Phra Somdej Pilan of Wat Rakhang, small Bodhi-canopy mold with arch (พระสมเด็จปิลันทน์ พิมพ์ปรกโพธิ์เล็ก มีซุ้ม), Bangkok. The association certificate dates it to about B.E. 2415-2418 (1872-1875) and gives the material as sacred powder mixed with palm-leaf manuscript powder (เนื้อผงผสมผงใบลาน), making it roughly 150 years old. Pilan Somdej are known for powder that includes the ash of old palm-leaf scriptures, and after the Somdej of Somdej To they are among the Wat Rakhang Somdej most sought after by collectors. Certified by the Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association, formal card No. 62-04-0158. The supplier describes the case as 80% gold. One piece only; it is held by a partner supplier, so please submit a request and we confirm availability by email within 24 hours.
What is Phra Somdej Pilan (พระสมเด็จปิลันทน์)?
Phra Somdej Pilan comes from Wat Rakhang Khositaram (วัดระฆังโฆสิตาราม) on the west bank of the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and is named after the temple monk Phra Pilan. Wat Rakhang is the birthplace of the Somdej amulet, best known for the pieces made by Somdej To; the Pilan Somdej are another important series from the same temple and era.
According to the supplier, Phra Pilan was a disciple of Somdej To. Rather than discard the temple's old, insect-damaged palm-leaf scriptures, he burned them and mixed the ash into the amulet powder, adding sacred powders of Somdej To. The association certificate gives this piece's material as "เนื้อผงผสมผงใบลาน" (powder mixed with palm-leaf manuscript powder), in line with that account.
Key facts
- Type: Phra Somdej (พระสมเด็จ)
- Name: Phra Somdej Pilan (พระสมเด็จปิลันทน์)
- Mold: small Bodhi-canopy with arch (พิมพ์ปรกโพธิ์เล็ก มีซุ้ม)
- Material: sacred powder mixed with palm-leaf manuscript powder (เนื้อผงผสมผงใบลาน)
- Temple: Wat Rakhang Khositaram (วัดระฆังโฆสิตารามวรมหาวิหาร), Bangkok
- Year: about B.E. 2415-2418 (1872-1875) per the certificate; listed by the supplier as B.E. 2413 (1870)
- Certification: Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association formal certificate (บัตรรับรองพระแท้), No. 62-04-0158
- Case: engraved gold case, described by the supplier as 80% gold
- Stock: one piece only, held by a partner supplier
Wat Rakhang and the Pilan Somdej
Wat Rakhang dates back to the Ayutthaya period and is one of Bangkok's oldest temples, as well as the most celebrated source of Somdej amulets. The Pilan Somdej share their temple and era with the Somdej of Somdej To, and Thai collectors treat them as a key group among early Wat Rakhang Somdej. According to the supplier, this batch is also called the "two Somdej" Buddha because two Somdej-linked masters were involved in making it.
Blessings
- Protection: the core purpose of the Somdej amulet
- Popularity: good relations and helpful people
- Career and wealth: support at work and steady income
- Practice: scripture ash in the powder, a reminder of the Dhamma
Please note: an amulet supports your own efforts and intentions; it does not guarantee any outcome. Keeping the Five Precepts is traditionally encouraged.
Craftsmanship
A rectangular plaque with a seated Buddha inside an arch, traces of Bodhi-leaf canopy (ปรกโพธิ์) above, and a round mark below the figure on the right. The surface is grey-brown with natural age patina and a mottled powder texture. The back is flat with uneven powder tones. It is mounted in an engraved gold case with an ornamental crown and a bail.
FAQ
Q: How do I know it is a Wat Rakhang Pilan Somdej?
A: The Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association formal certificate reads "พระสมเด็จปิลันทน์ พิมพ์ปรกโพธิ์เล็ก มีซุ้ม เนื้อผงผสมผงใบลาน ประมาณพ.ศ. 2415 - 2418", temple "วัดระฆังโฆสิตารามวรมหาวิหาร", Bangkok, No. 62-04-0158.
Q: Is it B.E. 2413 or B.E. 2415-2418?
A: The supplier lists B.E. 2413; the association certificate gives a range of about B.E. 2415-2418, which is the reference.
Q: What is the case made of?
A: The supplier describes it as 80% gold. The association certificate covers the amulet itself and does not state the case material.
Q: Who is it suited to?
A: Anyone seeking protection and good relations, collectors of early Somdej, and those who want a 150-year-old piece from Wat Rakhang. Old powder amulets should not be soaked; take it off for bathing or swimming.
Q: Why do I request first and pay later?
A: This piece is held by a partner supplier rather than in our Bangkok stock. So that nobody pays for a piece that has already gone, we confirm with the supplier first and reply by email within 24 hours. If it is available, the email includes a payment link valid for 24 hours. Submitting a request costs nothing.
About this piece
- Includes: the amulet in its gold case and the Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association formal certificate (No. 62-04-0158)
- Price: ฿44,000
- Stock: one piece only
- How to buy: submit a request on this page; pay through the emailed link once availability is confirmed
Last updated: 2026-10-29 | Merit Messenger team (Bangkok-based)
