Luang Pu Aum Gesaro of Wat Nong Grabok: Creator of Thailand’s Legendary Phae Amulets
(Long Story Short)
Luang Pu Aum Gesaro of Wat Nong Grabok is regarded as one of Thailand’s legendary masters of Phae, or goat amulets.
He was a disciple of the even more renowned Luang Phor Bparn of Wat Bang Hia, whose powerful Seur, or tiger amulets, are now valued at millions of baht, assuming one can even find a genuine piece.
According to the traditional account, when Luang Pu Aum first arrived at Luang Phor Bparn’s temple, Luang Phor Bparn observed him quietly for several months to test his discipline, resilience, and determination.
In the end, Luang Phor Bparn concluded that Luang Pu Aum was destined to learn the wicha of Phae, rather than the knowledge with Seur. This marked the beginning of Luang Pu Aum’s journey as one of Thailand’s most respected creators of goat amulets.
Luang Pu Aum’s Phae amulets were traditionally made from Kao Kwai Phueak, the horn of a white or albino buffalo that had been struck by lightning. It was believed that the lightning had purified the horn and bestowed upon it blessings from heaven.
His goat amulets are traditionally believed to provide protection from unseen dangers, malicious entities, black magic, and harmful spells. Some elder devotees also believe that they can help alleviate negative karmic influences carried over from a previous life.
At MKC, I was especially drawn to the amulet’s associations with Maha Saneh, Maha Niyom, and Maha Amnat: charm and attraction, popularity and favour, and authority and influence.
An alpha male goat is always surrounded by a herd of female goats and portrays leadership, confidence, influence, and absolute authority. This symbolism was one of the main reasons I was drawn to this particular piece.
Beautiful pieces of Luang Pu Aum’s Phae can now command prices of around one million baht, if the owner is willing to part with one at all.
Luang Pu Aum is believed to have begun creating these amulets around B.E. 2431 or slightly later and continued until his passing. Over the years, only slightly more than 500 pieces are believed to have been made. This estimate refers specifically to amulets made by Luang Pu Aum, sculpted by the same craftsman he used, and kept with him before being distributed to devotees.
This does not include pieces brought by temple members or devotees who supplied their own materials and asked Luang Pu Aum to consecrate them.
The piece shown here is from the early period, known as Yuk DTon or from the earlier period from 2431
You are looking at a genuine piece of Thailand’s spiritual and cultural heritage, presented in a beautiful housing with a real gold case. (Gold Box)