Luang Phor Phern Thitakuno

Phra Udom Prachanat (พระอุดมประชานาถ), better known among the people of Nakhon Chai Si as Luang Phor Phern Thitakuno, was a famous monk (Geji Ajahn) of Nakhon Chai Si, former abbot of Wat Khok Khama, and later abbot of Wat Bang Phra. He became widely known for his mastery of sak yant (sacred tattoos), protective incantations, and healing practices, drawing followers from across Thailand and abroad.^[1][2]

His birth name was Phern Phurahong. He was born on 12 August 1923 in Village No. 4, Bang Kaew Fa Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province.^[1]

As a child, Luang Phor Phern studied occult sciences and protective magic. Living near Wat Bang Phra, he was drawn to the temple and became a disciple of Luang Phor Daeng of Wat Thung Khok, a student of Luang Phor Nhong Indasuvanno of Wat Khlong Madan.^[1] Luang Phor Daeng recognized his pure mind and dedication, and passed on his knowledge fully.

In his youth, he served briefly as a royal soldier before returning home to farm with his family. During this time, he studied sak yant under Phra Ajahn Him of Wat Bang Phra, and began tattooing protective yantras for villagers.^[3]

At the age of 20, he was ordained at Wat Bang Phra. His preceptor was Chao Athikan Him Inthachoto, with Phra Ajahn Thongyu Pathumrat as teacher of ceremonies, and Phra Ajahn Plian Thitthammo as recitation teacher. He received the monastic name “Thitakuno.”^[1] After ordination, he studied under Luang Phor Opasi at Bang Mod Hermitage, then undertook tudong (forest wandering practice), traveling south to pay respects to Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Luang Phor Song of Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi. For a period, he disappeared into the forest and was not seen by disciples.

In 1961, Luang Phor Phern camped near Wat Thung Nang Lok in Kanchanaburi Province, where he healed villagers with herbal medicine and sacred knowledge. He was invited to develop Wat Thung Nang Lok, and later became abbot of Wat Khok Khama, where he created his first amulets and sacred objects.^[2]

When Luang Phor Thongyu Pathumrat, abbot of Wat Bang Phra, died in 1973, villagers invited Luang Phor Phern to succeed him. He officially became abbot on 25 August 1975, receiving the title “Phra Khru Thapanakitsunthorn.” On 5 December 1994, he was elevated to the royal ecclesiastical title of “Phra Udom Prachanat.”^[4]

He became famous for sak yant tattooing, especially Luang Phor Parn Sonanto's Yant Kropetch (Diamond Armour Yantra), which devotees believed protected them from danger, misfortune, and spiritual harm.^[5]

• 1971: Received the title Phra Bai Dika, a junior royal ecclesiastical rank, while abbot of Wat Khok Khama.
• 1979: Received the title Phra Khru Thapanakitsunthorn (royal ecclesiastical promotion, second class).
• 1989: Elevated to senior royal ecclesiastical rank under the same title.
• 1994: Received the royal ecclesiastical title of Phra Udom Prachanat (S.Y.).

Luang Phor Phern died peacefully on 30 June 2002 at 10:55 am, aged 79 (54 years as a monk). His cremation drew thousands of devotees, and his relics and amulets remain highly venerated.^[1] His teachings emphasized virtue, harmony, and awareness of impermanence.

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