Somdet Phra Maha Virawong | |
|---|---|
| Somdet Phra Maha Virawong (Phim Saenthawisuk) | |
| Title | Somdet Phra Maha Virawong |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Phim Saenthawisuk 1 May 1897 |
| Died | 30 November 1974 (aged 77) |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Education | Nak Tham Intermediate; Parian Dhamma (Level 6) |
| Other names | สมเด็จพระมหาวีรวงศ์ (พิม แสนทวีสุข) |
| Occupation | Buddhist monk |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| School | Theravāda |
| Lineage | Dhammayuttika Nikaya |
| Dharma names | Dhammadharo (ธัมมธโร) |
| Ordination | 19 April 1917 |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Wora Maha Viharn, Bangkok |
| Predecessor | Somdet Phra Maha Virawong (Oun Tisso) |
| Successor | (vacant/unknown) |
Somdet Phra Maha Virawong (birth name: Phim Saenthawisuk; Dharma name: Dhammadharo) was a Somdet Phra Racha Khana of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and former abbot of Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Wora Maha Viharn. He also held several important positions in the Thai Sangha, including Acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Sangha Minister, Vice President of the Sangha Council, and member of the Supreme Sangha Council.
Somdet Phra Maha Virawong was born Phim Saenthawisuk on Saturday, 1 May 1897 (B.E. 2440) at Ban Sawang, Sawang Subdistrict, Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province (today part of Sawang Subdistrict, Sawang Wirawong District, Ubon Ratchathani). He was the son of Thong and Nuan Saenthawisuk, and was the nephew of Somdet Phra Maha Virawong (Oun Tisso Saenthawisuk). He studied at Wat Ban Muang School and Ubon Witthayakhom School, completing the equivalent of lower secondary education (M.2). [1]
On 1 April 1914 (B.E. 2457), he was ordained as a novice at Wat Supattanaram Worawihan, Ubon Ratchathani. His preceptor was Phra Ratchamuni (Oun Tisso), with Phra Sasanadilok (Sen Chitseno) as mentor. He was ordained as a monk on 19 April 1917 at the Utokukkhepa Sima in the Mun River at Ban Pho Tak, Phibun Subdistrict, Phibun Mangsahan District, Ubon Ratchathani, with Phra Ratchamuni (Oun Tisso) as preceptor and Phra Sasanadilok (Sen Chitseno) as recital teacher. He received the Dharma name Dhammadharo. [2]
During his first rains retreat, Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta wanted him to go on dhutanga practice. However, Ajahn Mun saw a vision of Phra Phim embracing the Tipitaka cabinet tightly, even when his arms were removed his legs clung to it. Realizing this as a sign, Ajahn Mun allowed him to focus on scriptural studies instead. [3]
In 1928, Phra Maha Phim Dhammadharo was assigned to oversee the Sangha at Wat Sutthachindaram Worawihan, Nakhon Ratchasima. In 1937, he was transferred to Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, and later to Champasak, Laos, in 1941. He then returned to Ubon Ratchathani to manage Wat Saen Samran. When the government established Wat Phra Sri Mahathat, he was appointed deputy abbot, later becoming abbot upon the death of Somdet Phra Maha Virawong (Oun Tisso).
Somdet Phra Maha Virawong died on 30 November 1974 at 09:10 AM, aged 77, after 57 rains retreats. [1]
Among his works published as books are: