“Did you know that Wat Kho Non Bang Si Thong hides a tale of royal offense and amulet magic?” I invite you to step into the story of this temple. It is a place where history and legend intertwine. Wat Kho Non Bang Si Thong is more than just a temple. It’s a repository of ancient wisdom. It holds the legacy of Luang Phu Rod.
Luang Phu Rod was once the abbot of Wat Nang Non. This was during King Rama 4’s reign. A clash of customs led to Luang Phu Rod’s removal from his position. The King visited Wat Nang Nong for the Kathina Robe Giving Ceremony. Luang Phu Rod did not use royal terminology when speaking with him. The King considered this offensive. He stripped Luang Phu Rod of his royal status. Luang Phu Rod then moved to Wat Ko Non.
Some say Luang Phu Rod refused royal terms because he was angry. He was upset about the splitting of the Sangha. The Sangha split into Dhammayut and Maha Nikaya sects. Luang Phu Rod believed the King caused this schism. Unperturbed, Luang Phu Rod embraced his new home at Wat Ko Non.
Wat Ko Non became his sanctuary. It was near his birthplace. He remained there until his passing. Luang Phu Rod became famous for his Pra Pid Ta amulets. These amulets are renowned for their power. His apprentice, Luang Phu Iam, followed him. Luang Phu Iam later became abbot of Wat Hnang. He continued Luang Phu Rod’s famous Wicha Pra Pid Ta.
The Pra Pid Ta of Luang Phu Rod Wat Ko Non is legendary. It is considered one of the top ten Pid Ta amulets ever. Luang Phu Rod was a master of powerful Wicha. Stories of miracles abound. Devotees experienced incredible events with his amulets. His name became famous across the land. He was especially known for removing black magic curses.
Luang Phu Rod spent long periods on Tudong. He ventured deep into the forest. Dangerous elephants and tigers roamed there. He used magical protective Wicha to survive. One legend tells of Luang Phu Rod and a Samanera novice monk. They traveled to Kanjanaburi. They faced a difficult choice. They could climb steep, rocky mountains. Or they could cross a wide lotus-covered lake.
Luang Phu Rod asked the Samanera if they should cross the marsh together. The Samanera said he would follow if Luang Phu succeeded. Luang Phu Rod meditated. He invoked the Jhanic state of Apo Kasina. He slowly crossed the water, stepping on lotus leaves. He reached the other side.
The Samanera followed. He stepped on the same leaves. Nearing the end, he stepped on a different leaf. He immediately sank. He struggled to the bank. Luang Phu Rod taught him about concentration. A single moment of distraction can ruin everything.
Luang Phu Rod and Luang Phu Iam made Pra Pid Ta at Wat Ko Non. They used hand-carved wooden images from sacred trees. The amulets brought powerful results. Most Pid Ta had a tiny hole. A parchment scroll with spells was inserted. The base was filled with Channarong Stingless Bee Paste. This paste was believed to bring wealth. The amulets were coated with lacquer or gold leaf. This protected them and increased their power.
Luang Phu Rod taught Luang Phu Iam to make the amulets. Luang Phu Iam made more amulets from wood and metal. This ensured enough for all devotees. Both masters made Pra Pid Ta amulets in sacred leaden alloys too.
The wooden Pid Ta of Luang Phu Rod were made in larger numbers. Amulets of both masters are rare. They are highly prized by collectors. Carving wooden images took time. Luang Phu Rod blessed each one individually. His Pra Pid Ta is an “Essential Rarity.”
Luang Phu Rod passed away in 2441 BE. Luang Phu Iam continued the lineage. He made Pra Pid Ta Mai Gae amulets. These were carved from sacred wood and cast from alchemical metal. They achieved immortal fame.
So, as you stand here at Wat Kho Non Bang Si Thong, remember Luang Phu Rod. Remember his defiance. Remember his magic. Remember the power of belief. This temple is a testament to his enduring legacy.