move to another temple and return after the Lent to stay in a small hut by the chedi, which he built himself without help. His followers helped gather bricks and mortar.”

This evidence suggests that Somdej Toh indeed avoided royal ecclesiastical appointment by living with Phra Ajahn Saeng in this province. The amulets found in Wat Kudi Thong’s Kru thus feature Lopburi-style art, attributed to Luang Pu Saeng’s craftsmanship.

Moreover, Somdej Phra Buddhacharn (Toh) Phromrangsi built a large Buddha image at this temple, famously called “Luang Phor Toh” by locals. The temple was originally known as Wat Phitphian, after the village name, before later being renamed Wat Kudi Thong.