Luang Phor Oon Wat Tan Kong

Phra Somdej “Mhen”

By Luang Phor Oon, Wat Tan Kong — Phetchaburi

🕯️ A Legend in Modern Thai Amulets

Phra Somdej “Mhen” (meaning “smelly” Somdej) is one of the most distinctive and spiritually revered amulets to emerge from the province of Phetchaburi. Created by the late Luang Phor Oon (Phra Khru Vinaiwatcharakit), the former abbot of Wat Tan Kong, this amulet carries not just sacred ingredients, but also an incredible story of devotion, preservation, and baramee.

Luang Phor Oon was known for his deep discipline in Buddhist practice and his strict adherence to Dhamma and Vinaya. His life was dedicated to both the preservation of the temple and the spiritual welfare of the people. His magical knowledge came from years of apprenticeship under great masters such as Luang Phor Thongsuk of Wat Tanod Luang and Luang Phor Jan of Wat Maruekatayawan, including deep studies in Kasina meditation and sacred powder formulas (ผงเมตตา).

📜 Background & Motivation for Creation

The origin of Phra Somdej “Mhen” traces back to the deterioration of Wat Tan Kong’s old ordination hall, which was over 160 years old at the time. Seeing the structure in decay, Luang Phor Oon was entrusted with the responsibility of building a new ubosot (ordination hall). He took this moment not only as a construction project but as a spiritual opportunity — to create an amulet that would both preserve ancient magical knowledge and raise spiritual merit for the temple.

Within the old ubosot, there had long been stored a jar of sacred Itthije powder created by the revered Luang Phor Kaew of Wat Kruea Wan, Chonburi — one of the legendary figures of early 20th-century Thai wiccha. This powder was said to have been created around 1904 (B.E. 2447).

🧪 Composition of the Amulet

Luang Phor Oon combined Luang Phor Kaew’s Itthije powder with his own sacred powder mixtures — including:

• Itthije: Power and commanding influence

• Pattamung: Protection and anti-harm

• Maharaj: Authority, luck, and metta

• Plus a highly unique and spiritually symbolic component: leftover rice from monks’ alms bowls, fermented over time.

This unusual ingredient is what gave rise to the nickname "Phra Somdej Mhen", as the fermentation process caused the amulets to emit a distinctive, sometimes pungent smell — considered by many practitioners to be a mark of authenticity and spiritual potency.

🔢 Production & Distribution

Approximately 84,000 pieces were made in total:

• 50,000 pieces were enshrined inside the new ubosot.

• Over 30,000 pieces were distributed to faithful devotees.

The amulets were blessed over an 8-year period, from 1954 to 1962 (B.E. 2497–2505), with extensive chanting and empowerment ceremonies led by Luang Phor Oon himself, alongside other respected monks of the time.

🧾 Types & Distinguishing Features

The amulets are small, square-shaped, resembling Somdej Pim Kanen, and are divided into several known variants:

• 🔹 Stamped with clear Yant and ว.ต.ก. (Wat Tan Kong) — ~4,000 pieces

• 🔸 Stamped but blurred due to oil or age — ~30,000 pieces

• ⚪ Worn-down with no visible markings — ~50,000 pieces

• 🔴 Trial batch in reddish-brown clay — ~500 pieces (extremely rare)

• 🟤 Oil-infused variant — ~2,500 pieces (usually darker in tone)

Each type carries the same core ingredients and energy, but the condition and clarity of the back stamp may affect collector demand.

🌟 Powers & Reputation

Phra Somdej “Mhen” is known for its well-balanced, universal power, suitable for both laypeople and practitioners. Reported blessings include:

• ✅ Overall protection from danger and spiritual harm

• ❤️ Metta mahaniyom (loving-kindness and charm)

• 📈 Career elevation and leadership baramee

• 🛡️ Energetic cleansing and karmic balancing

Many devotees have shared stories of life improvements, business breakthroughs, and spiritual clarity after consistently wearing this amulet. Over time, its reputation grew far beyond Phetchaburi, making it one of the most well-known regional Somdej amulets in modern Thai Buddhist history.

🔚 Legacy

To this day, Phra Somdej Mhen remains highly sought-after among serious collectors, not just for its rarity or curious scent, but for its deeply rooted spiritual authenticity, historical lineage, and real-world effect.

It is not only a piece of Thai amulet history, but also a reminder of how sacred intention, proper lineage, and material purity can create something truly timeless.