The Sixth Ariyaloka – Luang Pho Eia Kittigo, the Revered Abbot of Ban Dan Temple
Luang Pho Eia Kittigo, the revered abbot of Ban Dan Temple in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, was honored on the 121st anniversary of his death in May 2026. The respected scholar and healer, who ordained in 1922 and spent 52 years in monastic
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the 121st death anniversary of Phra Khru Sangvorkittikun, or Luang Pho Eia Kittigo of Ban Dan Temple in Koh Loi Subdistrict, Pranchuap Khiri Khan District, was commemorated. Forty to fifty years ago, no one in the Thai-Cambodian border region of the east was unfamiliar with the renowned Luang Pho Eia. He received numerous invitations to preside over Buddhist ordination ceremonies throughout Pranchuap Khiri Khan Province and beyond, including major ceremonies in Bangkok.
Born on May 9, 1905, he lost his parents in his youth but remained devoted to education, completing his secondary studies at Chachoengsao Provincial School. He ordained on May 8, 1922, at age 17, and diligently studied Buddhist scripture and meditation. He received his higher ordination on May 18, 1925, at Samphan Temple in Pranchuap Khiri Khan Province.
A gifted scholar driven to constantly seek knowledge despite the limited educational opportunities of his time, Luang Pho Eia traveled to study at Luang Pu Suk's monastery, learning both traditional healing and ancient medicine. Recognizing the opportunity to help others, he provided assistance to anyone suffering—whether from physical ailments, emotional distress, or other hardships—without hesitation. Those who came to him received warmth and compassion rooted in the four brahmaviharas: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, which earned him widespread fame.
Appointed as abbot in 1939, he devoted himself to serving the community through medical care and spiritual guidance. The temple became like a small hospital, with some patients staying for months to receive his care. In 1958, he was appointed head of Koh Loi Subdistrict, overseeing seven temples, and in 1959 became an ordained teacher. He received the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Sangvorkittikun in 1968.
Throughout his life, he trained monks, novices, and lay practitioners, promoting education by establishing a Buddhist studies academy and founding Koh Loi Kittigo School. He created numerous sacred amulets, medals, pendants, photographs, blessed powders, and talismans. When the impermanence of all conditioned things led to his death on July 17, 1978, at age 73 and 52 years of monastic life, his final instruction to his disciples was: "All of you must perform good deeds through body, speech, and mind. Those who do so will surpass all others. Remember that unity is strength, both in the world and in the dharma. Wherever you live, bring prosperity to that place through honesty and integrity. All things will manifest themselves."
