25/04/2026
Phra Buddha Chinraj Bhapor, 3rd Army Region, BE 2517 (1974). One of the 5 Benjapakhi (top-tier) Phra Buddha Chinraj statues. Phra Buddha Chinraj by Sergeant Major Thawee Buranakhet.
Lapp width (base width) 5.9 inches, gold-lacquered, with the original protective case. This piece is truly beautiful.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously granted royal permission for Lieutenant General Samran Phatthayakul, Commander of the 3rd Army Region, to create this sacred object, Phra Buddha Chinraj Bhapor, for the first time.
Their Majesties the King and Queen proceeded to the ceremony and poured the molten metal to cast the Phra Buddha Chinraj Bhapor at the ceremonial ground of Wat Sutthat Thepwararam, Bangkok, on 24 July 1973 at 16:49. Somdet Phra Sangkharat (Pun) of Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram presided over the monastic assembly.
The grand Maha Phutthaphisek (consecration) ceremony was held at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, Phitsanulok, on 18 July 1974, with 45 highly revered monk masters of that era sitting in meditation to bless the images.
And with the great royal benevolence and protection of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Bhumibol Adulyadej means “the one who possesses incomparable power in the land, the strength of the nation, the great Dhammaraja who rules the kingdom with righteousness”), it is considered an immense blessing for anyone who possesses and worships this sacred object.
The consecration ceremony invited many famous and powerful monks to participate, such as Luang Pu Toh of Wat Pradue Chimphli, Luang Pho Nueang, Luang Pho Nor, Luang Pho Thiam, Luang Pho Phring, Luang Pho Ki, and others.
This sacred object, the Phra Buddha Chinraj series created by the 3rd Army Region in BE 2517 (1974), featured one of the grandest Phutthaphisek ceremonies at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok. His Majesty the King personally participated in the metal-pouring ceremony, and there were two highly significant consecration rites:
• The first at Wat Sutthat
• The second at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Phitsanulok Province
(The information I have described here is only a summary.)
Additional Context (for better understanding)
This is a highly respected Phra Buddha Chinraj replica (one of the “Benjapakhi” or five most sought-after large Buddha statues in this series). It was sculpted/cast under the supervision of Sergeant Major Dr. Thawee Buranakhet (a nationally recognized artist and master craftsman from Phitsanulok).
The 5.9-inch version with original gold lacquer and case is considered rare and beautiful, especially with its aged but lustrous gold surface.
If you would like me to translate anything else, provide more details about this specific piece (e.g., comparing it to others in the series), or help with any other questions about its history, value, or features, just let me know!
Sādhu! 🙏 This is indeed a very auspicious and collectible piece.
