Somdet Phra Wanarat (Heng Khemachari) | |
|---|---|
| Title | Somdet Phra Wanarat |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Kim Heng (1882-01-31)31 January 1882 |
| Died | 10 May 1943(1943-05-10) (aged 61) |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Education | Parian Tham 9 |
| Other names | Somdet Phra Wanarat (Heng Khemachari) |
| Occupation | Buddhist monk |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| School | Theravāda |
| Lineage | Mahānikāya |
| Dharma names | Khemachari (เขมจารี) |
| Ordination | 1902 |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit |
Somdet Phra Wanarat (born Heng, dharma name Khemachari) was a senior Thai Mahānikāya monk who held several important positions such as Chief Monk of the Southern Region (Chao Khana Yai Nuntai), Abbot of Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Rajaworamahavihara, and Head of the National Pali Examination (Maekhong Pali Sanam Luang).
Biography
Early life
Somdet Phra Wanarat was originally named Kim Heng. His father was a Chinese merchant named Tua Kao of the Chua clan, and his mother was named Thapthim, who died during the birth of her fourth child. He was born on Monday, the 11th day of the waxing moon of the 3rd lunar month, Year of the Snake, which corresponded to 31 January 1882 (modern reckoning 1883 CE). His family home was in Tha Rae, Saket Rang, Mueang Uthai Thani District, Uthai Thani Province. At age 10, he studied Thai language under Phra Ajahn Chang of Wat Khwid for two years, then moved to study with Phra Sunthornmuni (Chai), then deputy abbot at Wat Manithudong.[1]
Ordination and Study
At age 13, he was ordained as a novice and studied Pali at Wat Manithudong until he was 16 (1897), after which he moved to Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit to study Pali under Phraya Thammapreecha (Thim) and Luang Chonlathi Thammaphitak (Yim). Later, he studied with Somdet Phra Phutthachan (Khem Thammasaro), Somdet Phra Wanarat (Daeng Silavaddhano), Somdet Phra Wanarat (Dit Uthayo), and Somdet Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Wachirayan Warorot. He passed the Pali level 5 examination in 1901.[2]
In 1902, he was fully ordained at Wat Mahathat, with Somdet Phra Wanarat (Dit Uthayo) as preceptor, and Somdet Phra Wanarat (Chai Punnadatto) and Somdet Phra Phutthachan (Khem Thammosaro) as chanting masters.[3] He later passed Pali levels 7 (1903), 8 (1904), and finally the highest Pali level 9 (1905).[4]
Religious Service
From his novice years with Pali level 4, he was assigned as a teacher at Mahathat College (now Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University).[5] In 1912, when Somdet Phra Wanarat (Dit) aged, Krom Phraya Wachirayan Warorot appointed him to manage Wat Mahathat.[6] After the death of Somdet Phra Wanarat in 1923, Heng was appointed Abbot of Wat Mahathat.[7]
As abbot, he reorganized temple records, rituals, monastic administration, enforced discipline among monks and novices, and undertook major renovations and construction to expand education facilities. He also served Krom Phraya Wachirayan Warorot faithfully until his satisfaction.
In 1941, following the enactment of the Sangha Act, B.E. 2484 (1941), he was chosen as the first President of the Sangha Council.
Ecclesiastical Titles
- 1909 – Appointed Phra Srisutthiwong (Royal Ecclesiastical title, ordinary rank).[8]
- 1912 – Promoted to Phra Ratchasuthi Thammapreechaphimon Pariyattikoson Yatikanisorn Bovornsangkaram Kamavasi (Royal rank).[9]
- 1916 – Elevated to Phra Thep Moli (Divine rank).[10]
- 1921 – Promoted to Phra Thammatrailokacharn (Dhamma rank).[11]
- 1928 – Promoted to Phra Phimon Tham (Deputy Chief of Northern Sector).[12]
- 1939 – Elevated to Somdet Phra Wanarat, Chief Monk of the South.[13]
Death
Somdet Phra Wanarat (Heng Khemachari) died from chronic bronchitis and emphysema on Monday, 10 May 1943 at 8:30 p.m. in Section 1 of Wat Mahathat.[14][15] He was 61 years old, with 42 vassa.
Bibliography
Fine Arts Department (2002). Royal Appointment of Senior Ecclesiastics in Rattanakosin, Vol. 2. Bangkok: Fine Arts Department. p. 450. ISBN 974-417-530-3. Thanit Yupo (1973). Chronicles of Ecclesiastical Titles: Phra Wanarat and Other Senior Ecclesiastics in the Rattanakosin Era. Bangkok: Siwaphon. p. 447. Prince Sommomnopphan (2002). Royal Appointment of Senior Ecclesiastics in Rattanakosin, Vol. 1. Bangkok: Fine Arts Department. p. 428. ISBN 974-417-530-3.
References
- Notes
- ^ Royal Appointment of Senior Ecclesiastics in Rattanakosin, Vol. 1, p. 239
- ^ Royal Appointment of Senior Ecclesiastics in Rattanakosin, Vol. 1, p. 240
- ^ Chronicles of Ecclesiastical Titles – Phra Wanarat, p. 73
- ^ Royal Gazette, Ministry of Religious Affairs Examination Notice, Vol. 22, No. 12, 18 June R.S. 124, p. 239
- ^ Chronicles of Ecclesiastical Titles – Phra Wanarat, p. 74
- ^ Chronicles of Ecclesiastical Titles – Phra Wanarat, p. 76
- ^ Chronicles of Ecclesiastical Titles – Phra Wanarat, p. 96
- ^ Royal Gazette, Ecclesiastical Appointments, Vol. 26, 14 November R.S. 128, p. 1,802
- ^ Royal Gazette, Royal Appointment of Ecclesiastical Titles, Vol. 29, 13 November R.S. 131, p. 239
- ^ Royal Gazette, Ecclesiastical Appointments, Vol. 33, 19 November 1916, p. 2,201
- ^ Royal Gazette, Appointment of Somdet and Royal Ecclesiastics, Vol. 38, 2 October 1921, p. 1,831
- ^ Royal Gazette, Royal Appointment, Vol. 45, 11 November 1928, p. 182–183
- ^ Royal Gazette, Appointment, Vol. 56, 25 September 1939, pp. 1784–5
- ^ Royal Appointment of Senior Ecclesiastics in Rattanakosin, Vol. 2, p. 135
- ^ Chronicles of Ecclesiastical Titles – Phra Wanarat, p. 109
