Luang Phor Lap (Lp Lap), Wat Rit Sirirat Charoentham, Sukhothai

 

The miraculous history of Luang Por Rit, Wat Ban Suan, the revered monk of Sukhothai Province, remains largely unwritten, with only fragments passed down from elders and disciples such as Luang Por Suang and Luang Por Hom. Luang Por Rit, also known as Luang Por Rit Thewa, was born around 1842 in Ban Suan Subdistrict, Khlong Takhian Village, and later moved in with his uncle and aunt, Mr. Ploy and Mrs. Tan Suwannarot, whose home was next to Wat Rit Sirirat Charoentham.

Although not much is known about his early life and ordination, Luang Por Rit eventually traveled to study under the renowned Somdej Phra Phutthacharn Toh Phrommarangsi of Wat Rakhang, along with Luang Por Jek of Wat Hua Fai and Luang Por Pae of Wat Khung Yang Yai. He spent six years studying with Somdej Phra Phutthacharn Toh before embarking on a pilgrimage, visiting significant Buddhist sites, including the Buddha’s footprint in Saraburi Province.

During one such pilgrimage, a tiger miraculously approached him while he was camping in the forest near the Buddha’s footprint, lying peacefully in front of his pagoda. Luang Por Rit calmly instructed the tiger to guard the pagoda while he went on alms round. The tiger remained there until he returned, then departed without harming anyone. This encounter became one of the many miracles associated with his life.

On his way back to Sukhothai, Luang Por Rit encountered a mysterious figure living in a cave, believed to be an Arahant. Luang Por Rit offered him robes and combed his hair and beard, staying with him for several days to learn spiritual teachings before returning to his temple. Upon his return, Luang Por Rit began restoring Wat Rit, clearing trees, and rebuilding the temple with the help of local villagers.

His miracles continued to amaze, including a famous incident where he called down a flock of vultures from the sky while constructing a sermon hall at the temple. After tying a sacred takrut to the leader of the flock, the vultures flew away, and no one could harm them afterward, as all attempts to shoot them failed.

Luang Por Rit’s fame grew, and the temple became known as Wat Ban Suan, where he left a lasting legacy through his teachings, miracles, and renovations.