Breaking News: The Amulet of Luang Pho Phao, Venerated Monk of Khao Samor Khon

Phra Kru Putthsaracharn, known as Luang Pho Phao Putthsaro of Wat Tham Tago in Khao Samor Khon Subdistrict, Tha Wung District, Lopburi Province, was a renowned and deeply revered monk among local residents. Born in 1872 at Wat Intaram, Phayuhakiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province, to parents named Khun and Saeng, he was ordained at age 20 at Wat Khao Kaew. He studied Buddhist scriptures extensively, first training under Luang Pho Thes at Wat Sara Thale for twelve years, then continuing his studies at Wat Thung Kaew in Uthai Thani under Phra Sunthorn Muni for three years, and subsequently at Wat Suthat Thepwararam in Bangkok for another three years. In 1899, he returned to Wat Intaram where he taught for two years before dedicating himself to vipassana meditation practice in 1902. Around 1903, he discovered an ancient abandoned temple site at Baan Pran in Khao Samor Khon featuring a distinctive teak tree at its cave entrance, which became known as Wat Tham Tago. With support from local residents and nine monks who followed him, the community developed the monastery, constructing living quarters, a preaching hall, and other facilities. In 1908, Wat Tham Tago received official ecclesiastical boundary recognition from the Thai government. Luang Pho Phao also founded Wat Patthamanit at Ban Mi and Wat Khao Wongkot, earning respect from numerous high-ranking royal patrons including Prince Damrong Rajanubhap and Prince Vivad Voraphinicha. Prince Paripat Sukhumphand of Nakhon Sawan visited the cave monastery Tham Kuha Sawan and made a significant donation of 1,000 baht, leading to the construction of a residence named after him. Luang Pho Phao received the ecclesiastical title of Phra Kru Putthsaracharn and studied vipassana meditation and various Buddhist disciplines with many accomplished teachers. He passed away peacefully on February 28, 1931, at Wat Khao Wongkot in Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province, at age 60 with forty years of monastic life. His disciples, having received his permission, collectively created amulets and sacred objects which he blessed.