,%20Wat%20Rit%20Sirirat%20Charoentham.jpg "Luang Phor Rit (Luang Phor Rit Thewa), Wat Rit Sirirat Charoentham, Sukhothai")
Luang Phor Rit (Luang Phor Rit Thewa)
Wat Rit Sirirat Charoentham, Sukhothai — The Miraculous Monk of Wat Ban Suan
The miraculous life of Luang Phor Rit Thewa, fondly known as Luang Phor Rit of Wat Ban Suan, remains one of Sukhothai’s most inspiring yet little-documented monastic stories. Born around B.E. 2385 (1842 CE) in Ban Suan Subdistrict, Khlong Takhian Village, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, Mr. Ploy and Mrs. Tan Suwannarot, whose residence stood beside the old Wat Rit Sirirat Charoentham. From these humble beginnings would emerge a revered monk remembered for his deep meditation, fearless faith, and miraculous encounters.
Though little is known of his early ordination, Luang Phor Rit’s devotion to the Dhamma drew him to the great Somdej Phra Phutthacharn (Toh Phrommarangsi) of Wat Rakhang — one of the most venerated masters of his era. Together with Luang Phor Jek of Wat Hua Fai and Luang Phor Pae of Wat Khung Yang Yai, he studied sacred scriptures, Vinaya discipline, and meditation under Somdej Toh’s guidance for six years. His practice matured in both knowledge and virtue, leading him to undertake prolonged tudong pilgrimages across Thailand’s forests and holy sites.
One of the most astonishing events occurred during his journey to the Buddha’s Footprint in Saraburi Province. While meditating in the forest near the sacred site, a tiger appeared and calmly approached his pagoda. Rather than flee, Luang Phor Rit addressed the beast with serene composure, instructing it to guard the pagoda while he went on his morning alms round. To everyone’s amazement, the tiger obeyed and remained by the shrine until his return, then quietly departed. This story became legendary, symbolizing his mastery of mettā and spiritual fearlessness.
On his way back to Sukhothai, Luang Phor Rit encountered a mysterious hermit dwelling in a mountain cave — believed by many to be an Arahant. Out of reverence, he offered robes, combed the hermit’s hair and beard, and remained for several days learning profound teachings on concentration and renunciation. When he eventually returned home, he began rebuilding the dilapidated Wat Rit with the help of villagers, clearing dense forest and restoring the monastery to its former sanctity. His leadership transformed the temple into a thriving center of faith, later known widely as Wat Ban Suan.
Another remarkable episode took place during the construction of the temple’s sermon hall. As villagers labored under the scorching sun, a flock of vultures circled above. Demonstrating his extraordinary command over nature, Luang Phor Rit raised his hand and called the birds to descend. The leader of the flock approached, and he gently tied a takrut charm to its leg before releasing it. From that day forward, villagers claimed no harm could befall those vultures — bullets fired at them never struck true. This act, half miracle and half parable, spoke to his compassion and divine protection for all living beings.
Throughout his life, Luang Phor Rit embodied both ascetic discipline and miraculous power. His humility drew countless followers, while his reputation for divine intervention spread across provinces. The legacy of his restoration work, his compassion for animals, and his unwavering dedication to Buddhist practice live on in the quiet sanctity of Wat Ban Suan, where devotees continue to venerate his memory as one of Sukhothai’s most extraordinary saints.