Luang Phor Sawang Uttaro (Lp Sawang), Wat Tha Phuttha, Kamphaeng Phet

 

Biography of Luang Phor Sawang Uttaro

Ecclesiastical Title: Phra Wibunwachiratham

Temple: Wat Tha Phuttha, Tha Phuttha Subdistrict, Khlong Khlung District, Kamphaeng Phet Province

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1. Early Life and Education

• Birth Name: Sawang Charoensri

• Date of Birth: Sunday, 17 June B.E. 2426 (1883)

• Place of Birth: Ban Nam Hak, Tambon Thangiew, Amphoe Banphot Phisai, Nakhon Sawan Province

  Luang Phor Sawang lost his mother at just five days old. His father passed away when he was 13. Even at a young age, he exhibited intelligence and maturity, earning respect in his village and surrounding communities.

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2. Monastic Training

He was taken under the care of Luang Phor Phuek (Phra Khru Banphot Pomyan) at Wat Huadong Nuea. This temple was a prominent center for religious education during the Mul Kajjai era. He studied ancient Thai script and Khmer for seven years under Phra Ajahn Sot (later known as Phra Khru Sawanwithi).

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3. Ordination and Early Ministry

• Ordination Date: Wednesday, 3 December B.E. 2445 (1902)

• Ordination Temple: Wat Khunyan, Ayutthaya

• Preceptor: Phra Yantrailok (Sa-at), Wat Sala Pun

• Kammavachachan: Phra Winaithorn Sri

• Anusavanachan: Phra Palat Pae

  He was given the monastic name “Uttaro”. He continued studying Pali and Buddhist scripture at Wat Sala Pun for two years before returning to Wat Huadong Nuea to deepen his understanding of Dhamma and Vinaya.

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4. Leadership and Appointments

After serving two Lents at Wat Thangiew, he succeeded Phra Ajahn Pan as abbot of the temple.

• B.E. 2468 (1925): Appointed district abbot of Khanuworalakburi, Saen To, Kamphaeng Phet

• Same Year: Became a preceptor (upachaya)

• B.E. 2500 (1957): Received the royal title Phra Khru Sanyabat with the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Wibunwachiratham

• B.E. 2501 (1958): Elevated to third-class royal monkhood as Phra Wibunwachiratham

Later in life, the Sangha and residents of Khlong Khlung invited him to relocate to Wat Krihabadi Songk in Tha Phuttha, Kamphaeng Phet, where his presence revitalized the temple.

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5. Teachings and Sacred Contributions

Luang Phor Sawang was renowned for his strict observance of Buddhist monastic code and teachings. His legacy includes:

• Protective coins and commemorative medallions

• Sacred yantra cloths, tiger-skin flags, and ritual objects

• Highly revered amulets: Especially the herbal powder amulets, a unique series blended with Maharach powder

These sacred items were created between B.E. 2480–2483 (1937–1940) while he was at Wat Thangiew. Notably, they were offered by Prime Minister Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena to Thai soldiers during the Indochina War—making them a rare, single-issue series of historical and spiritual value.

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6. Final Years and Passing

Though his health declined in his later years, Luang Phor Sawang continued his religious duties until his peaceful passing on Tuesday, 1 February B.E. 2520 (1977) at 2:30 p.m.

• Age at Death: 94 years

• Years in Monkhood: 74 years

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7. Legacy

Luang Phor Sawang remains a deeply respected figure in Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan. His teachings, discipline, and sacred objects are remembered for their spiritual power and integrity. Collectors and devotees continue to revere his amulets and his commitment to the Sangha.