Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara
Thailand·Dhammayutt Order·Male·20th century
Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara, born Charoen Khachawat, was the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, appointed in 1989 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He was a significant figure in the Dhammayutt Order and held a special monastic title that had not been granted for over 150 years. He served until his death in October 2013, shortly after his 100th birthday.
Key Facts
- ›Born Charoen Khachawat on October 3, 1913, in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.
- ›Became the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand in 1989, appointed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
- ›Ordained as a novice at age 14 and later as a full monk, studying Pali and Buddhist philosophy.
- ›Was appointed abbot of Wat Bovoranives in Bangkok in 1961.
- ›Received the special monastic title Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara in 1972, a title not granted for over 150 years.
- ›Died on October 24, 2013, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday.
Important Relationships
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej
- 13th Thai Supreme Patriarch
Kanchanaburi Province, Nakhon Pathom, Wat Bovoranives, Bangkok, Chulalongkorn Hospital
Pali
Samanera, Bhikkhu
About Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara
Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara, born Charoen Khachawat and known by his dharma name Suvaḍḍhano, was the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. He held this esteemed position from 1989 until his death.
Early Life and Ordination
Born on October 3, 1913, in Kanchanaburi Province, Charoen Khachawat displayed an early inclination towards religious life, even as a child. He completed his early education at a temple school and was ordained as a Buddhist novice (samanera) at the age of 14. His studies in Pali and Buddhist philosophy led him to travel to different temples, including Wat Bovoranives in Bangkok, a significant center for the Dhammayutt Order reform movement. He was ordained as a full monk (bhikkhu) in 1933 and later re-ordained into the Dhammayutt Order at Wat Bovoranives.
Rise to Prominence
Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara rose steadily through the ranks of the Thai Sangha. In 1956, he served as guardian and advisor to King Rama IX during his royal ordination. He was appointed abbot of Wat Bovoranives in 1961. In 1972, he received the significant monastic title of Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, a title that had not been granted for more than 150 years, placing him in the highest tier of the monastic hierarchy.
Supreme Patriarch and Later Years
His appointment as the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand in 1989 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej marked the pinnacle of his ecclesiastical career. By the late 1990s, his health began to decline, leading to a reduced active role in the administration of the Thai Sangha. He was admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok in 2004, where he resided for the remainder of his life. Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara passed away on October 24, 2013, shortly after his 100th birthday, leaving behind a legacy within the Thai Buddhist community.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara?
Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara, born Charoen Khachawat, was the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. He was appointed to this high religious office in 1989 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
When and where was Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara born?
He was born Charoen Khachawat on October 3, 1913, in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. From a young age, he showed an interest in religion and monastic life.
What was his dharma name?
His dharma name was Suvaḍḍhano. This name is part of his monastic identity, which underwent several changes as he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks.
What was his role in the Dhammayutt Order?
He was ordained into the Dhammayutt Order at Wat Bovoranives in Bangkok. This order was known for its careful observance of disciplinary rules and had significant support from the Thai monarchy.
When did he become the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand?
He was appointed the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand in 1989 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This appointment followed a distinguished career within the Thai Sangha.
What was the significance of his monastic title?
In 1972, he was granted the title Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, a special monastic title that had not been bestowed upon a Thai bhikkhu for over 150 years. This placed him in the highest echelon of the Thai monastic establishment.
When did he die?
He passed away on October 24, 2013, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday in October of the same year. He had been in declining health for several years prior.
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