Jatukham Rammathep

Jatukam Ramathep (จตุคามรามเทพ) refers to two deities believed to be the guardians of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province: Thao Katukam and Thao Ramathep. These figures were originally high-level Hindu deities but later became guardians of the Phra Borommathat relic, enshrined on the entrance doors of the relic chedi. In 1987 (B.E. 2530), during the re-establishment of Nakhon Si Thammarat's city horoscope, Jatukam Ramathep was ceremoniously invited to reside at the new spiritual center.

The official seal of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, depicting the Phra Borommathat Chedi

Meaning and Beliefs

The people of Nakhon Si Thammarat believe that Jatukam means the city guardian deity. The term Jatu means "four", and kam refers to "village" or "territory", indicating the four cardinal directions guarded by the Four Heavenly Kings. Ramathep, combining "Rama" (an incarnation of Vishnu) and "thep" (deity), implies a divine ruler or king.

Jatukam Ramathep is sometimes identified with King Chandrabhanu of the Sri Thammasokaraj dynasty, a dark-complexioned warrior-king who spread Srivijaya influence and pledged to become a bodhisattva. However, this is contested due to a historical conflict with King Vishnurat, the builder of the Phra Borommathat, who lived around 400 years earlier.

The two deities — Thao Jatukam and Thao Ramathep — were later merged into one entity, representing the fusion of royal and divine elements, embodying a bodhisattva-king who guards the four directions. Jatukam Ramathep is said to have four valiant warrior attendants: Phaya Chingchai, Phaya Luang Mueang, Phaya Sukhum, and Phaya Hora, who helped establish the Phra Borommathat and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom.

Today, Jatukam Ramathep is revered for having the "power of the sun and moon, dispelling darkness from the world."

Conditions for Prayers

1. The prayer must be morally appropriate and feasible. 2. The vow made must be fulfilled upon receiving the blessing. 3. Acts of merit should be dedicated to Jatukam Ramathep.

Self-cultivation through almsgiving, precepts, and meditation is essential.

Iconography

He is typically depicted as a celestial being in a seated posture with four arms holding various weapons. His attendants resemble four-armed Hanuman figures, aligned with Srivijaya art symbolism.

History

The first Jatukam Ramathep amulet was created in 1987 as a "Sun-Moon Rahu Medallion" depicting a central deity with two heads and four arms, surrounded by eight Rahu figures. This represented the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

Jatukam Ramathep (also spelled Jatukham Rammathep) is the name of a popular Thai amulet sold by some temples in Thailand. The amulet is named for two princes of the Srivijaya kingdom of southern Thailand and is believed to bring protection and good fortune. Some legends associate him with Avalokitesvara, due to earlier Mahayana influence in the south.^[1]

The original amulets were created by a retired Thai police general who believed the spirit helped him solve a murder case.

Interest surged during 2006 and especially in early 2007, during the royal cremation of Khun Phantharak Rachadet, one of the original creators. With Pol. Lt. Gen. Sanphet Thammatikhun leading, temples nationwide began mass-producing amulets. The demand grew so large that incidents including stampedes and robberies occurred.^[2]

One woman died in a stampede trying to reserve an amulet batch at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. Later, the Supreme Patriarch ceased supplying sacred materials due to the crime wave.^[3]

Trucks promoted various series of amulets in Nakhon Si Thammarat, with colorful posters and booming loudspeakers.^[4]

Estimates suggest Jatukam amulet sales exceeded 20 billion baht in 2007, increasing Thailand’s GDP by 0.1–0.2%. The Revenue Department even considered taxing their production.

Chant for Worship

Begin with mental focus and chant three times: Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa

Then recite: Catugama Ramadevaṁ bodhisattaṁ mahāguṇaṁ mahiddhikaṁ ahaṁ pūjemi, siddhilābho nirantaraṁ, namo buddhāya

Meaning: "I worship the Bodhisattva Jatukam Ramathep, who possesses great merit and immense power. May success and prosperity be with me forever."

See Also

• Thai amulets