The SangHA
The Pioneers
Our Founder - Tok Raja
Phra Vicaranayanmuni
Chao Khun Mitr
(1930-2001)
May Chee
Nun
Demised in 2004
Current Sangha
Phrakhru Udom Dhammavithes
Khun Ciaan
Quek Ming Ciaan
Phrakhru Kovit
Dhammanukul
Echan AL Eh Mei
Deputy Abott
Khun Nid
Ma Nid AL Eh Nun
Khun Sak
Kriangsak AL Eh Jem
OUr Founder- Tok Raja
Tok Raja of Wat Uttamaram Pasir Mas Kelantan
Khron Ratchanaren (known as Tok Raja) was born on Thursday, December 1, BE2419 (1876). He was sent to Wat Uttamaram by his parents when he was 12 years old to learn Buddhism and Thai language. He stayed with Archan Lok who was the temple Chief Abbot at that time
Tok had shown great interest in Buddhism and became a "Dek Jom" under the supervision of Bhikkhu (monks) in the temple. Besides, he also Iearned crafting and construction. He once told the devotees that even from an early age, he cherished the ambition of joining the monkhood and stay in the temple to learn Buddhism unlike his other kampung (village) boys of the same age who more preferred to stay in their homes in the kampung
Ordination (Upasombot)
Tok joined monkhood (Bhikkhu) on Jun 15, 2438 (1895) when he was 21 years old. The ordination took
place at Wat Uttamaram and was ordained by the following monks
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Phra Upatcha Palad Chai from Wat Mai Suwankhiri
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Phra Khru Ophart Phuthakhun from Wat Chon Prachumthan and
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Phra Athikam Phut from Wat Bangtakwa Silaloi who became Kammavacanusavanacam
Tok was then given a Buddhist name known as Punnaksuvnnno.
Positions held by Tok :
2470 BE (1927) - Tok was appointed by Phra Khru Ophatbudthakhoon as Phra Palas Thananukrom
2476 BE (1933) - Tok became Upatchaya
2484 BE (1941) - Tok was appointed as Phra Khru Vicam Z484 BE (1941) - Tok was appointed as Phra Khru Vicam
2488 BE (1945) - Tok became the Chief Abbot of Kelantan State known as Phra Vicaranayanmuni
Tok's role in the deployment of Dharma knowledge and spreading of Buddha's teachings
When Tok came back from Songkhla Thailand, he stressed a lot on knowledge skill. He worked very hard in order to expand the knowledge skills to devotees in Kelantan but did not meet his expectation since the Society at that time did not realise the importance of education and as such, was unable to achieve his mission to the fullness. In the early year of BE2491 (1948 ), Thai Buddhism has spread out of the country especially to the neighbouring country like Malaya Malaysia was formerly known as Malaya. In that year, the first Naktham school was established in the Kedah state of Malaya.
Tok has waited for the opportunity to open up such school for a long time and has established the same Naktham school in the year BE2492. The first school was established in Wat Uttamaram Bangsek itself. It was a resounding success in establishing these schools and Tok later handed over the management of the school to Phra Maha Chan Kesaro who possessed "Parian Tham 6 Prakyok" as a teacher master. Even though there was a shortage in teaching resources, there was a huge demand from monks all over Kelantan to study at Wat Uttamaram to seek knowledge and learn Naktham, where the expenses incurred, were manageable. It was not easy to go to Wat Uttamaram at that time where it took hours to reach by walking through the jungle. Such obstacles did not prevent these pupil monks from reaching the Wat and in the same year, as it was established, the first Naktham examination was held at Wat Uttamaram in Kelantan.
OUr abbot- phrakhru udom dhammavithes
Due to his active involvement in Drug Abuse Prevention, he was honoured as an International delegate of Drug Watch International (USA). He was previously residing at Wat Phikulthong Vararam Buddhist Temple, Tumpat, Kelantan and in 2006 was assigned by Kelantan Sangha Council to reside at Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple, Singapore in order to carry on the Buddhist missionary activities. As assistant Abbot of UBT, he worked hard on bringing awareness of the Dhamma to the temple’s devotees and initiated several activities along this line. Through his relentless effort and the help and support of keen Dhamma followers, he gradually led UBT from its neglected existence to the presently active Dhamma environment. The temple is now frequented by devotees from all walks of life participating in the various dhamma activities.
On 10 November 2007, in recognition of his effort, Phra Phian Saccavaro was officially appointed the Abbot of Uttamayanmuni Singapore by The Sangha Committee of Singapore.
On 17 December 2008, he became the youngest Phrakru in the Theravada Buddhist Cycle. Though young, his efforts and capability were undeniable. This coupled with recommendation by Chao Khun of Wat Ananda (head of The Singapore Theravada Sangha Community) and testimonials from various authoritative Sangha members, the royal monastic title of Phrakhru was conferred upon him by 9 Somdechs in Bangkok, Thailand, the Highest Sangha Council. Traditionally, the Royal Monastic title of Phrakhru was awarded to Bhikkhu who has completed at least 10 Phansa, and having served as Abbot for 5 years. He has only been abbot for just over a year. His effort and diligence have earned him this title and it was indeed an occasion for rejoice for Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple and its devotees. Check out Phrakru's appointment
Date of Birth:
Ordination:
Academy/ Social Achievements:
28 September, 1973
1996, Kelantan Malaysia
1999 First Grade of the Royal Dhamma Examination of Buddhist Department of Religious Affairs, Thailand
2003 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Buddhist Studies with First Class Honours University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
2005 Master of Arts Degree in Buddhist Studies with Distinction Post Graduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya
Actively involved in various social and religious activities such as Buddhist Conferences, seminars, workshop, etc.
2003 represented Buddhist monks for a Seminar on the Role of Faith-Based Organization and Spirituality in Drug Demand Reduction in Bangkok, Thailand
Attended the 20th International Federation of Non-Government Organization Conference on Drug Abuse Prevention in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Attended 5th Global Conference on Drug Abuse Prevention, under the sponsorship 2005 represented Kelantan Sangha members to participate in IV Asian Youth Congress in Penang, Malaysia
Abbot posing at the temple
Receiving his Abbotship From Chao Khun of Wat Ananda on 10 November 2007
Receiving the Royal Phrakhru Title on 17 December 2008, Bangkok, Thailand
Abbot posing at the temple