Sacred News: Luang Pho Tanchai Medal from Sri Maharaj Temple, Chonburi
Luang Pho Tanchai, revered abbot of Sri Maharaj Temple in Chonburi for 51 years until his death in 1994, is commemorated through sacred medals created by devotees to preserve his spiritual legacy.
Phra Kru Pariyatti Varathorn, also known as Luang Pho Phiu Panantho, former abbot of Sri Maharaj Temple in Sri Racha District, Chonburi Province, was a venerable monk deeply respected by the local community. Originally named Phiu Ratanjinda, he was born on Thursday, March 24, 1913, in Semet Subdistrict, Muang District, Chonburi.
As a child, he studied at Putthayakam School at Khao Bang Thray Temple and completed junior secondary education. At age 15, he ordained as a novice, and at age 20, he took full monastic vows at Khao Bang Thray Temple under Somdej Phra Phutthakhos Acharya (Charoen Yanavaro) of Thepsirin Temple as his preceptor, along with other senior monks in supervisory roles.
He excelled in his monastic studies, earning top honors in Dharma studies and Pali scripture examination, eventually returning to Khao Bang Thray Temple where he taught Buddhist studies for many years. He was deeply grateful to his preceptor and faithfully followed his exemplary conduct.
In 1943, when the abbot position at Sri Maharaj Temple became vacant, his preceptor appointed him as abbot. He served in this role for 51 years, becoming a model for monks and laypeople alike and earning great respect throughout Sri Racha.
During his tenure, he received several ecclesiastical ranks and titles. He was known for his selfless dedication, wisdom, and development work. His major accomplishments included constructing the main ordination hall (costing 20 million baht and taking over a decade to complete) and numerous other temple buildings and structures at both Sri Maharaj Temple and Koh Loy Temple.
He had many disciples from all walks of life, including high-ranking government officials, military personnel, police, and ordinary citizens. Despite his advancing age, he remained diligent in both material development and spiritual reformation of the temple and its congregation.
As he approached 80 years old, his health deteriorated from overwork and lack of rest. In late 1991, he was admitted to Somdej Hospital in Sri Racha with emphysema. He passed away peacefully on January 18, 1994, at age 81 in his 60th year of monastic life.
To commemorate his legacy, devotees created sacred amulets, including the famous 'Luang Pho Tanchai Medal from Sri Maharaj Temple, First Edition,' created in 1970 to commemorate the casting of the main Buddha image. The medal features an oval shape with an attached loop and depicts Luang Pho Tanchai on the front in a meditation posture with the inscription 'Special Edition, Luang Pho Tanchai 1970' on the base. The reverse side displays a water yantra design surrounded by Khmer script. These medals were produced in three versions: 20 gold medals, silver medals, and others.
