Description
Jatukam Ramathep amulet became extremely popular in the 2006-2007 period. The amulet is named after the two princes, Jatukam and Ramathep, from the Sri Vijaya kingdom. It is a round shape amulet with a 5cm diameter and usually with the image of a Hindu deity. The initial batch of amulets was made in 1987 by Khun Phantharak Rajjadej, a highly respected police Major General that died at the age of 108. The latter was given a Royal Cremation ceremony where the Thai King, Queen, and more than 200 thousand people patronage the funeral.
In the past, the King of Thailand acquired some sacred relics of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha after conquering Sri Lanka in a war. Many years later, the conflict in Asia escalated, and Thailand was on the back foot. The King entrusted the two princes to protect the Buddha’s sacred relics as many enemies wanted to steal their relics. The princes decided to bring it back to Sri Lanka via ship. However, they met a massive storm in the sea on the way there, and everyone aboard the ship died except for the two princes. Jatukam and Ramathep thought-about about continuing their journey but were unable to. After that, they built a Buddhist temple, Wat Mahatat Woromaha Vihan, that is still in good condition and available today.
The famous temple Wat Mahatat is still housing the sacred Buddha relics. The temple is located in Tambon Nai Muang, Amphur Muang of Nakon Si Thammarat Province. People were looking for the remnants for an extended period but could not find them. Eventually, the stories of the two princes unfolded. Later, people joined the two princes’ names together and called them Tao Jatukam Ramathem when offering prayers to them. People that pray to them will be blessed with a better life and have their protection.
Jatukam Ramathep amulets rose in popularity during 2006-2007 when the original maker Khun Phan died. At that period, the charms sold were worth more than 20 billion Thai Baht. Many magical stories linked with the Jatukam Ramathep make it so prominent even today.
