Chao Khun Pho, Wat Chai Phrik Mala

Chao Khun Pho, Wat Chai Phrik Mala

 

Biography of Chao Khun Pho (Luang Pu Pho)


Full Title: Phra Khru Nantanaprichā (Dissatasso)

Birth Name: Unknown

Monastic Name: Dissatasso

Date of Birth: 5 March BE 2394 (1851 CE)

Place of Birth: Ban Bang Oichang, Bang Si Thong, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province

Ordination: BE 2415 (1872 CE) at Wat Bang Oichang

Title Conferred: Elevated to Phra Khru Nantanaprichā in BE 2443 (1900 CE)

Preceptor Status: Became Upachaya (Preceptor) in BE 2444 (1901 CE)

Appointed Abbot of Wat Chaiyaphruekmalā: BE 2448 (1905 CE)

Royal Ecclesiastical Title: Phra Ratcha Khana under the title Nantanaviriyā, conferred in BE 2455 (1912 CE)

Ecclesiastical Promotion: Made Chief Monk of Nonthaburi Province in BE 2459 (1916 CE)

Year of Death: 31 January BE 2469 (1926 CE)

Age at Death: 75 years old

Years in Monkhood: 54 years


Chao Khun Pho was renowned for his spiritual conduct and leadership in both religious and community affairs. He served as abbot for 21 years and was widely respected for his commitment to monastic discipline, community development, and sacred craftsmanship.

History of Wat Chaiyaphruekmalā


Founded: Around BE 2300 (1757 CE) during the late Ayutthaya period

Restoration: Abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya; later restored under the early Rattanakosin kings

Rama I Era: Bricks from the ruined temple were repurposed for city wall reconstruction

Rama II & Rama III Eras: Full restoration completed; elevated to royal temple status

Rama IV Era: Major development included the construction of the ubosot, vihara, sermon hall, bell tower, and canals; the temple received its official name Wat Chaiyaphruekmalā

Royal Recognition: Received official temple boundary stone (wisung-kam) in BE 2514 (1971 CE), confirming its status as a royal monastery

Achievements Under Chao Khun Pho’s Leadership

  • Constructed a large sermon hall (pavilion)

  • Commissioned the principal Buddha image “Phra Phutthamarchin” in BE 2454 (1911 CE)

  • Renovated monastic structures including the ubosot, vihāra, monk quarters, bell and drum towers

  • Established religious education and fostered moral development within the temple community

Amulet Creation and Sacred Works

  • In BE 2454, Chao Khun Pho created and distributed bronze Buddha statues and sacred metal amulets in gratitude for donations toward temple construction

  • Early clay/powder amulets were made around BE 2441 while he resided at Wat Bang Oichang

  • Known amulet types include:

    • Bronze Sūm-go and Chinarat-style images

    • Metal and powder-based Jao Suway Noi amulets

  • His amulets are praised for their power, sacred efficacy, and resemblance to earlier famous styles, attracting collectors and devotees alike

Legacy and Influence


Chao Khun Pho is considered one of the foremost Thai Buddhist masters of his era. His influence is recognized alongside that of venerable monks such as Luang Pu Eiam of Wat Nang and Luang Pu Suk of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao. He remains venerated by communities in Taling Chan and Nonthaburi, with his sacred images and amulets continuing to be cherished for their spiritual power and historical value.

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