Luang Phor Chamnan (Lp Chamnan) Wat Ratchakhru Worawihan, Bang Yi Ruea

 

Luang Phor Chamnan (Phra Phiphitthamkhani) Wat Ratchakhru Worawihan

Birth and Early Life
Phra Phiphitthamkhani, formerly known as Chamnan Phuekthap, was born on September 23, 1919 (the 14th waning moon of the 10th lunar month in the Year of the Goat) in Nong Maduea Subdistrict, Krathum Baen District, Samut Sakhon Province. His parents were Mr. Plik Phuekthap and Mrs. Sap Chuensodsai. He was one of seven siblings:

1. Mr. Chun Phuekthap (deceased)
2. Mrs. Chuem Hunlumphu (deceased)
3. Mr. Nom Phuekthap (deceased)
4. Mr. Noi (Chamnan) Phuekthap (deceased)
5. Mrs. Mak Phuekthap (deceased)
6. Mr. Mi Phuekthap

As a young boy, he moved to Wat Hong Kai in Khlong Maduea and attended elementary school in Krathum Baen District. After leaving school in grade four, he followed his uncle to Wat Ratchakri in Bang Yi Ruea, Thon Buri District, Bangkok, to study Buddhist scriptures.

Ordination and Monastic Training
At 16, he ordained as a novice on July 9, 1935. He later ordained as a monk on July 25, 1939, with Phra Phothi Wongsacharn of Wat Anongkaram as his preceptor. His ordination ceremony was guided by distinguished monks including Phra Ajahn Plik of Wat Ratchakhru and Phra Wichianmuni of Wat Inthararam.

Ecclesiastical Ranks

• 1955: Awarded the title of Phra Khru Sanyabaat, abbot of a second-class royal monastery, as "Phra Khru Sadhukitphirihan."
• 1967: Promoted to first-class abbot with the same title.
• 1993: Elevated to Phra Raja Khana, third class, with the title "Phra Phiphitthamkhani."

Spiritual Influence and Guidance
Luang Phor Chamnan was a disciple of esteemed monks, including Luang Pu Toh of Wat Pradu Chimplee, Luang Pho Phan of Wat Intharam, and Luang Pu Oi of Wat Sai. He gained a strong following in Thonburi, with Luang Pu Toh even advising followers to seek blessings from Luang Pho Chamnan in his absence.

Final Days and Passing
Towards the end of his life, Phra Phiphitthamkhani faced lung disease but continued with his meditation practice, finding strength in his faith rather than seeking constant hospital treatment. Surrounded by his disciples, he passed away peacefully in a meditative state on June 20, 2000, at 11:00 a.m., at the age of 81.