Phra Setthi Navagotta

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Navasetthi (พระนวเศรษฐี), also known as Phra Seṭṭhi Navagotta or Phra Nawasetthi, is a traditional Buddhist chant and image venerated in Thailand and Laos. It represents nine legendary donors—wealthy merchants (seṭṭhi) celebrated for their generosity and devotion to the Buddha.^[1]

The Navasetthi tradition was revitalized in Thailand around 1969 by Ajahn Thep Sarikabutr, who referenced manuscripts from Wat Mani Chonkhan in Lopburi Province. These were attributed to Phra Ubali Khunupamacharn (Sirichanto) and trace back to the Lan Xang tradition, preserved notably by the Dhammayuttika Nikaya.^[1]

In the Lan Xang and Lanna Kingdom, the chant was recited on lunar holy days to invoke blessings of wealth and peace. A legend relates that during a famine, monks commissioned a Nawakot Seṭṭhi image; after its consecration (Buddhābhiṣeka), prosperity reportedly returned to the region.^[2]

Nine donors commonly featured in the tradition include:

1. Dhananjaya – bestows superiority in rank and respect
2. Yasa – grants success and unity
3. Sumana – provides intelligence
4. Chatila / Jati Kassaka – offers prosperity in property
5. Anathapindika – ensures progress in life
6. Mendaka / Menda Kassaka – grants wealth and luck
7. Jotika – cultivates loving-kindness
8. Sumangala – promotes peace and stability
9. Visakha – supports career advancement

These figures, considered ariyas (noble ones), combined material success with spiritual faith. Variations exist in different recensions, including substitutions like Visakha.^[1]

The image of Phra Seṭṭhi Navagotta is typically a nine-headed Buddha, seated in the Vajraparyaṅkāsana meditation posture, hands in dhyāna mudrā—each head symbolizing one of the wealthy donors and their respective blessings.^[1]

Ritual materials for constructing the image include sacred woods, beeswax (chanarong), gold, silver, and takrut amulets; consecration ceremonies are believed to invite the Tathāgata consciousness into the statue.^[1]

A prominent example is the Phra Thanabodhi Setthi Navakot Roon MahaSetthiMesuka, crafted by Ven. LP Thong Dam of Wat Tham Tapian Thong. Produced in limited editions with sacred metals and thousands of takruts, these amulets are deeply revered.^[3]

Devotional practices include:

• Mantra of Wealth and Prosperity (Sirichanto’s version):

Makayo, mavayomaihang, majakoji, upatthavo, dhanyadharani me.

• “May all wealth and prosperity be with me…”

• Katha Hua Jai Setthi (Heart Mantra of the Setthi):

U A Ka Sa

A Ka Sa U

Ka Sa U A

Sa U A Ka

Na Cha Li Ti

Chant repetitions adhere to auspicious numerical patterns (e.g., 1, 3, 5 … 108).^[1]

Typical worship involves offerings of flowers, water, sweets, and khao lam (bamboo sticky rice), with abstention from alcohol. Beliefs include attaining prosperity, protection, and relief from misfortune.

Devotees are encouraged to practice generosity—running charity kitchens and promoting communal welfare—as a reflection of Buddhist merit-making values.^[1]

• Anathapindika
• Visakha
• Jataka tales