Phra Archan Thanom Khemajaro

Biography of Phra Archan Thanom Khemajaro

Phra Ajarn Thanom Khemajaro was a respected monk closely associated with the preservation and development of Wat Nang Phaya in Phitsanulok province. Although historical records regarding his life remain relatively limited today, collectors and devotees continue to remember him as an important figure behind the renowned Phra Nang Phaya BE 2514 amulet batch and the restoration efforts of the temple during the mid-20th century.

He was originally born in Ban Noen Phayom, Tambon Hang Dong, Amphoe Banphot Phisai, Nakhon Sawan province. After the passing of his parents during his younger years, he relocated to live with relatives in Ban Thong Lang, Tambon Makham Sung, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok province. This move would later shape his lifelong connection with the religious community of Phitsanulok.

At the age of 21, he entered the monkhood and was ordained under Phra Khru Anuyok Sasanakit (Luang Pu Rod), the then abbot of Wat Nang Phaya, who served as his preceptor. Through years of disciplined monastic practice, Ajarn Thanom gradually earned the trust and respect of both the temple community and local devotees. In BE 2482 (CE 1939), following the passing of Luang Pu Rod, he succeeded his teacher and became the abbot of Wat Nang Phaya.

Within local temple history, Phra Ajarn Thanom was recognised not only as a monk devoted to Buddhist practice, but also as an active temple developer and renovator. During his tenure as abbot, he initiated and oversaw several important construction and restoration projects within Wat Nang Phaya. These included the construction of a sermon hall, the building of ten monks’ living quarters, and the conversion of an existing vihara into an ubosot (ordination hall), helping modernise and strengthen the temple infrastructure for future generations.

Collectors of Thai amulets often associate Ajarn Thanom with careful preservation of temple heritage. His most widely recognised contribution remains the creation of the Phra Nang Phaya BE 2514 amulets, which incorporated powdered fragments from broken ancient Nang Phaya amulets discovered within the temple grounds. This effort reflected his intention to preserve the spiritual lineage of the historic Wat Nang Phaya tradition while raising funds for temple development.

Phra Ajarn Thanom Khemajaro passed away on 16 March BE 2520 (CE 1977). Despite the relatively limited surviving documentation regarding his life, his influence continues through the amulets, temple renovations, and Buddhist legacy connected to Wat Nang Phaya.

In Thai amulet culture, many senior collectors regard Ajarn Thanom as an understated yet historically significant monk whose contributions bridged the ancient Nang Phaya lineage with the modern collector era. As additional historical materials continue to surface over time, researchers and devotees remain hopeful that more details regarding his life and teachings may eventually be preserved for future generations.

Reference acknowledgement: Historical reference adapted from collector notes and information attributed to “The Expert on Amulets” by Lek Wat Ruak.