The World of Ariya 6 - Kruba Chum of Wat Wang Mui, Disciple of Kruba Sri Wichai

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, commemorating the 127th birth anniversary of Kruba Chum Phothiko from Wat Chai Mongkol (Wang Mui) in Lamphun province, a famous northern monk renowned for his compassionate character and strict moral discipline. Born on Tuesday, February 7, 1899, in Wang Mui, Lamphun, to farmers Mun and Lun Plavin, Chum helped his parents with agricultural work from a young age. At 12, he received permission from his parents to become a novice monk, studying initial reading, writing, and basic Buddhist teachings with the abbot of Sri Song Mueang Temple. Known for being an obedient child with exceptional memory, he quickly absorbed Buddhist teachings and became proficient in reading and chanting. He was later ordained with Kruba Inta of Wat Phra That Khao as his ordination mentor, and went on to study meditation and Buddhist practices under several renowned masters, including Kruba Sri Wichai. He became a respected monk who participated in significant religious projects, such as helping construct the road to Doi Suthep Temple in 1935.