Ancient Cambodian bronze amulet of Phra Upakut (Phra Bua Khem).

Ancient Cambodian bronze amulet of Phra Upakut
(also called Phra Bua Khem ).
*

This Cambodian amulet is of a very primitive style
and given its patina it seems to be quite old.
This amulet represents the Buddha Phra Upakut, seated on a shell,
surrounded by two cobras and carrying his alms bowl.
*
There is a story about Phra Upakut that takes place towards the end of the 2nd century after the Buddha's passing in Patali Butrat Thani (now the city of Patna, South India). King Ashoka the Great who reigned at that time had great faith in Buddhism. To celebrate the construction of the pagodas he had built in 7 years, 7 months and 7 days, the King wanted to hold a grand ceremony but was prevented from doing so by a demon. King Ashoka then called upon Phra Upakut to defeat
this demon, and once the exorcism was accomplished he made great offerings to Phra Upakut.

Phra Upakut is also known as Phra Bua Khem .
Currently, there is still a belief among the Tai Yuan ethnic people
that Phra Bua Khem or Phra Upakut will come back to life every year during the 15 days of the waxing moon when it falls on a Wednesday. Thai Tai Yuan believe that then , Phra Upakut asks for alms in the form of a young novice around midnight . For this reason, the tradition of giving alms to monks
that day during the night was born.
*
Phra Upakut is a deity of fortune and protection, still very popular
in the countryside of Cambodia and northern Thailand.
*
UNIQUE PIECE.
________________________________________
- Height: 45 mm.
- Width: 30 mm.
- Weight: approximately 32 grams.
- New custom-made reliquary: Yes.