Luang Phor Wan (Lp Wan) Wat Phutthaisawan

 

Biography of Phra Phutthaisawan Worakun (Luang Phor Wan Phuriphatto)

Former Abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, Ayutthaya

Early Life

Luang Phor Wan, originally named Wan Kanket, was born on Thursday, August 29, 1929 (B.E. 2472) in Sam Ngao Subdistrict, Pho Thong District, Ang Thong Province. He was deeply rooted in the traditional values and Buddhist culture of central Thailand.

Ordination and Monastic Life

Luang Phor Wan entered the monkhood at Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan, and later transferred to Wat Phutthaisawan. He was formally ordained at Wat Phutthaisawan on March 12, 1951 (B.E. 2494).

• Preceptor: Phra Ratchathanin (Luang Phor Chiem)

• Kammavachachan: Phra Kusonthammathada

• Anusavanachan: Phra Samut Yot

  He received the monastic name “Phuriphatto” and committed himself to the path of strict discipline, meditation, and temple restoration.

Monastic Appointments and Leadership

• 1954 (B.E. 2497): Appointed acting abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan after the passing of Phra Khru Sathukit Koson

• December 31, 1955 (B.E. 2498): Became the official abbot

• 1956 (B.E. 2499): Appointed abbot of Sampao Lom Subdistrict

• 1965 (B.E. 2508): Received the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Phatthakit Sophon, third-class sub-district level

• 1973 (B.E. 2516): Promoted to second-class abbot with retained royal title

• 1981 (B.E. 2524): Elevated to first-class sub-district abbot

• 2008 (B.E. 2551): Granted the royal title Phra Phutthaisawan Worakun, a third-class royal monk

Temple Restoration and Development Work

Luang Phor Wan was a pioneer in restoring and preserving the historical architecture of Wat Phutthaisawan, a temple situated along the Chao Phraya River in Sampao Lom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

His restoration projects included:

• The main ordination hall (Ubosot)

• Vihara buildings

• Buddha images around the prang and in the galleries

  He also beautified the temple landscape with gardens and forests in accordance with royal conservation projects initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Role in Education and Monastic Discipline

Luang Phor Wan actively promoted the study of Buddhist scriptures (Dhamma and Pali) among monks and novices. He traveled regularly to visit and advise temples under his jurisdiction, offering guidance in accordance with the Vinaya (monastic discipline). His dedication ensured order and progress across the monastic community.

Sacred Knowledge and Amulet Creation

Renowned for his mastery of esoteric sciences, Luang Phor Wan was a disciple of Luang Phor Thiam of Wat Kasattrathirat, a well-known master of alchemy and sacred rituals from Wat Pradu Songtham.

His followers spoke of his rare spiritual abilities—some claiming he could cut and melt metal using meditative force.

In B.E. 2515 (1972), he released his first-generation coin amulets, which became widely respected. These amulets—often created using Leklai (mystic mineral)—were designed for protection, wealth, and good fortune. Proceeds from these sacred objects were dedicated entirely to temple development and educational support.

His reputation in the realm of Thai sacred objects earned him invitations to almost every major Buddha Abhiseka consecration ceremony in his lifetime, where he would often serve as one of the chief meditating monks.

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Passing and Legacy

On Friday, December 11, 2020 (B.E. 2563), at 11:00 a.m., Luang Phor Wan passed away peacefully at Thammasat Hospital at the age of 91, with 70 years in monkhood.

His passing marked the end of an era, but his contributions—spiritual, cultural, and physical—continue to live on through the temple, his amulets, and his countless disciples throughout Thailand and abroad.