Revered Buddhist Monk Luang Pho Hun Honored at Wat Jet Samian

Luang Pho Hun Phutthasaro, also known as Phra Kru Mongkol Ratana, was a revered senior Buddhist scholar at Wat Jet Samian in Jet Samian Subdistrict, Potharam District, Ratchaburi Province, deeply respected by the local community even after his passing. He was born on Friday, April 14, 1899, at Ban Somtha, Mueang 5, Bang Ton District, Potharam, Ratchaburi. Like other boys of his era, he lived a typical childhood and completed his early education in 1913, achieving proficiency equivalent to fourth-grade primary schooling at Wat Somtha School.

At the proper age in 1919, he underwent ordination at Wat Somtha's ordination hall. However, after only one year of monastic life, he was conscripted for military service in 1920. Following his discharge in 1922, he felt a strong calling to deepen his study of Buddhist doctrine and sought re-ordination on March 17, 1922, at Wat Somtha. His preceptor was Phra Kru Satit Sutakara (Luang Pho Kong) of Wat Tha Luang Phol, his ordination teacher was Phra Ajahn Chao of Wat Tha Luang Phol, and his witness was Phra Ajahn Mat of Wat Bang Lan, Potharam District, Ratchaburi. He was given the monastic name Phutthasaro.

For two years, he studied Buddhist texts and the Pali language at Wat Somtha with his teachers and an elderly mentor, eventually mastering the translation of the Mangala Sutta. In 1924, he moved to Wat Bang Ton to pursue advanced Buddhist studies and ecclesiastical training for 18 years. In 1937, he was officially appointed as a Buddhist educator by the monastic order, earning widespread respect for his moral teachings to the community. In 1940, he was designated as a Dharma teacher for monks and novices within his temple.

In 1941, he returned to Wat Somtha to assist with monastic administration and continue as a Dharma teacher. Throughout his life, whether at Wat Bang Ton, Wat Somtha, or Wat Jet Samian, his students consistently passed the national Buddhist studies examination every year. In 1946, he was appointed abbot of Wat Jet Samian at the request of the local community, led by village headman Kowit Wongyara. As abbot, he reorganized the monastic community and developed the temple to flourish to the best of his ability.

In 1947, he was promoted to Kammavachacarya (ecclesiastical administrator). In 1958, he received the title Phra Kru Prathuan, and in 1969, he was elevated to Phra Kru Saññabat with the monastic title Phra Kru Mongkol Ratana by royal decree. He passed away peacefully on July 29, 1974, at Siriraj Hospital from heart failure, at the age of 75 and after 52 years in monastic service.

Wat Jet Samian, located in Mueang 3, Jet Samian Subdistrict, Potharam District, Ratchaburi Province, was established in 1757 and received the royal charter for its boundary in 1976. The temple houses an important shrine enshrining a cast image of its former abbot, serving as a spiritual center and focal point for the community. Both Phra Kru Satjahabhirom (Luang Pu Mueab) and Phra Kru Mongkol Ratana (Luang Pho Hun), the temple's two most venerated former abbots, left lasting legacies of merit and spiritual development that continue to inspire devotion to this day.

The amulets and auspicious objects created by these abbots remain widely sought after and cherished, particularly the first-edition coins cast in 1969 to commemorate Luang Pho Hun's elevation in monastic rank, minted in silver and gold.