Phra Pidta

  1. Home
  2. Wiki
Phra Pidta amulet

Phra Pidta (Thai: พระปิดตา) is a type of small Buddha image or Thai amulet. Its characteristic form depicts an arahant raising his hands to cover his face (closing the eyes together with the ears, nose, and mouth).[1]

There are three types of Phra Pidta:

  • The squatting type with closed eyes (covering all nine orifices),
  • The cross-legged type with hands closing all nine orifices,
  • The cross-legged type with both hands covering the face but leaving other parts uncovered.

Famous examples include:

  • Phra Pidta from Wat Tai Yan (Chai Nat Province)
  • Phra Pidta Rae Bang Phai of Luang Pu Chan (Wat Moli)
  • Phra Pidta of Luang Pu Iam (Wat Nang)
  • Phra Pidta of Luang Pho Thap (Wat Thong)
  • Phra Pidta of Luang Pu Nak (Wat Huai Chorakhe)
  • Phra Pidta of Luang Pu Suk
  • Phra Pidta made from sacred powder mixed with lacquer, known as the “Five Tigers of Chonburi” (Luang Pho Kaew, Luang Pu Chiam, Luang Pho Khrip, Luang Pho To, Luang Pu Phu)
  • Phra Pidta of Luang Pu Hiang (Wat Pa), Luang Pu Phu (Wat Ton Son, Chonburi), among others.[2]

History

[edit]

According to tradition, Phra Pidta represents one of the chief disciples, Gavampati.[3] It symbolizes deep Dhamma meaning, and devotees believe it can bring fortune, wealth, and prosperity. The closing of the nine orifices (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, anus) — called Maha Uth — symbolizes the state of Gavampati entering nirodha-samapatti, where the nine gates are shut, no longer affected by defilements. This represents the complete cessation of the taints (asava kilesa), guarding against all dangers.[4]

The origin of Phra Pidta is believed to derive from Khmer amulet-making traditions, later adopted in Thai sacred art.[5] Early Phra Pidta were cast in metal, such as those from Wat Tai Yan (Sankhaburi District, Chai Nat). Later, amulets were also made from sacred powder mixed with lacquer, as in the famous Phra Pidta of Luang Pho Kaew (Wat Kruarawan, Chonburi Province). During early Rattanakosin times, Phra Pidta became widely popular, with notable examples including those from Wat Plub (Wat Ratchasittharam), Wat Nang, Wat Thong, Luang Pu Suk, Rae Bang Phai, and Luang Pu Yim.[6]

Types

[edit]
  • Squatting Phra Pidta (Maha Uth): squatting posture, covering all nine orifices, believed to provide invulnerability, protection, and ward off dangers.[7]
  • Cross-legged Phra Pidta with closed orifices: seated in meditation, hands covering all nine orifices, with protective power against dangers.[7]
  • Cross-legged Phra Pidta with both hands covering the face: leaving other orifices uncovered, believed to bring loving-kindness, popularity, and wealth.[8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Have you ever known why it is called "Phra Pidta"? The legend recorded since the Buddha's time reveals the answer". TNews.
  2. ^ "Phra Pidta brings fortune and prosperity". Daily News. 6 July 2019.
  3. ^ "The prototype of Phra Pidta". Thai Rath.
  4. ^ "The meaning of Phra Pidta".
  5. ^ ""25–30 million baht!" The latest valuation of Luang Pho Kaew's Phra Pidta". Kom Chad Luek.
  6. ^ "The king of Phra Pidta with the highest esteem in Thailand: Luang Pho Kaew of Wat Kruarawan". Siam Rath. 31 August 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Heaven and Earth: Overcoming hardship through faith". Thai Rath. 3 May 2020.
  8. ^ "The meaning of Phra Pidta".