The Genesis of Benjapakee*

(*Five Highest Ranking Amulets. “Benja means five” and “Pakee” means set or group.) The Origin Benjapakee is a set of 5 highest-ranking amulets wanted by most amulet collectors. In the early of 1950s, Benjapakee was created by a group of well-known and knowledgeable amulet collectors. At that time, the meeting place of amulet collectors is the coffee shop, “Bar Maha Pun”, located near the Civil Court. Colonel Prachon Kitiprawad (Pen-name, Triyampawai), Wing Commander Suntat and 2-3 amulet collectors had a discussion to suggest the best choice of amulets to wear on neck, took into consideration of the amulet’s art history, age, form, size and blessing.

Starting from the Tripakee* (*Three Highest Ranking Amulets)

They started by selecting the “Phra Somdej Wat Rakang” as the principal amulet. “Phra Somdej Wat Rakang” was made by “Somdej Phra Buddhacharn Toh Promrungsee”, a highly revered monk for his Kantathura (Preaching ) and Vipassana (Meditation) skills. “Phra Somdej Wat Rakang” was consecrated by “Chinnabunchorn Katha”, the most powerful mantra and is well known for bringing good-will, protecting against harms, evil spirits, unexpected dangers and all maliciousness. Moreover, “Phra Somdej Wat Rakang” has a rectangular form and a suitable size to be a central amulet. Then, they tried to find the left and right ones. The chosen ones had to be famous with their own art history. “Phra Nang Phaya”, Phitsanulok province was selected to be the right hand side while “Phra Rod, Lumphun province” at the left hand side. “Phra Nang Phaya” was created in Ayuthaya era by “Somdej Pra Wisutkasattri”, mother of King Naresuan and King Ekatosarod. “Phra Rhod” is one of the oldest amulet in Thailand, was found in “Wat Mahawan”, Lampoon, the Northern province in Thailand. “Phra Rhod” has a superb blessing, especially for protecting wearer from all dangers, accidents and disasters. Therefore, at the beginning, the set of amulets, called “Tripakee”, is the combination of – “Phra Somdej Wat Rakang” – at the center – “Phra Nang Phraya” – on the right – “Phra Rhod” – on the left

Becoming the Benjapakee* (*Five Highest Ranking Amulets)

After that, the amulet collectors noticed that the size of “Phra Nang Praya” and “Pra Rhod” was not balance. Therefore, they tried to search for other 2 amulets to balance and fulfil the necklace. At first, “Phra Kru Tung Sesthi, Med Khanoon” (the walking Buddha posture), was chosen to match with “Phra Nang Praya”. However, Wing Commander Suntat mentioned that “Phra Med Kranoon” is “Pang Leela” amulet (the walking Buddha posture) while the others are “Prang Pratub Nang” (the meditating Buddha posture). Thus, “Phra Kampang Soomgo”, from “Kru Tung Sesthi” or “Millionaire Filed”, the same source of “Pra Med Kranoon”, was chosen instead. Moreover, “Pra Kampang Soomgor” has the similar form and size to “Phra Nang Praya” so they are a good matching. The last one was “Phra Phong Suparn” which has the similar size and form compared to “Phra Rhod”. “Phra Phong Suparn” was found in “Wat Sri Maha Tat”, Suparnburi Province”. In summary, “Benjapakee” is a combination of 1. Somdej Wat Rakang, big mould (the principal amulet) is well-known for universal blessing power. Somdej Wat Rakang is a representative of amulet which was created during Rattanakosin era. 2. Phra Nang Praya, curved knee mould is well-known for blessing attractiveness and respectful from other people and power on charm and safe from all dangers. Pra Nang Praya is a representative of amulet which was created during Ayutthaya era. 3. Phra Kampang Soomgor, big mould with lineal decorative is well-known for providing wearer prosperity and affluence. Pra Kampang Soomgo is a representative of amulet which was created during Sukothai era. 4. Phra Rhod, big mould is well-known for protecting and being safe wearer from all dangers, harms and misfortunes. Pra Rhod is a representative of amulet which was created during late Thavaravadi era (Hariphunchai). 5. Phra Phong Suparn, old face mould is well-known for being prosperity and being safe from dangers and harms. Pra Phong Suparn is a representative of amulet which was created during U-thong era. The set of Benjapakee has their own meaning for both blessing power and art history therefore they have been the most popular amulets until today.