Takrut

Science, Sorcery, and the History of Faith

In the immensely varies pantheon of Thai amulets and occult talismans, the Takrut is considered a “formal” talismanic amulet that reflects the profound wisdom and synthesis of sacred scripts (Yantra), Buddhist virtues (Phuttha-khun), and the meditative power of Great Master Monks (Geji Ajarn). To evaluate a “Legendary” Takrut, one must look beyond mere age; it requires a deep analysis of the Wicha (Inscribed Magic), Material Quality, and the unique Identity of the cord-weaving and lacquering.

1. Takrut Maha Solos Mongkhon – Luang Pu Iam Pathom-nam (Wat Sapan Sung, Nonthaburi)

The Creator: Luang Pu Iam was the first abbot of Wat Sapan Sung. He was a master of the highest meditative attainments and the progenitor of the “Maha Solos Mongkhon” (Great 16 Auspices) lineage. Details: This is widely regarded as the “King of Takrut” among collectors.

  • Materials: Primarily crafted from copper or lead, with a standard length of 3.5 to 4 inches.
  • Inscriptions: One side is inscribed with the “Solos Mongkhon” Yantra (representing the 16 levels of heaven), while the other features the “Tri-Sarana-Khom” or “30 Perfections” Yantra. The writing process requires intense concentration and the ritualistic “calling” of every sacred syllable.
  • Authentication: The Takrut is coated in “Maha Solos” powder (a yellowish-white sacred powder), then wrapped in a “Criss-cross” or “Spiral” cord pattern, and finally finished with a natural black or reddish-black lacquer (Chinese or “Nam Kliang” lacquer) that has dried and cracked naturally over time.
  • Blessings: Universal protection, ranging from great mercy (Metta) to invulnerability and protection from all dangers.

2. Takrut Koo Cheewit – Luang Por Ngern Phuttha-choti (Wat Bang Klan, Pichit)

The Creator: Luang Por Ngern is one of the most famous monks in Thai history and was a teacher to HRH Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse (Prince of Chumphon). Details: The name “Koo Cheewit” (Life Partner) implies that owning this Takrut is like having a “spare life” or remaining invulnerable until death.

  • Materials: Typically made from extra-thick lead known as “Takua Nam Nom” (Milk Lead). Some pieces feature an inner core of copper or silver.
  • Inscriptions: Uses the “Koo Cheewit” or “Asisatti” Yantra (The Narayana Transforming Yantra), providing the highest level of invulnerability (Kongkraphan). It is said that “those with Luang Por Ngern’s Takrut shall never die a violent death.”
  • Authentication: Many versions are not cord-wrapped. Instead, focus on the age of the lead, characterized by “Tread-mark” oxidation (deep black) or “White Wax” rust, and an incredibly tight roll.
  • Technical Note: The inscription must occur during specific auspicious alignments, and according to legend, must be consecrated until the Takrut can “move” on its own.

3. Takrut Maha Jakkapatiraat – Luang Por Kong Tamma-choto (Wat Bang Kaphom, Samut Songkram)

The Creator: Luang Por Kong was one of the “Four Deities” of the Indochina War era (Jad, Jong, Kong, Ee). Details: Renowned for its extreme intricacy and complex ritual process.

  • Materials: Usually copper or “Chin” (lead-alloy) metal.
  • Inscriptions: Features the “Jakkapatiraat” Great Emperor Yantra (Yant Maha Jakkapat), a high-tier script used historically in royal coronations or for kings going into battle. It incorporates the Itipiso Rattana Mala incantation.
  • Authentication: Distinguished by the “Chakra of Narayana” (Vishnu-Chakra) weaving pattern—an extremely fine net-like cord wrap. The lacquer is typically a deep, aged red.
  • Blessings: Focused on great power (Maha Amnat), charisma, leadership, and professional advancement.

