Luang Phor Toh Indasuvanno

Phra Ratchasangwarapimont (Toh Indasuvanno) (27 March 1887 – 5 March 1981), widely known as Luang Pu Toh, was a Thai Theravāda Buddhist monk and abbot of Wat Pradoochimplee in Bangkok (formerly Thonburi Province). He was a highly respected teacher, admired for his strict monastic discipline, compassion, and spiritual attainments. His amulets are considered sacred and renowned throughout Thailand, with many miraculous stories associated with them, making them among the most popular in the country.^[1]

He served as abbot of Wat Pradoochimplee from 10 July 1913 until his death in 1981, a span of 68 years.

Luang Pu Toh was born on 27 March 1887 in Samut Songkhram Province during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. He was the son of Ploi and Thap Rattanakhon, and had two siblings who predeceased him. As a child, he studied at Wat Ko Kaew (Samut Songkhram). After his mother's death, Phra Khru Kaew, recognizing his diligence, brought him to Wat Pradoochimplee under Abbot Suk's care.^[2]

At the age of 17 (1904), he was ordained as a novice by Abbot Suk. Suk died on the same day, and lay supporters Klaai and Phan continued to raise him. He studied Dhamma and meditation under several teachers at Wat Pradoochimplee until his full ordination on 16 July 1907. His preceptor was Phra Khru Samnatham Samathan (Saeng) of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, with Phra Khru Akkharanusit (Phong) of Wat Nuan Noradit and Phra Khru Thammavirat (Choei) of Wat Kamphaeng assisting. He received the monastic title Indasuvanno.

He pursued both Pariyatti (scriptural studies) and Vipassanā practice, eventually passing the Nak Tham (Dhamma studies) third level. After the death of Abbot Kham, he was appointed abbot of Wat Pradoochimplee on 10 July 1913.^[3]

Luang Pu Toh undertook extensive wandering (tudong) throughout Thailand—north, northeast, and south—studying Dhamma and esoteric practices. He became a disciple of Phra Phairojvutthachan (Rung Tissaro) of Wat Tha Krabue, studied magic with Luang Phor Nhong Indasuvanno of Wat Khlong Madan, and learned Vipassanā meditation under Luang Pho Chum of Wat Ratchasittharam.

He was closely associated with well-known contemporaries, including Luang Phor Parn Sonanto, Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro, and Luang Pho Chaeng of Wat Bang Phang.^[4]

He was renowned for his humility, kindness, and compassion towards all beings. Many accounts suggest he had clairvoyant abilities. One story recounts that during an epidemic, he prayed for recovery and later dreamed of Luang Pho Ban Laem blessing him with sacred water; afterward, he was cured.^[5]

In his later years, Luang Pu Toh suffered from declining health due to overexertion in serving devotees. In February 1981, he became seriously ill and bedridden during his final week. On 5 March 1981, at 9:55 AM, he died peacefully at the age of 93, having spent 73 rains retreats as a monk.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej bestowed special royal funeral honors equivalent to those for a senior ecclesiastical dignitary, including a royal coffin, ceremonial regalia, and patronage. The royal cremation was held at the royal crematorium of Wat Thepsirin.^[6]

Luang Pu Toh received the following ecclesiastical ranks:^[7]

• 1914 – appointed Phra Khru Sangkhawichit
• 1920 – elevated to Phra Khru Wiriya Kit (Third-class rank)^[8]
• 1954 – promoted to second-class in same title
• 1963 – promoted to first-class in same title
• 1968 – promoted to special-class in same title
• 1973 – promoted to Phra Sangworawimonthera (royal ecclesiastical title)^[9]
• 1978 – promoted to Phra Ratchasangwarapimont Sophonphawananusit Mahakanissorn Bowornsangharam Kamavasi (royal rank)^[10]