Somdej Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan, the Supreme Patriarch (Sangkhrach Pae Tissadevo) Wat Suthat

 

Somdej Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan

the Supreme Patriarch (Sangkhrach Pae Tissadevo) 

Wat Suthat

BE2339 - BE2481

(82 Years old)

Somdej Phra Sangkharat (Pae) was the 12th Supreme Patriarch, serving from 1938 to 1944. Born on November 12, 1856, during the reign of King Rama IV, his given name was Pae, and his surname was Tissadeva. He was the son of Nut and On, gardeners in Bang Lamphu Lang, Khlong San District, Thonburi Province. He was the second of seven siblings.

At the age of seven, he began his education at Wat Thong Noppakhun, following his father's admiration for Somdej Phra Wanrat (Somboon). When he was 13, he became a disciple of Somdej Phra Wanrat, then Phra Thammawarodom at Wat Ratchaburana, and was ordained as a novice in 1868. He returned to study at Wat Thong Noppakhun and learned Buddhist scriptures from Phra Ajahn Pho at Wat Sawetchatra.

At 16, Somdej Phra Wanrat (Somboon) brought him to Wat Phra Chetuphon for further studies. After failing his first Buddhist scriptures examination in 1876, he continued to study with various teachers, including Phra Horathibodi (Chum) and Ta Suk. He was later ordained as a monk at Wat Sawetchat in 1879 and came under the guidance of Somdej Phra Wanrat (Daeng) at Wat Suthat.

During his time at Wat Suthat, he studied diligently and progressed through the ecclesiastical ranks. In 1882, he achieved the 4th level of Pali studies and, by 1885, reached the 5th level. He was granted the title Phra Sri Sompot in 1880, and in 1896, King Rama V promoted him to Phra Raja Khana, marking his increasing importance within the Sangha.

He was appointed Phra Thepmoli in 1898 and, in 1900, became Phra Thammakosajarn, the Supreme Patriarch of Wat Suthat. During King Rama VI's reign, he was further promoted to Phra Phrommuni in 1912 and later to Somdej Phra Phutthachan in 1923.

In 1938, during King Rama VIII's reign, he was appointed Supreme Patriarch. His leadership in the Sangha was marked by wisdom, compassion, and a focus on education, helping to develop the Buddhist clergy in Phra Nakhon Province.

As for his role in the creation of Phra Kring amulets, Somdej Phra Sangkharat was inspired by an experience where the use of a Phra Kring amulet cured Somdej Phra Wanrat (Daeng) of cholera. He researched the history of Phra Kring amulets and learned they originated in Tibet, later spreading to China and Cambodia. From then on, he became deeply involved in their creation.

Somdej Phra Sangkharat (Pae) passed away on December 25, 1944, leaving a lasting legacy as a revered spiritual leader and scholar. His contributions to Buddhism, particularly in education and the promotion of the Phra Kring amulet, continue to be honored by the Thai Buddhist community.