4. Takrut Mai Yoo Rod (Bamboo of Survival) – Luang Pu Iam (Wat Nang, Bangkok)

The Creator: Also known as “Chao Khun Thao,” he was a highly revered teacher to King Rama V. Details: While he made metal Takrut, his “Bamboo” versions are the most sought-after and rarest.

  • Materials: Made from Mai Ruak (a type of bamboo) that died naturally (“Tai Prai”). Crucially, it must be bamboo that survived a forest fire or clearing—symbolizing “survival” against all odds.
  • Construction: A sacred Yantra (The Crown of the Buddha) is inscribed on mulberry paper, inserted into the bamboo, and sealed with Chanarong (stingless bee resin) from an underground nest.
  • Authentication: Wrapped in cord and finished with either gold-leafed lacquer or black lacquer. Observe the aged texture of the wood and the “scaly” dryness of the lacquer.
  • Blessings: “Phra Kata Mongkut Phra Phuttha Chao” provides supreme protection over one’s destiny and escape from all disasters.

5. Takrut Takua Khom Dam Din – Luang Pu Suk Gesaro (Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Chainat)

The Creator: The grandmaster of the Chao Phraya River and the primary teacher of Prince Grom Luang Chumphon. Details: His Takrut are unique due to the lead material, which he often smelted himself using occult components.

  • Materials: A soft but heavy lead known as “Takua Tham-cha” (Tea-canister lead) or Burmese lead.
  • Inscriptions: Features the “Phuttha Muan Lok” or “Na Ud Puen” Yantra. Legend says he often inscribed these underwater or during the dead of night at specific auspicious times.
  • Authentication: The metal is almost always “corner-cut” (chamfered) on all four sides before rolling—a critical identification marker. The cord-wrap often follows the “Crocodile Teeth” pattern characteristic of the Chainat lineage.
  • Blessings: Famous for “Maha Ud” (preventing guns from firing) and absolute invulnerability.

6. Takrut Maha Bpraab Luang Por Ding Kang-Kassuwanno (Wat Bang Wua, Chachoengsao)

The Creator: Famous for his “Hanuman carved from gardenia roots,” the most expensive in the world. Details: The “Conqueror” Takrut is highly prized among military and high-ranking officials.

  • Materials: Primarily copper, often quite long (5 to 7 inches).
  • Inscriptions: The “Maha Bpraab” Yantra, which has the power to subdue enemies and nullify black magic.
  • Authentication: The cord wrap usually “seals” both the top and bottom ends. Some pieces are finished with gold leaf over an aged, dark brown lacquer.
  • Blessings: Subduing spiritual obstacles, overcoming rivals, and protection against curses.

7. Takrut 7-Dork (Set of 7) – Luang Por Jong Puttha-ssaro (Wat Na Tang Nok, Ayutthaya)

The Creator: A member of the “Indochina” group, known as the “God of Mercy.” Details: Usually created as a set (7, 12, or 16 scrolls) strung on a red cord.

  • Materials: “Fa Bat” (alms-bowl lid) brass or small copper sheets.
  • Inscriptions: Each scroll has a different function—one for fire protection, one for guns, one for mercy, one for warding off venomous animals, etc.
  • Authentication: The “Red Cord” must show significant fading and aging. The scrolls are typically rolled with uniform precision.
  • Blessings: Comprehensive protection for the wearer and their companions; ideal for long-distance travel.

8. Takrut Maha Rood – Luang Por Kuay Chutintaro (Wat Kositaram, Chainat)

The Creator: A master known for the mantra: “May my disciples never be hungry, never be poor, and never be lower than others.” Details: The “Sliding Takrut” was a favorite among the youths and tough-guys of the previous generation.

  • Materials: Often a “Three Kings” Takrut (Copper, Silver, Brass rolled together) or lead with a copper core.
  • The Science: The usage is versatile: slide it to the front for power/fighting, to the back for escape, to the left for charm, and to the right for popularity.
  • Authentication: Usually features green or white nylon cord (in mid-era pieces) with sacred powder packed into both ends.
  • Blessings: Highly “Flexible Magic” that adapts to the wearer’s immediate situation.

