LP Phra Maha Surasak’s First Portrait Medallion

Phra Maha Surasak Atisakkho, Pradu Royal Monastery, Amphawa, Samut Songkhram
B.E. 2553 (2010)

Personal Notes

I was introduced to this master in B.E. 2550 (2007), when my Thai driver visited him and received several amulets. My driver later told me that his business had improved, and he brought me to the temple. I obtained several pieces myself and felt they were well blessed. My own business also improved, so I began introducing this master’s amulets to Singapore alongside a few other local dealers.

Later, I collected the master’s first portrait medallion issue. It was one of the pieces that brought me the strongest business and customer feedback.

Summary

Issued in B.E. 2553, this was the first portrait medallion made in Phra Maha Surasak’s name. It commemorated his royal elevation and helped raise funds to replace the tiled roofs of the monks’ quarters at Pradu Royal Monastery.

The front features his portrait and commemorative text. The reverse carries the Buddha’s Crown yantra, a design associated with the master. Some pieces were also hand-inscribed by him.

Historical Background

Phra Maha Surasak Atisakkho was born in B.E. 2504 (1961). He showed an early interest in sculpture and the fine arts. In B.E. 2519, he became a novice at Patjantaram Temple in Samut Sakhon under LP Sud of Kalong Temple. He was ordained there in B.E. 2526 and later passed Pali level 5.

In B.E. 2533, villagers in Amphawa invited him to care for Pradu Temple. He became its abbot in B.E. 2534. In B.E. 2559, he received a senior ecclesiastical title. In B.E. 2562, he became Ecclesiastical Governor of Samut Songkhram.

Origins of the Materials

Master craftsman Kasem Mongkolcharoen carved the medallion mould. Reservations opened on 1 January B.E. 2553, and the pieces reportedly sold out that day.

The temple produced three main versions:

• Gold: 449 pieces
• Silver: 2,553 pieces
• Mixed gold alloy: 30,000 pieces, including 5,000 sealed in the temple’s sacred repository

Phra Maha Surasak also studied with several respected teachers, learning protective amulets, sacred charms, meditation and traditional gold-blowing. He became especially well known for his protective charms and small amulets.

Ritual

The medallions were blessed at Pradu Temple in two ceremonies. The temple record is described as listing a mental blessing at 19:19 on 2 March B.E. 2553. The main consecration took place on 20 March B.E. 2553, a Saturday regarded in Thai tradition as an auspicious day for consecration. The weekday given for 2 March should be checked against the original temple record before publication. 

Blessings and Effects

Devotees traditionally associate the medallion with:

• Protection: safety from danger and misfortune
• Goodwill and support: harmonious relationships and a positive reception from others
• Wealth and prosperity: themes connected with the master’s teachings
• Authority and stability: reflected in his senior standing and royal title
• Merit and spiritual protection: associated with the Buddha’s Crown yantra

These are traditional beliefs associated with the medallion and its symbolism.

Modern Application

This medallion may appeal to devotees seeking an amulet for everyday wear, particularly those drawn to protection, business progress and harmonious relationships. Collectors may value it as Phra Maha Surasak’s first portrait issue and as a piece commemorating his royal elevation.

Physical Details

The medallion is oval. The front shows a half-body portrait of Phra Maha Surasak in robes, with commemorative text, his monastic name and code stamps. The reverse features the Buddha’s Crown yantra and identifies the temple, province and year of issue.