Tapoon (Two-Faced Drum), Luang Phor Pak, Wat Bot

Luang Phor Pak

from Wat Botwas famous for his BiaGae, Singh and Tapoon, all of which were made over a hundred years ago. Some called his Tapoon amulet as Glong Tapoon (drum) or Tapoon Riak Kon (meaning to call in customers, or to call in projects and business). They are ideal for attracting Metta, Mahaniyomand Maha Larp (luck and good fortune). It is very difficult to create these amulets, or to find someone capable of doing so, and as such, they are very rare. There were no records of how many pieces were made, but those who had witnessed the process, said that the pieces made were only enough to fill half of Luang Phor’s alms bowl.

 

 

He only gave these Tapoon to students who were unmarried, or to people he felt had a strong sense of responsibility. In the past they were never seen for sale, as they were only handed down as an heirloom.

Powerful Wicha

This is a very special wicha. When someone knows that you have an amulet protecting you, in order to do harm to you, they must first remove the protective spells. This process is called “Thon Arkhom” in Thai. The wicha for this drum is called “mai samad mee khong ruer wicha arkhom dai dai keh dai eek duay

”. This can be translated as an amulet that renders its wearer impervious to Ton Arkhom. The reason for this, was Luang Phor Pak’s diligent completion of Phithiphitan (a punctilious creation and consecration process)

Drumming for fame and fortune

While Luang Phor Pak was alive, there was a travelling drama troupe named “Kana Hom Huan

” who came to Wat Bot to stage a musical folk drama/opera for the villagers. At that time, the troupe was not famous, and for three days, not a soul came to see them. Forlorn, the leader of the troupe wished to wrap up the show and travel to other provinces for their next performance. When Luang Phor heard about this, he advised the leader of the troupe to bring all his Tapoon to him to receive blessings. The next day, Luang Phor Pak returned the Tapoon to the troupe, and asked the leader to play them during the “ork khek” (exposition of a play), and the crowds would gather. They would also have to do this in the early evening, specifically. The leader did not believe him, as audiences would only come to watch them at night, and they had thus far been few and far between.

 

 

Despite his skepticism, the leader of the troupe decided to give it a shot, and brought forward the “ork khek” to early evening. The Tapoon rang through the evening air with soft, clear and melodious tones. When the villagers heard it, they were drawn to it. Crowds began to gather, and attendance skyrocketed dramatically.

 

The leader could not believe it and decided to repeat the phenomenon over the next two days. Still the crowds would come, even braving the rain and mud to stay through the entire performance.
On the 4th day, the troupe went to give thanks to Luang Phor, and informed him that they would be leaving the next day. From that day onwards, the troupe “Kana Hom Huan” became famous.

Fame of the Amulet

The next troupe to come through the village had heard about this story, and they too brought their Tapoon to Luang Phor to be blessed. The same series of events unfolded, and this troupe too, became famous.

 

It is customary for Wat Bot to hold annual celebrations. Various renowned drama troupes would travel to the temple to give performances, as a way to express their respect and gratitude towards Luang Phor Pak for his help.

 

When word of these miraculous events spread, the villagers came forward to ask Luang Phor to make small versions of the Tapoon as amulets. Luang Phor carved the Tapoon from ivory. Some were made from whole pieces of ivory, while others were carved out of broken fragments. Animal bones were also used (no details were given about the type of animal bones used). In each of these, a hole was dug to facilitate the insertion of various consecrated powders, and a metal ring was then drilled in to plug the hole.
During lunchtime, villagers would arrive to offer food to Luang Phor. After he ate, he would sometimes hide a Tapoon within the utensils he returned. The villagers would search eagerly, as finding one meant that fortune would turn in their favour.

 

Katha

Namo Tassa Pakawatoh Arahatoh Sammasamputtasa – 3x
Puttang rattanang
Tammang rattanang
Sangkang rattanang