9. Takrut Sam Hu (Three-Rings) – Luang Por Tae Kong-Tong (Wat Sam Ngam, Nakhon Pathom)

The Creator: The world-renowned master of Kuman Tong. Details: The “Three-Ring” Takrut is the unique identity of the Wat Sam Ngam lineage.

  • Materials: Crafted from hammered lead (lead beaten into sheets with a hammer). The edges of the lead often show natural “stress cracks” due to the age of the metal.
  • Construction: The metal is wrapped in “burial shroud” cloth (Pha Bang-sukun) before being cord-wrapped and lacquered.
  • Authentication: Features three distinct cord loops (rings) for threading a belt. The wrap is thick and usually coated in occult powder before being finished with black lacquer.
  • Blessings: Warding off spirits, preventing black magic, and attracting wealth (a specialty of this lineage).

10. Takrut Maha Solos Mongkol (Modern Lineage) – Luang Por Tong Suk (Wat Sapan Sung, Nonthaburi)

The Creator: A direct disciple who inherited the Wicha from Luang Pu Klin (who was himself a disciple of Luang Pu Iam). He kept the Wat Sapan Sung legend alive post-1950. Details: A high-quality alternative for collectors who cannot afford the early Luang Pu Iam originals.

  • Materials: Primarily copper, with aging consistent with the mid-20th century.
  • Inscriptions: Uses the exact same “Maha Solos Mongkol” Yantra as Luang Pu Iam.
  • Authentication: Features a thick layer of sacred powder. The lacquer is typically “Nam Kliang” (clear/pure) or black, which is glossier than the early era but still possesses a deep, dry natural patina.
  • Technical Note: The edges of the copper sheet show machine-cut marks consistent with the tools of that era, as opposed to the hand-sheared marks of the ancient period.

The Science of Takrut Creation

The fact that these 10 Takrut have become highly sought-after assets (valued from tens of thousands to millions of Baht) is not accidental. It is supported by several technical factors:

The Alchemy of Spirit

A master monk does not just “write”; he “inscribes” while in a state of high Samadhi (meditative absorption). Every Khom letter must be “called” (incanted) to manifest its power. These are not merely metal sheets; they are “spiritual batteries” charged with intent.

Occult Material Science

The choice of material carries symbolic weight:

  • Lead (Takua): Believed to be the best metal for absorbing spiritual energy due to its “softness” and density.
  • Copper (Tong Daeng): Represents the element of fire and physical strength.
  • Alms-bowl Lids (Fa Bat): Symbolize abundance—one will never starve, just as the bowl is always filled with food.

The Art of Authentication

Verifying an authentic Takrut requires observing three “Natures”:

  1. Nature of Metal: The number of folds, the pressure of the stylus marks, and the “internal rust” (oxidation that grows from the inside out).
  2. Nature of Cord: Hemp, jute, or nylon must show fraying and wear consistent with age, not artificial aging.
  3. Nature of Lacquer (Rak): Lacquer is the most accurate time-marker. Old lacquer must be bone-dry, often cracking into “crocodile skin” scales or resembling dark obsidian that has lost its surface gloss.

Conduct of the Bearer

Collecting these 10 types of Takrut is considered an acquisition of both “Intellectual and Spiritual Property.” The data provided here is based on the “Manual of Thai Talismans” and the standards of the Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association.

Caution: Modern counterfeits are extremely sophisticated, especially for the Wat Sapan Sung and Luang Pu Suk lineages. Mastery of “cutting marks” and “lacquer aging” is the most important skill for a collector. Ultimately, as every master monk has taught: “The Takrut remains powerful only if the person behind the amulet maintains their morality.”

This information is compiled as an educational resource for the study of Thai amulets based on historical and academic standards.

Author: Ajarn Spencer Littlewood

Store: www.ancientamulet.com

Blog: www.ajarnspencer.com