Thousands of ancient amulets unearthed at Suphan Buri temple
A significant discovery has been made at a renowned temple in Suphan Buri, where over 10,000 amulets were found beneath a submerged sacred boundary stone during renovation work.
The abbot plans to make these available for worship rentals from yesterday, January 14, at Wat Sangachai Thera in Suan Tang subdistrict, Mueang district, Suphan Buri province.
Reporters learnt that the amulets were uncovered when workers started renovating the temple’s old ordination hall, which is over 65 years old.
The abbot, Phra Khru Sirikitikhun, explained that the ordination hall was being renovated due to its dilapidated state. During this work, the construction team aimed to locate the hall’s centre, which involved digging around the sacred boundary stone.
Upon excavation, a large number of amulets were discovered beneath it, submerged in water.
The abbot was promptly informed and upon inspection, found a variety of amulets, including the Phra Rod with inscriptions of Thera, linked to Luang Phor Ruesi Lingdam.
Other finds included 1,000 Phra Tham Suea from Wat Khao Dee Salak, Phra Khun Paen, and Nang Phaya, as well as amulets from Luang Phor Khom of Wat Phai Rong Wua, Phra Sivali, and Luang Phor Daeng of Wat Thung Khok, totalling approximately 10,000 pieces.
The old ordination hall began construction in 2502 and the sacred boundary stone was buried in 2518, marking its age at roughly 65 years. The temple intends to examine the amulets to identify their origins before offering them for worship rentals.
The proceeds will be directed towards the renovation of the ordination hall, which requires substantial funding for restoration due to its deterioration. This practice reflects the faith of Buddhists who traditionally place amulets in sacred stones during consecration ceremonies, ensuring future generations can venerate them and contribute to temple renovations.
Sama Phongpaew, the construction contractor, recounted that while renovating the ordination hall, locating the centre stone led to the discovery of numerous water-submerged amulets. Upon finding them, he immediately informed the abbot, reported KhaoSod.
Subsequently, the abbot, temple monks, and committee members inspected the find and tasked him with retrieving the amulets for the temple to manage further.
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