Sukhothai Period 1238 - 1438 A.D. (B.E. 1781 -1981)
The Kingdom of Sukhothai was an early kingdom in the are around the city of Sukhothai in what is now north central Thailand, that existed from the mid 13th to the mid 15th century. The ruins of the old capital can be found 12km in Muang Kao (old city) district and has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Phra Achana, Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai Historical Park, photo by Supanut Arunoprayote
“Dawn of Happiness”
Sukhothai or Sukhodaya,
is derived from the Sankrit word “Suka” (Happiness) and “Udaya” (Rise or Emergence) which can most accurately be translated as “Dawn of Happiness” The story of Sukhothai was incorporated into Thailand’s national history in the mid 19th century by King Mongkut (Rama IV), based on his finding of early stone inscriptions, such as the “Silajaruek Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng” pictured here, the first written evidence telling the story of Sukhothai.
Sukhothai was said to be the first
“National Capitol” followed by Ayudtha, Thonburi, untill Rattanakosin period with Bangkok at present. While there were other Thai Kingdoms (such as Lanna, Phayao and Chiang Saen) at the same time, the establishment of the Kingdom of Sukhothai in 1238 is often considered the start of Thai history proper. Sukhothai gained independence from the declining Khemer Empire. The history of Sukhothai as a Kingdom lasted for about two centuries. Interestingly, there were only 9 kings in that period of stability. Theravada Buddhism was the common religion. At the peak of it’s power, the kingdom exerted control and influence over area that was larger than present day Thailand, stretching from Luang Prabang (Laos) in the north, Mataban (now part of Myanmar) in the west, all the way down to the Malay Pennisula in the south.
Thai people regard the founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom as the founding of their country,
and it’s city-state as it’s first national capital. During the Sukhothai Period Thailand freed itself from the Khemer Empire and prosper, expanding it’s influence towards what are today Laos and Cambodia. What remains today of the Sukhothai Kingdom is the Historical park. The huge complex is a witness to the past splendor of the kingdom, with all it’s numerous temples and the Royal Palace within.
This Period of prosperity of the Sukhothai Kingdom was under the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng (1278 -1298 A.D.). In the Bangkok National Museum it is still possible to admire a stele about King Ramkamhaeng and his reign. The King is also commemorated by a statue place in 1971 near the entrance of the Sukhothai Historical Park. The statue on a elevated platform, is surrounded by panels depicting the kings in various situations.
After the death of King Ramkamhaeng, his son Loethai became king. Vassal kingdoms escaped the influence of the new Sukhothai King, and the power of the kingdom began to decline. In 1344, the army of Ayuothya Kingdom invaded and conquered Sukhothai, and the Kingdom was further divided. Sukhothai ceased being an independent kingdom when King Borommaracha II of Ayuothya appointed his son as Viceroy of Sukhothai.
Knowledge about amulets of the Sukhothai Period
A town on the front lines of war
between Burma nd Chiang Mai during the Phra Maha Dhamaracha 2nd - 4th. The town was called Pitsanuloke, where the culture was rich in Buddhism and there were many temples built. Many amulets were made religiously to distribute to the soldiers and people while a certain quantity was kept and hidden away under pagodas in and around the temples of the period. The main amulets made then were the Phra Nangphya Amulets (as shown here) which are in a triangle shape, crafted of special blessed holy clay with a unique blend of fine and coarse sands mixed with flowers and sugar binders. Some where also made with powder of crushed palm leaves used for making script books of prayers.
Phra Nangphya represents the image of Buddha in the seated position “Pang Marwichai” or “Defending Devils” position, with his left hand on his lap and his right hand on his knee. This Amulet is generally seen in the following four forms; 1. Straight Lap, 2. Curved Lap, 3. Sangkati (Diagonal Robe), 4. Oknoon (Humpy Chest), all of which were made in two different sizes.
Phra Nangphya were only made during the Sukhothai period and were made to help with well being withstanding danger, success, and most especially for attraction, to be loved and adored. This helped to make Phra Nangphya particularly popular amongst the ladies, and it’s part of the reason why it remains of the the top 5 amulets today.
“Millionaire’s Field” in one city that was once two.
In 1257 A.D. after fierce fighting from wars in the area, the towns of Chakangrao and Nakhornchum were combined into one city renamed Kampaengpetch. Today temples are the most famous historical buildings of the city, and the rare Amulets found there are equally as well known and highly sought after. Most are found during excavations of ruined temples and pagodas in a area known as “Tung Srettee” or “Millionaire’s Field” and have been grouped into a family of similar Amulets bearing it’s name.
The most famous of which, Phra Sumkor (Kampaeng Sumkor), is in the top 5 amulets of Thailand. They were made of a rare holy clay mix and molded in the form of the Buddha in a meditating pose seated on a lotus flower with a intricate relief in the background. There were also some with a plain background and a special round profile called “Pim Kanom Pia” or the “Chinese Moon Cake Print”. Phra Sumkor were made in 3 different sizes, the largest of which has a average size of 20 x 30mm.
Phra Sumkor is Famous and has been believed to be great in all around well being and particularly the keeping of wealth.
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat interior, photo taken by Supanut Arunoprayote
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
was founded in Pitsanuloke in 1357 A.D. (B.E. 1900) by King Lithai of Sukhothai. Later, during the reign of King Ekatosrot of Ayuotha, the Buddha image was gilded in gold which is now known as the “Phra Buddha Chinnaraj” (shown above). Later still the temple was further developed by King Chualongkorn and King Bhumipol of the Rattanakosin period.
Phra Buddha Chinnaraj is a famous gold covered statue of Buddha which has been considered as one of the most beautiful, classical, and magnificent Buddha figures in Thailand and continues to receive significant worship and praise among Thai people.
Phra Buddha Chinnaraj Amulets were crafted in different colors and styling
The Amulets representing
Phra Buddha Chinnaraj were made after the time of enshrining and distributed to people and soldiers for their worship from the main temple. Phra Buddha Chinnaraj is believed to have high power and virtue for Victory, Success, Fame, Luck, Popularity, Honor, and being safe from all danger and evil.