Phra Uchen – the Deity of Merit Paired with Phor Than Klai

Phra Uchen – the Deity of Merit Paired with Phor Than Klai

General Infomation from internet (Part 1)

Translated by Brett (OOB Amulets)

Phor Than Klai came to know of Phra Uchen’s miraculous power from stories told by the villagers. The image of Phra Uchen had once fallen into the water and could not be retrieved, and the villagers were too fearful to tell anyone. Years passed, and then the miracles began—at night, especially on Buddhist holy days, the sound of an elephant’s trumpet echoed loudly, terrifying the local people.

When Phor Than Klai heard of this, he said, “That is the sound of Phra Uchen.” He then called upon Nai Ngern to investigate. Once he learned the full story, on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month, April 26th, 1926 (B.E. 2469), Phor Than Klai, together with the villagers, set out on a boat about three wah long, owned by Jek Kuat, and traveled through the Khud Duan canal. Along the way, a heavy rainstorm poured down, but they continued until they reached the site where Phra Uchen was submerged.

In the middle of the storm, Phor Than Klai began the ritual of invitation. He lit candles in the pouring rain, yet the flames would not go out. When Sergeant Sen lifted Phra Uchen, the candle instantly extinguished. As they carried the image back, Phor Than Klai asked, “Is it heavy, my boy?” Sergeant Sen replied, “No, it is not heavy.” With this, Phor Than Klai and the villagers successfully retrieved Phra Uchen.

On their return journey, fierce winds and rain struck. Phor Than Klai said, “The sky ahead is wide, the rain will not reach the boat.” His words proved true—the rain fell heavily behind them but never touched their vessel, and by halfway the storm had cleared. This was the power of his truthful speech: Phra Uchen had accepted Phor Than Klai’s invitation.

When they finally arrived back at Wat Suan Khan, around 200 villagers were waiting. Together they formed a procession, escorting Phra Uchen into the main ordination hall where a grand consecration ceremony was held. To this day, Phra Uchen remains enshrined at Wat Suan Khan, standing as a divine companion and source of spiritual merit alongside Phor Than Klai.

Futher infomation by Brett (OOB Amulets)

The Phra Uchen Bucha has long been regarded as the principal deity of Wat Suan Khan, venerated as an avatar of Phra Phikanet (Lord Ganesh). Since its first enshrinement by Phor Than Klai, the image has been a source of miracles and spiritual strength for the southern community. Every few years, it is said that the abbot of the time hears the same sacred calling that Phor Than Klai once experienced. On such occasions, using the original image as the central anchor, a small batch of Phra Uchen amulets is consecrated, and each time, reports of miraculous events follow.

From its inception, Phra Uchen has been inseparably linked with compassion and service. The foundation under Phor Than Klai that governs a hospital has, throughout the decades, never lacked funds to care for the poor. This enduring flow of resources is seen as a direct result of Phra Uchen’s blessings and of Phor Than Klai’s own boon (merit). In Thai understanding, masters may excel in yantra (sacred diagrams), mantra (incantations), or deep meditative states, but the highest power of all is boon—the accumulated merit of selfless deeds. Phor Than Klai not only possessed strong knowledge of yantra, mantra, and meditation, but his immeasurable boon from a lifetime of service to others elevated him above even the most gifted of masters.

Because of this, Phra Uchen is not only a relic of history but a living testament to his baramee. It is recognized among the top amulets of the South, revered for its ability to break obstacles, protect, and guide. Unlike charms sought only for wealth, Phra Uchen reflects the deeper power of Lord Ganesh—the deity of wisdom and knowledge. Devotees of Ganesh, whether Hindu or Buddhist, often pray for success in education, clarity in decision-making, and wisdom in steering businesses toward growth. Yet many overlook this aspect, focusing solely on material gain. Phra Uchen reminds us that knowledge itself is the true foundation of success—in life, in business, and in spiritual progress.

This amulet therefore stands as both a guardian and a teacher, carrying forward the rich legacy of Phor Than Klai, whose boon continues to uplift an entire community. Phra Uchen is not just a southern amulet of renown—it is the epitome of a lineage rooted in compassion, wisdom, and enduring spiritual power.

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