Question: Ever heard of an amulet holding the power of invincibility? This brings us to Wat Mai Amatarot. It is a temple steeped in history and local lore.
Wat Mai Amatarot, once known as Wat Waramataram, sits on Samsaen Road in Bangkhunprom. Locals often call it Wat Bangkhunprom. The temple’s history stretches back to the end of the reign of King Thonburi. No one knows who first built this temple.
The temple was later called Wat Amataros. This name came from the previous name “Amataram”. Wat Mai Amatarot was renovated and renamed in 1927 AD. It was first established under royal patronage in 1778 AD. It was later re-established in 1966 AD.
Let’s talk about the abbots. Abbot On was the first. Abbot Yu followed him. Then came Abbot Tet and Abbot Taem. Abbot Amornkanajarn served from 1903 to 1969 AD. Abbot Boriharnkhunawat has been the abbot since 1972 AD.
Wat Mai Amatarot is famous for its Somdej Bangkhunprom amulets. Especially those created by Putthajarn Toh. According to the temple, Putthajarn Toh built a large Chedi in 1868. It was finished in 1870. This Chedi was built to hold 84,000 amulets.
In 1868 Putthajarn Toh built a big Chedi. The Chedi base broke in later years. This led to the discovery of sacred Somdej Bangkhunprom amulets. These amulets were created by Putthajarn Toh.
Phra Somdet BangKhunProm renovated the Chedi around 1870-1872. He first used the family name ‘Thanakoset’. The base was 13 meters wide and 16 meters high. 84,000 amulets made with holy powder were kept inside the Chedi in 1872. These powders were Itthirij, Patthaman and Maharat.
In 1893, France disputed territory with Thailand. French naval troops occupied the Gulf of Thailand. Local soldiers and villagers took the hidden Somdej amulets. They came from the Chedi and were called ‘Kru Wat BangKhunProm’. People believed the amulets brought good luck. They also thought they brought prosperity and well-being. Some even thought they gave supernatural power. This power made them invulnerable to weapons.
The Chedi was closed in 1957. This was because villagers were stealing amulets. People feared this might cause the Chedi to collapse. In November 1957, all amulets were removed. This included Phra Buddha statues and Somdet statues. There were also 30 boxes of irreparable amulets. The broken amulets have been used to make new amulets ever since.
Even the King of Thailand has visited Wat Mai Amatarot. He visited the temple and the sacred Chedi. So you see Wat Mai Amatarot is not just a temple. It’s a treasure trove of history, faith and art. Its story is etched in every stone and every amulet.