Ratanapañña Thera

Last updated November 05, 2025

Phra Rattanapanya Thera, also known as Phra Sirirattanapanya Thera, was a high-ranking Buddhist monk of the rank of sangharaja (ecclesiastical governor) during the reign of King Mueang Kaeo, also known as King Tilokpanatdharat of the Lan Na Kingdom.

The birthplace of Phra Rattanapanya Thera remains uncertain. Some sources state that he was born in Chiang Rai or Lampang ^[1], while others suggest Phayao ^[2]. He is thought to have been born around 2016 BE (1473 CE). Phra Rattanapanya was ordained and resided at Wat Pa Kaeo in Chiang Rai before continuing his studies in Chiang Mai, where he stayed at Wat Silaram (present-day Wat Chet Yot). He later resided at Wat Fon Soi, where he became abbot, and subsequently moved to serve as abbot of Wat Chet Yot during the reign of King Mueang Kaeo, when the temple was recognized as a royal monastery.^[3]

In 2060 BE (1517 CE), during the 23rd rains retreat of his monastic life—when he was likely about 44 years old—Phra Rattanapanya composed the Jinakalamali during the reign of King Tilokpanatdharat. Evidence within the text indicates his deep knowledge of the Tipitaka, the Atthakatha (commentaries), and exceptional skill in the Pali language.^[4]

Works

Jinakalamali , composed in 2060 BE (1517 CE) during his 23rd rains retreat, presents a well-ordered account of the eras of the Buddha and includes histories of significant figures and places such as Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Chiang Mai. The work has been translated into several languages.
Matikatthasarupa Abhidhammasangaha, the date of composition is unknown but is believed to have been written between 2060 and 2065 BE (1517–1522 CE). It concerns the matika (matrix) section of the first book of the Abhidhamma, the Dhammasangani.^[3]
Vajirasaratthasangaha, composed in 2078 BE (1535 CE) at Wat Mahawanaram in Chiang Mai, is a concise treatise outlining the principles of terminology, regarded as a compendium of essential Buddhist doctrines.^[3]

References

↑ Phensupa Sukkata (10 June 2016). "Archaeological Mystery: The Lantern Palace of "Phra Rattanapanya Thera," author of the Chinnakalamali Pakorn". Matichon Weekly.
↑ Thepprawin Chanraeng. Buddhist Scholars of Lan Na (PDF). Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus.
1 2 3 Phra Maha Sutith Aphakaro (Ob-un). A Study of Knowledge and Local Wisdom in Lanna Buddhist Literature on the Benefits and Scriptures Used in Various Festivals (PDF). Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-09-18. Retrieved 2019-06-28.
↑ Prayoon Pomsuwan and Somporn Laocharat. An Analytical Study of the Doctrinal Essence in the Chinnakalamalipakorn for the Development of Students in Accordance with Buddhism. Phra Nakhon Rajabhat University.

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[1] Phensupa Sukkata (10 June 2016). "Archaeological Mystery: The Lantern Palace of "Phra Rattanapanya Thera," author of the Chinnakalamali Pakorn". Matichon Weekly.

[2] Thepprawin Chanraeng. Buddhist Scholars of Lan Na (PDF). Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus.

[Sutith-3] 1 2 3 Phra Maha Sutith Aphakaro (Ob-un). A Study of Knowledge and Local Wisdom in Lanna Buddhist Literature on the Benefits and Scriptures Used in Various Festivals (PDF). Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-09-18. Retrieved 2019-06-28.

[4] Prayoon Pomsuwan and Somporn Laocharat. An Analytical Study of the Doctrinal Essence in the Chinnakalamalipakorn for the Development of Students in Accordance with Buddhism. Phra Nakhon Rajabhat University.

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