is consistently ranked by Thais as one of the top takrut of all time. Wat Sapansung, was previously known as Wat SawangArom
, and changed its name to Wat Sapansung during the reign of King Rama V, as it shared a similar name with another temple. Because of its proximity to an elevated bridge overlooking the river to Wat SawangArom, it was christened Sapansung (or “High Bridge”). Somdej Kromphraya Wachirayan Waroroj
was the monk responsible for selecting the temple’s new name.
Luang Phor Eiam PathomNam was born in the year of the Rat, B.E. 2359 during the reign of King Rama 2. His father’s name was Nak
, and his mother’s name was Jan
. He is the eldest son among 4 children. His siblings were named Nai Fak
. Luang Phor passed on 11 a.m. Sunday, Kuen Ped Kam
(8th day of the waxing moon), September B.E.2439, aged 80, having completed 59 Pansa. Before he passed, he promised these devotees that he would always be there to comfort and support them. Through their joys and sorrows, all they needed to do was think of him, and he would be there for them.
, and was instrumental in developing his understanding of Buddhist Scripture. He also schooled him in the art of Plae Phratammabod
, or the proper translation of Buddhist scriptures for the laity. Luang Phor Eiam remained at the temple for 7 Pansa, thoroughly honing his knowledge, before once again relocating to Wat PangRa Wong Sawas
.
By B.E.2388, Luang Phor was residing in Wat Prayoon Wongsawat Worawihan
, where he remained for 3 Pansa. In B.E. 2391 however, Nai Khek Samubanchee
He arrived at an old, underserviced temple that only housed 2 monks. Luang (the equivalent of a Captain in the Sangha) PhiBoon Sombat, who himself resided near Pak Klong Bang Lampoo
Luang Phor Eiam told him about the dilapidated state of the temple and shared his intent to renovate the Ubosot, kuti and sala of the Wat, along with several other amenities, so that the temple would be better equipped to serve the residents of the area. PhiBoon Sombat, moved by his motives, immediately undertook a fund-raising campaign, donating all the proceeds to Luang Phor Eiam’s effort. Luang Phor Eiam however, felt that this charitable act should not go unreciprocated. In gratitude, Luang Phor Eiam crafted the first batch of Phra Pidta amulets as a keepsake for the devotees who had donated to his cause. Word spreads of his virtues, and soon more donations began pouring into the temple.
(3 tiered base pagoda). It is also widely speculated that some of the most powerful amulets were spread throughout the pagoda and hidden.
Tudong Travels
Luang Phor travelled across the length and breadth of Thailand for his tudong, but was a particularly frequent visitor to Isaan and Eastern Thailand. He even travelled as far as Lao, Cambodia and Myanmar. While travelling in Cambodia, he met a Chee Pakao
(Brahmin sorcerer), a Cambodian man named Jan. This sorcerer tutored Luang Phor in the esoteric art of Wicha Ittiwej
for many years. Luang Phor Eiam’s journey took so long this time, that many devotees at Wat Sapansung assumed he had passed away. In reverence for the beloved pillar of their community, they conducted the Utid Suan-guson (check out our article on this topic for more details) for him.
Through his Apinya powers, Luang Phor became aware that his devotees had thought him dead. He decided to travel back to Wat Sapansung to calm their hearts. The villagers were alarmed to see him at first, his robes torn and worn, his hair unshorn and disheveled. They also observed a procession of dangerous animals following him on his return, including bears, snakes, and tigers. Even the ferocious animals of the Thai jungles seemed to have taken a liking to the master, allowing him to pass unscathed among them. As a result of his journey, his gammatan
(Hopea Odorata trees) (refer to our article on Ton Takien) around Wat Sapansung. It was rumoured that the spirit residing in the tree was extremely vengeful, and villagers were terrified of it. On certain occasions, they noticed a strange liquid flowing out of the tree, which further stoked their fears. To calm their minds, Luang Phor Eiam went to investigate. He stood by the tree for three days, staring intently at it. A short while later, the tree withered and died. Many people believed that this was because of his expertise in Katha Arkhom
(the power of making events come true just by saying it.).
Luang Phor was known for both his humility and his quiet, reserved personality. These traits attracted people from far and wide to be his devotees. He is still very much revered even to this day.
