Jatukam Ramathep (จตุคามรามเทพ) refers to the guardian deities of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, consisting of two divine beings — Thao Katukam and Thao Ramthep.^[1] Originally, in Hinduism, they were regarded as high-ranking deities found throughout various regions of Thailand. However, when Buddhism spread throughout Southeast Asia, their status was transformed into divine guardians of the Great Relic Stupa. Their names were changed to auspicious forms — becoming Thao Jatukam — and their images were installed on the entrance doors leading to the stupa. In 1987 (BE 2530), during the ceremony to reestablish the city horoscope of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the images of Jatukam Ramathep were invited to preside over the event — marking the beginning of modern worship.^[2]

The people of Nakhon Si Thammarat believe that Jatukam is the supreme guardian god of the city. In Pali, the term catu means “four,” and gama means “village” or “territory.” Together, Jatukam symbolizes the four directions of the realm — which means four-direction protection (Cātummahārāja). Hence, the name signifies “the lord who rules over the four directions,” a position of supreme authority and protection over the city.^[3]

The term Ramthep derives from Rama, representing the incarnation of Vishnu as a righteous king, while deva means “deity.” Thus, Ramthep denotes a divine monarch — a deified ruler who governs the city, akin to an earthly king or Chao Mueang.^[4]

It is rumored that Jatukam Ramathep was originally a king of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom, officially known as Chandrabhanu, the second monarch of the Sri Thammasokaraj dynasty.^[5] He was described as dark-skinned and a valiant warrior. After firmly establishing the Srivijaya Empire, he earned the title “Black King of the Southern Seas” or “Phaya Phang Phakhan.” He was said to have mastered the esoteric discipline of Jatukam Sciences and performed great acts of merit with the aspiration to become a Bodhisattva, relieving the suffering of humankind. However, this belief may conflict with inscriptions of King Vishnurat of Srivijaya (circa BE 1318), credited with founding the Great Relic Stupa of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which predates King Chandrabhanu by about 400 years.^[6]

Originally, the shrine contained one deity — Thao Jatukam Ramthep — a single divine figure: Jatukam Ramathep. however people starts spreading rumors saying they are two princes which is incorrect. Thus, Jatukam Ramathep represents the divine spirit of an ancient monarch who became a celestial protector of the four directions, possessing immense power and the ten perfections (pāramitā) of a Bodhisattva, filled with compassion for all beings.^[7]

Jatukam Ramathep is believed to have two general warrior attendants: Phaya Ching Chai, Pitta Pang Pra Kan, —heroes who helped defeat the Brahmins who once ruled the land. After reclaiming the city, they established the Great Relic Stupa and founded the Twelve Zodiac City-States (Muang Sip Song Naksat), later known as the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom, enshrining Buddhism as the state religion. For this reason, he is also venerated as Sri Thammasokaraj.^[8]

Today, Jatukam Ramathep is widely revered as a deity possessing supernatural power in all aspects. An inscription from Srivijaya describes him as having “radiance like the sun and moon, dispelling the world’s darkness.”^[9]

To make a wish or prayer to him, three principles must be observed:

1. Pray only for things that are possible and morally sound.
2. Once a wish is granted, keep the promise made to the deity.
3. Perform acts of merit in dedication to Jatukam Ramathep.

Most importantly, one must not rely solely on prayers — one must also cultivate goodness through generosity (dāna), morality (sīla), and meditation (bhāvanā).

The image of Jatukam Ramathep is typically depicted as a four-armed celestial being holding divine weapons, seated in a meditative posture. each with four arms wielding weapons, in line with the Srivijaya art tradition of using symbolic imagery.

The first consecrated image of Jatukam Ramathep was founded in 1985 (BE 2528) and was created in 1987 (BE 2530), known as the “Sun–Moon Rahu Medallion.” The design featured eight Rahus encircling a central figure of a two-faced, four-armed deity — symbolizing Avalokiteśvara as the divine representation of Jatukam Ramathep.

In 1995 (BE 2538), a total solar eclipse crossed Thailand, sparking public interest in Rahu and celestial omens. Many people began seeking protective amulets to ward off misfortune, and the Krung Siam Amulet Magazine publicized the Jatukam Ramathep image, leading to renewed recognition and limited circulation.

By early 2007 (BE 2550), Jatukam Ramathep had become a nationwide phenomenon following the royal cremation of Khun Phantharak Ratchadet, a famous police officer who co-founded the first generation of Jatukam Ramathep amulets with Police Lieutenant General Sanphet Thammathikul as chairman and the person chosed by Jatukam himself to create the City Pillar. Numerous temples across Thailand began producing and consecrating Jatukam Ramathep amulets in various editions. Demand was so intense that violent disputes and even murder (stomping) occurred. During this period, the price of the original 1987 medallion surged from just 49 baht to over 40 million baht.

The phenomenon transformed from religious devotion into commercialism and a social fashion. Nearly a thousand variations of Jatukam Ramathep amulets were produced and blessed almost daily in temples nationwide. They were sold not only in religious markets but also in restaurants, hotels, malls, and corporate offices — both for charity and profit.

According to Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), the total economic circulation generated by Jatukam Ramathep amulets was estimated at 22 billion baht, contributing 0.1–0.2% to Thailand’s GDP during an economic slowdown. This boom even led the Revenue Department to consider imposing taxes on the production and trade of Jatukam Ramathep amulets.

To worship, one should first calm the mind and chant: Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa (three times), then recite the following verse:

Chatukam Rāmathevaṃ Bodhisattaṃ Mahāguṇaṃ Mahiddhikaṃ Ahaṃ Pūjemi, Siddhilābho Nirantharaṃ Namo Buddhāya.

Translation: “I pay homage to Jatukam Ramathep Bodhisattva, the greatly virtuous and powerful one. May success and prosperity eternally come to me. Homage to the Buddha.”^{[original research?]}

• Thai amulets