Somdet Heng Khemachari
Somdet Phra Wanarat was a senior Thai Mahānikāya monk who held several important positions such as Chief Monk of the Southern Region, Abbot of Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Rajaworamahavihara, and Head of the National Pali Examination.
Biography
Early life
Somdet Phra Wanarat was originally named Kim Heng. His father was a Chinese merchant named Tua Kao of the Chua clan, and his mother was named Thapthim, who died during the birth of her fourth child. He was born on Monday, the 11th day of the waxing moon of the 3rd lunar month, Year of the Snake, which corresponded to 31 January 1882. His family home was in Tha Rae, Saket Rang, Mueang [Uthai Thani District], Uthai Thani Province.At age 10, he studied Thai language under Phra Ajahn Chang of Wat Khwid for two years, then moved to study with Phra Sunthornmuni, then deputy abbot at Wat Manithudong.
Ordination and Study
At age 13, he was ordained as a novice and studied Pali at Wat Manithudong until he was 16, after which he moved to Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit to study Pali under Phraya Thammapreecha and Luang Chonlathi Thammaphitak. Later, he studied with Somdet Phra Phutthachan , Somdet Phra Wanarat , Somdet Phra Wanarat , and Somdet Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Wachirayan Warorot.He passed the Pali level 5 examination in 1901.
In 1902, he was fully ordained at Wat Mahathat, with Somdet Phra Wanarat as preceptor, and Somdet Phra Wanarat and Somdet Phra Phutthachan as chanting masters. He later passed Pali levels 7, 8, and finally the highest Pali level 9.
Religious Service
From his novice years with Pali level 4, he was assigned as a teacher at Mahathat College.In 1912, when Somdet Phra Wanarat aged, Krom Phraya Wachirayan Warorot appointed him to manage Wat Mahathat. After the death of Somdet Phra Wanarat in 1923, Heng was appointed Abbot of Wat Mahathat.
As abbot, he reorganized temple records, rituals, monastic administration, enforced discipline among monks and novices, and undertook major renovations and construction to expand education facilities. He also served Krom Phraya Wachirayan Warorot faithfully until his satisfaction.
In 1941, following the enactment of the Sangha Act, B.E. 2484 , he was chosen as the first President of the Sangha Council.
Ecclesiastical Titles
- 1909 – Appointed Phra Srisutthiwong.
- 1912 – Promoted to Phra Ratchasuthi Thammapreechaphimon Pariyattikoson Yatikanisorn Bovornsangkaram Kamavasi.
- 1916 – Elevated to Phra Thep Moli.
- 1921 – Promoted to Phra Thammatrailokacharn.
- 1928 – Promoted to Phra Phimon Tham.
- 1939 – Elevated to Somdet Phra Wanarat, Chief Monk of the South.
Death