Luang Phor Ngern Wat Bang Klan

Luang Phor Ngern, the Legendary Wealth Monk of Pichit Province, was born in B.E. 2351 (1808 AD) at Bangklan, Pichit Province, Thailand. His name "Ngern" in Thai translates to "Money" or "Silver," both representing wealth and prosperity. From a young age, his family enjoyed a comfortable life without financial hardship, attributing their ease to his presence.

Also known as "Luang Pho Ngern Phutthachoti," he was born on September 16, 1805, in Bang Khlan Subdistrict, Phichit Province, as the fourth of six siblings. At a young age, he moved to Bangkok to study at Wat Chana Songkhram, and at 12, he was ordained as a novice. He later became a fully ordained monk at the age of 22, receiving the name "Phutthachoti." He spent years learning Dhamma, Vipassana meditation, and sacred sciences under the guidance of Somdej Phra Phutthachan (To) Phrommarangsi of Wat Rakhang Khositaram and Luang Pho Pho of Wat Wang Ma Nao.

At 25, Luang Phor Ngern returned to his village and stayed at Wat Kongkaram in Pichit Province, practicing Tudong (wandering asceticism). However, he felt that the atmosphere was not ideal for his practice. Before departing, he prayed to the Principal Buddha and took three Bodhi tree saplings from the temple's entrance. Upon visiting Wangtago village, he planted the saplings and made a vow to build a temple if the trees matured. True to his word, Wat Bangklan was established, now officially named Wat Hirunyaram.

After his ordination, Luang Phor Ngern returned to his hometown and resided at Wat Kongkaram. He later founded Wat Hirunyaram (Wat Wang Tako), where he gained a reputation for his magical abilities and healing powers. Disciples flocked to him, seeking spiritual guidance and remedies for ailments, and under his leadership, Wat Hirunyaram flourished.

Luang Phor Ngern’s amulets, especially those from Wat Bang Khlan, became legendary for their powerful protective qualities. His disciples included many renowned monks, such as Luang Pho Phit of Wat Kha Mang and Luang Pho Noi of Wat Kongkaram, as well as prominent lay figures like His Royal Highness Prince of Chumphon Khet Udomsak.

During this period, Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh was still alive, and Luang Phor Ngern often visited Wat Rakang to pay his respects and further his understanding of Buddhism and magical sciences. This connection is why Luang Phor Ngern's metal composite amulets are considered as powerful as Somdej Toh’s herb-based amulets.

Luang Phor Ngern was renowned for his sacred holy water. One day, a Chinese businessman visited him, seeking holy water for good fortune in his business. Luang Phor Ngern simply had a long conversation with the man while lighting a candle. The businessman, feeling the conversation had taken too long, impatiently asked when the holy water would be ready. To his surprise, Luang Phor Ngern replied, "It is already done." Doubting its effectiveness, the man left with the water. However, when he tried to pour it out at the riverbank near the temple gate, the water flowed endlessly, a testament to the monk’s miraculous powers.

In B.E. 2452, the Supreme Patriarch Somdej Phra SangKaarat (Kay) of Wat Bowon Niwet invited monks from across the provinces with strong magical powers and mental discipline to a knowledge exchange at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom. During this event, monks were tested on their ability to move a carpenter's plank using only their mental power. While many monks moved the plank to a designated point, few could return it to the start. Only 10 monks passed this test, and Luang Phor Ngern ranked 5th among them.

The following great monks passed the test:

1. LP Klan of Wat Phayatigaram, Ayutthaya (1st Place)
2. LP Boon of Wat KangBanKeow, Nakhon Pathom (2nd Place)
3. LP Suk of Wat Makham Tao, Chinat (3rd Place)
4. LP Eaim of Wat Nang, Bangkok (4th Place)
5. LP Ngern of Wat Bangklan, Pichit (5th Place)
6. LP Taa of Wat Paniangdtaek, Nakhon Pathom (6th Place)
7. LP Tong of Wat KaoGaBotWaaSee, Nakhon Sawan (7th Place)
8. LP Pan of Wat Banghia, Samut Prakan (8th Place)
9. LP Yim of Wat Nongbua, Kanchanaburi (9th Place)
10. LP Jon of Wat Don-Ruap, Chumphon (10th Place)

Luang Phor Ngern passed away on September 20, 1919, at the age of 111, after 90 years in monkhood. His legacy, particularly his powerful amulets, remains a cherished part of Thai Buddhist history.

Luang Phor Ngern’s legacy as a monk of profound spiritual power, magical abilities, and contributions to Buddhism endures to this day.

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