“Phra Upakut” is an idol made in place of one of the important disciples of the Arahant. which has been praised as Excellent in supernatural power In the post-Buddhist era Just like that “Moggallāna” was praised when the Lord Buddha was still alive.
The word 'Phra Upagupta' is written in Pali. In Sanskrit it is written as 'Upagupta', meaning a steadfast protector. It is also colloquially known as Phra Upakut Thera or Phra Thera Upakut, which is a symbol that indicates stability in the Dhamma and Vinaya, and other names such as Phra Nag Upakut and Phra Kisanaga, etc.
There appears a story about 'Phra Upakut' related to the protection of Buddhism: ... Phra Upakut practiced Dhamma in the middle of the vast river in Loha Prasat. When King Ashoka the Great The king who was the promoter of Buddhism in India ordered a third council to organize the Tripitaka, but the Devil came to disturb the ceremony. Until Phra Upakut had to be summoned to suppress By creating a putrid dog corpse hanging from the neck of the devil. And no matter what I do, I can't fix it. until the devil had to surrender Making the Council of Tipitaka successful and successful...
Characteristics of Phra Upakuta that are generally idols It is often made in the form of a Buddha sitting inside a conch shell. The head size is quite large, emphasizing the eyebrows, eyes, and nose clearly. And because Phra Upakut's residence is in a glass castle in the middle of the ocean. Therefore, images of aquatic animals are often included as symbols.
“Phra Thera Upakut” is probably a person from the city of Pataliputra. When ordained, then practice diligence. Until he succeeded in becoming an Arahant Khinasop Accomplish various supernatural powers Until you can show miracles It is a rumor that continues to this day. There is a practice of walking in solitude, often little. It is said that he created a castle made of old glass, 9 stories high, rising in the high sea (navel of the sea) to be the palace of the Naga, with the Naga guarding it firmly. He meditated in the most delicate meditation for a long time and then came up to offer alms to people once or when disasters occurred in the religion. When there was a big ceremony and someone invited him, he would always come up and help with willingness.
During the reign of King Asoka the Great There were as many as 60,000 disciples of Arahants. After he had attained this level of liberation, he took away the land. Solitude under the deep sea, all alone. Phra Upakut is the leader of the Dhamma army spread throughout the world. He is a monk who is full of Buddha power. and mighty power Can defeat the devil and eliminate evil things. to destroy the big rituals Since ancient times
There is a story that Around the end of the 2nd Buddhist century, after the Buddha passed away at Nakhon Patliputra Ratchathani. (presently Patna city Southern India) King Ashoka the Great reigning monarch at that time He had great faith in Buddhism. As legend says He built a temple and a stupa. Many throughout the Indian subcontinent (They say there were as many as eighty-four thousand of them) who collected and excavated the relics of the Lord Buddha. to be placed in every stupa that His Majesty had built.
When the filling of the Buddha's relics is completed His Majesty blessed to organize a celebration All the pagodas It is very grand for 7 years, 7 months, 7 days and in order to celebrate the celebration. It went smoothly. free from obstacles Therefore, I would like to appeal to the Khinasop monks. powerful Become a job protector To be free from interference from various evils.
But the monks in Pataliputra city There is no figure who can protect this great fair from all dangers. (Especially the danger from Phaya Vassawadi Mara who is more powerful than all ghosts and demons) except Phra Upakut Thera alone. All the monks then appointed two representatives to go down to pray to the mighty Phra Upakut Thera. Come help maintain safety at this celebration. which is said to This Phra Upakut Thera There is only one normally secluded person. Enter the meditation to experience liberation. In the vast ocean Inside the glass castle that was created Above the throne will come out of samadhi Fly up to collect alms in the human world only on the full moon Wednesday in the middle of the month.
The custom of worshiping Phra Upakut is widespread among the Burmese. Images of Phra Upagupta were built in Characteristics of a wooden Buddha statue sitting in the middle of water His head was covered with lotus leaves. and there were needles stuck all over his body. Known as “Phra Bua Khem” for the Khmer people. Still accepting the belief about Phra Upakut and replicating it into a small sculpture made of bronze. It is an image of the Lord Buddha sitting in various types of shells. and when holding important ceremonies There is usually a preliminary prayer ceremony to worship Phra Upakut. To help protect that work It was successfully completed. And while Siam believes in worshiping the Ganges River and the Goddess Ganga. as well as the tradition of booking a birch or the legend of Queen Phraya Ka Phueak which is a combination of Hinduism and Buddhism The Mon people believe that the Loi Krathong tradition is tied to “Phra Upakut Thera” who is the Great Thera who has supernatural powers
For Lanna people, they know "Phra Upakut" as the 'protector from danger', especially when there is a "Poi Luang" or "ceremony" where Phra Upakut will be raised from the river. Let's protect the event so that it's done well. In some localities it is still believed that Phra Upakut will be transformed (transformed) into a young novice monk who will come up to receive alms in “Wan Peng Pud” or “Full Moon Wednesday (full moon day that falls on Wednesday)” starting at 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday. People often see young novice monks walking along the road to collect alms. as well as various waterfronts until 'Tin Fa Yok' or the golden light comes out. So the body was transformed and disappeared.
It is believed that if anyone has good merit and gives alms to Phra Upakut bring wealthy. Free from all dangers, have good mental concentration, and have a happy life.
From such beliefs and respect Therefore, there are many people who have created Phra Upakut in various poses. The most popular ones include the alms bowl pose, meaning 'abundance of everything, wealth, and the devil-stopping pose. Protection from various dangers and the Samadhi posture or Bua Khem Buddha which gives good intelligence, a bright mind, and a happy life. With wisdom and charisma
The way to worship Phra Upakut or Phra Bua Khem is to place it lower than the Buddha. Because he is an Arahant disciple And it is popular to set it on a support base in the middle of a container of water. It simulates that he is staying in the ocean. Then use jasmine flowers to float in the offering water. For words of worship asking for good fortune It is as follows.
Finished setting Namo 3 and then saying "Worship prayer for Phra Upakut"...
Upagutto ca mahāthero sambuddhē na viyakato māranca mārapalanca soitā nimahathero namassittavā patiṭṭhito.
Ahaṃ vandāmi itānevā upaguttaṃ ca mahātherang yang yang ukpāwang jātaṃ vidhaṃ seti asesato mahālapaṃ bhavantume.