Luang Phor Chuet (Lp Chuet), Wat Pho Thisathi Wanaram

 

Biography of Luang Pho Chuet Nimmalo 

Born: January 14, BE 2481 (1938)

Passed Away: BE 2561 (2018)

Hometown: Ban Moo 7, Thammasala Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom Province

Luang Pho Chuet Nimmalo, a revered monk affectionately known as the “God of Money and Gold” of Nakhon Pathom, was born into a humble gardener family as Chuet Bangkaew, the son of Mr. Am and Mrs. Noey Bangkaew. He was one of six siblings—four brothers and two sisters.

He completed his primary education at Wat Thammasala School and secondary education at Phra Pathom Wittayalai School, completing Mathayom 6. In BE 2504 (1961), he was ordained as a novice monk at Wat Thammasala, under the preceptorship of Phra Khru Pachathiparihan (Luang Pho Choi) of Wat Phrom Maduea, with Phra Khru Phawana Kittikun (Luang Pho Noi) as his kammavachacariya, and Phra Ajahn Boonchuay as his anusavanacariya. Upon ordination, he was given the Dhamma name “Nimmalo.”

From the beginning of his monkhood, Luang Pho Chuet pledged to dedicate his life to Buddhism. He became a principal disciple of Luang Pho Noi, one of the most venerated monks of the era, known for the sacred “tiger face” and “gourd neck” amulets. Due to his deep commitment to meditation and spiritual discipline, Luang Pho Noi entrusted him with extensive and profound esoteric knowledge, including sacred inscriptions, spells, astrology, Thai traditional medicine, and advanced meditation practices. This made Luang Pho Chuet one of the rare monks to have received such complete transmission of spiritual arts.

Throughout his life, Luang Pho Chuet became known not only for his spiritual mastery but also for his boundless compassion. He helped all who sought his guidance, regardless of their status. Many people visited him to receive holy water blessings for warding off misfortune, and countless devotees attested to miraculous experiences following his guidance.

His reputation extended beyond Thailand, attracting both Thai and international disciples. His spiritual power, loving-kindness, and moral integrity made him widely admired across generations. He would often emphasize that sacred objects made with pure intentions are vessels of great merit, bringing blessings only to those with virtuous hearts.

Luang Pho Chuet was also a contemporary of many great monks of Thailand’s modern era, including:

• Luang Pu Toh (Wat Pradu Chimpli)

• Luang Pho Ngern (Wat Don Yai Hom)

• Luang Pho Tae Kongthong (Wat Sam Ngam)

• Luang Pho Pae (Wat Pikulthong)

• Luang Pu Tim (Wat Lahan Rai)

• and his own teacher, Luang Pho Noi, who passed away in BE 2513 (1970) at the age of 83.

The knowledge and blessings Luang Pho Chuet received from these great masters enabled him to help countless people and train future generations of monks and lay practitioners in sacred sciences and Dhamma practice.

Legacy: Founder of Wat Pho Setthi Wanaram

In BE 2536 (1993), Luang Pho Chuet established Suan Patipat Dhamma Phothi Setthi, a meditation garden in Bo Plap Subdistrict, Nakhon Pathom Province. What began as a humble space under a sacred Bodhi tree evolved into a spiritual refuge. Through land donations and communal support, the center grew rapidly, eventually gaining official recognition as a temple on March 9, BE 2558 (2015) under the name Wat Pho Setthi Wanaram.

He led the temple’s development, inspired its architecture, oversaw merit-making ceremonies, and turned it into a central spiritual and cultural hub for the people of Bo Plap and surrounding communities. Today, Wat Pho Setthi Wanaram stands as a testament to his vision, dedication, and spiritual legacy.

Luang Pho Chuet Nimmalo passed away peacefully in BE 2561 (2018) at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of faith, merit, and sacred wisdom that continues to bless devotees across Thailand and beyond.