[Updated 10 December 2023]
Buddhist Meanings of Amulets
Here is a quick guide to the meaning of some of the Thai pendants we sell, and even some that we don’t usually sell so you can get an idea which Thai pendants you might purchase for what reason. One of our friends gave us a piece of paper with these descriptions on them.
We don’t agree wholeheartedly with the meanings for some of these, but honestly, the meaning among groups of people – Thai Buddhists, Chinese Buddhists, Theravada, Mahayana, Hindus, etc., can be different. So, the following is from one point of view.
- Butterfly Amulet – For trade and relationships. The pendants are often brightly colored and hard to see the intricate details.
- Phra Phrom (four-faced Buddha) pendants – for peace, family, wealth, and all-encompassing wisdom in decisions about life. Phra Phrom is the Theravada Buddhist interpretation of the Hindu God, Shiva. Shiva is the highest god in Hinduism. Buddhists made Phra Phrom to show Buddha with 4-faces, each in a different direction, to show all-encompassing knowledge.
- Trimurti – for love, happiness, and for wishes to be granted.
- Ganesha / Ganesh – the Hindu elephant God of Obstacles – both placing and eliminating them. This is for art, luck, and harmony in life. Having a good life, smooth, without complications. Here in Thailand, you can witness many offerings by the elephant statues.
- This is by students and others who would like Ganesh to remove obstacles or help them do something. When the wish is granted, the person who promised Ganesh something – must fulfill it.
- Kwan Yin – the Goddess of Compassion. These pendants are for those who need healing and empathy.
- Nong (Nang) Kwak – the woman calling with one hand to people passing by. This is for business prosperity, wealth, good luck, and growing a healthy business. If you look in most Chinese businesses across Asia and in the USA, there is often a Nong Kwak amulet, image, statue, and or sacred Yant flag in a special shrine in the front of the business.
- Phra Pidta (Pid Ta) – the monk that covers his eyes – for protection from evil spirits, and influences. Phra Pidta is deep in the Jhana realms, the supernatural realms. He has an intimate connection with good spirits for luck. These pendants are for gaining wealth, and business prosperity. These are very popular pendants in Thailand.
- Salika – the two birds that look like they are kissing, they are facing each other. This is for success in business, and relationships. Salika pendants are said to give the wearer the gift of charm – charming words to make people feel good and increase love relationships and other social relationships.
- Phra Somdej – prosperity in business, peace, and a good life.
- Chinnarat (Jinnaraj) Buddha – the Buddha pendants with the triangle behind, outlining the Buddha with whisps of fire rising off the sides. An exceptionally beautiful Buddha image that many people find pleasing. This is for defense against evil and generally smooth life.
- Rahu Demon – the eclipse demon seen eating the sun or moon on various amulets, especially Jatukam Ramathep amulets. This is a reminder of beneficence.
I own an amulet that was a gift from a good friend who lives in Thailand. The one I have is of a Buddha in the lotus position on four platforms. The reverse side is what I want to know the meaning of… HELP!!! Wish I could send a pic of it!!!
You can send a photo and maybe we can help.
Hi can female carry a 3″ Thai Buddha statue to move from a old rented flat to new rented flat?
Yes, of course
Hi. Do you have an amulet I might give to a couple trying to have
a baby? I can not return this year to Thailand .any help is appreciated .
Thank you …..greg
My step mom is from Udon she gave me a amulet. She said it has been passed down in her family. She said it’s a kings amulet. Can you give me any help.
Oh if you give me your email I have pics. It also has a gold emblem on one side with a small metal plate with a number stamped on it. The number is 59856
Hi
I would like to know the name of an amulet of a buddha sitting on a ball or the earth? Would you be able to tell me and if possible show me some picture, please. Thank you
Hi,is it ok to wear jatukam and luang phor thong kam amulet together? Thank you for the response.
Hi,
I have a collection of various Buddha and Ganesh amulets I have acquired in temples in Thailand and strongly believe in their positive power.
I’m now looking for an amulet that keeps away misfortune in business endeavors and provides luck in these. It needs to be a special, strong amulet.
Can you recommend anything? Thanks.
we think our Phra Pidta amulets are really the best to recommend – you may find here – thank you – https://thaiamuletstore.com/product-category/amulets/phra-pidta/
Hi can I know about Naprok
Show me the picture of the Amulets
I am wearing a khun paen and kumantong amulet together..can i know how to identify whether its fake or genuine..tq for response.
There is no way for anyone to tell you online whether it is fake. Did you buy it from the temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat? If yes, it’s real.
I found this amulet at a house i rented. Don’t know who it belongs to
We also don’t know. Sorry!
Hi There
Is there an amulet to help protect sailors?
Thanks
Is there any amulet to prevent cursed or magic protection
We don’t like to say this amulet will do this, or do that. You should read up on the power of amulets and come to your own conclusion. Many people believe 100% and spend thousands of dollars on amulets. Others don’t believe at all.
Amulets with Luang Phor Tuad are said to be for sailors. Why? LPT had a number of instances where he showed mastery over saltwater and freshwater.
i have a thai amulet with a symbol of a monk sitting on a bull..can i know what the meaning of it?
I need some help with this amulet my friend has passed to me. He says it’s a Narai infused Soon Teck amulet, do you have any information on it?
Sorry, we don’t know. We’re not really amulet experts of all kinds… we know the ones we sell from our own temples, but there are thousands to keep up with, and we don’t try. :P
I have a phra Pikanet Kling (ringing bell)some monk say it phra Tsiho but I’ve been looking and can’t seem to find anything the same.
I want to know if you seen one like this before.
No, I’ve not seen a Ganesh with a bell inside. :P
How to get rid amulets that you don’t wish to wear it
Hi my friend recently give me an amulet , can I know what it is!
Please take to a Theravada Buddhist temple and donate to the temple.
You can send it to us and we’ll see if we recognize it. There are millions of styles of amulets… so, maybe we don’t now. :P
Hi,
A friend gave me this amulet from his visit to Thailand. I want to know the name but I cannot find online. Can someone help and tell me? Much appreciated.
How to attached pic here to show you?
send to
Hi, I have an amulet which was passed down to me . Can I know what is it ?
I would wish to have a deeper understanding into Thai amulets. First I need some write up on how to differentiate / identify them. Where could I get these write up , in English please. Thank you
Hello. i got an amulet with 2 sides. one is with one small guy and 5 women and the other side is the small guy hugging a woman. do u knw what it does?