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Phra Somdej (Pim Yai), Buddhachan Toh - Kru Wat Kuti Tong
Ayudhaya's Best Kept Secret
The ancient temple Wat Kuti Tog located in the province of Ayudhaya was constructed some 400 years ago and is thought to be of a similar age to other temples of the province such as Wat Pananchoen and Wat Dharmikarach. It is known that in the year B.E.2147, HRH Lai (Prasat Thong), a high ranking military officer during the reign of King, Somdet Phra Songtham, had traveled to Wat Kutitong where he met Luang Phor Dee, who was then abbot of the temple.The sacred monk prophesized that he would one day become ruler of the Ayudhaya Kingdom. He found this somewhat unbelievable as he was very much aware that the king had already appointed his son, Somdet Phra Chetthathirat, as heir to the throne. |
Nevertheless he promised Luang Phor Dee that should his prophecy be fulfilled and become King he would return to the temple and cover the monks houses with gold.
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It is said that Prasat Thong was a secret son of King Ekathotsarot and a villager. After the death of the king in BE 2173 he took control of power by way of a coup, murdering the young successor and king.
History tells us that he was an able leader but also brutal. He rose by violence, and then by crushing any threat to his position. Many officials and even some royal relatives of the previous reign were arrested and executed with high treason charges.
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As self appointed king he was renamed " Somdet Phra Chao Prasat Thong" In fact the first king of what is now known as the Prasat Thong Dynasty, or the 4th dynasty of the ayutthaya kingdom.
True to his word he returned to the temple, renovating the structure and as promised covering the monks house with gold. This is why the temple is aptly named Kuti Tong, or gold monks house.
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It was after this period during the years 2411 - 2415, his last years, that he went on to create amulets for Wat PraGaew (Wang Na), Bangkhunprom (Wat Mai), reclining Buddha at Wat Sadeu etc Like many of his amulets not blessed at the major Bangkok temples these pims have never attained the same value or noteriety.
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Clearly visible are miniature nuggets of gold. |
Much of the information about Somdej Tohs pims from Wat Kuti Tong are detailed in a book written by Lieutenant Colonel Sawat Butsarakham tohs on the history and origin of His Majesty Prints.