About
Tamtako Buddhasopha Temple
History and Significance
Tamtako Temple, also known as Tamtako Buddhasopha Temple, is situated adjacent to Wat Bandai Samsen along the Samokon mountain range, about 1 kilometer to the east. Nestled at the foot of a mountain, the temple is surrounded by expansive trees providing ample shade. The temple houses a Vipassana cave known as "Tako Cave," named after the Tako tree that once stood in front of it (though it's no longer present). Inside the cave, there is a pedestal where Luang Phor Phao, a highly revered monk among the people of Lopburi, used to meditate, and numerous Buddha statues. The temple complex also features a museum, a pagoda, and a traditional Thai-style pavilion. Within the temple grounds lies an ancient temple and an abundance of monkeys. Additionally, the temple preserves various pottery and porcelain items. Perched atop the mountain is a pagoda known as "Phra Chedi Song Ruea Maksajja," situated on a boat-shaped structure.
Luang Pho Phao, Phutthasaro, Wat Tham Ta Kho, Lopburi Province
"Phra Phutthasara Ajahn" or "Luang Pho Phao Phutthasaro," Wat Tham Ta Kho, Khao Somokkon Subdistrict, Tha Wung District, Lopburi Province, is a revered monk widely respected by the local community in Khao Somokkon Subdistrict.
Born in the year 2415 at Ban Tai, Wat Intharam, Phayuha Khiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province. His father's name was Mr. Kam and his mother's name was Mrs. Saeng. At the age of 6, he was brought to study at the Phra Atthikan Khaong Office, Wat Intharam, Phayuha Khiri District, until the age of 11. He then entered monkhood and studied the Dhamma with Phra Ajahn Khong Juap until the age of 20 (Buddhist Era 2435). He underwent ordination at Wat Khao Kaeo, Phayuha Khiri District, with Luang Pho Tetsa as his preceptor, Phra Ajahn Khong as his teacher, and Phra Ajahn Rup as his instructor.
He resided with Luang Pho Tetsa at Wat Sa Thale for the first 12 years, studying the Vinaya discipline for 2 years. He then received permission from Luang Pho Tetsa to travel to study the Vinaya at the Thung Kaeo Office, Uthai Thani Province, under the patronage of Phra Sunthornmuni (Jai Kongkasoro), which was a renowned institution at the time. After receiving permission, he studied the Vinaya for 3 years at the Thung Kaeo Office. He then traveled to Bangkok to study with the patronage of Chao Khun Siriwisutthi Wong (Lien) at Wat Suthat Thepwararam for another 3 years.
Eventually, in Buddhist Era 2442, he returned to reside at Wat Intharam, Phayuha Khiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province, his original homeland, and helped Phra Atthikan Khong in teaching Dhamma and Vinaya to novices and monks at Wat Intharam for 2 years.
By Buddhist Era 2445, his mind was set on pursuing the Kammatthan path, so he embarked on a pilgrimage to practice Kammatthan meditation.
Around Buddhist Era 2446, he traveled from Wat Tha Khlong, crossing Bang Kham Canal towards the east for about 4 kilometers, and came across a site located at Ban Phran, Khao Somokkon Subdistrict, Tha Wung District, Lopburi Province. It was an ancient dilapidated temple with old brick remnants visible. In front of the cave stood a Ta Kho tree, hence the name "Wat Tham Ta Kho."
He peacefully passed away at Wat Khao Wong Kot, Sanam Chai Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province, on February 28, 2474, at 02:00 AM, at the age of 60, having spent 40 years in monkhood.
