[7] Some scholars have raised the example of Maechi Chandra to indicate that the position of women in Thai Buddhism may be more complex than was previously thought.

[4][8] Chandra was born on 20 January 1909 into a middle class farming family in Nakhon Pathom province, of Thailand.

To accomplish her wish to reconcile with her father, Chandra left her family eight years later and travelled to Bangkok to find her way to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, where Luang Pu Sodh was located at that time.

This was the household of Liap Sikanchananand in Saphan Han, Bangkok, in which Achan Thongsuk Samdaengpan came regularly to teach.

[15]: 14 In 1938, with the permission of the mistress of the house, Chandra was taken by Achan Thongsuk to meet Luang Pu Sodh for the first time.

[4][13][14] He allowed her to join an experienced group of meditation practitioners in Wat Paknam without having to pass any probation or tests.

[4][13] In the literature of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, it is said that Maechi Chandra quickly became one of Luang Pu Sodh's best students and was praised by him as "first among many, second to none".

[4]: 72–4  Maechi Chandra is believed by some practitioners to have prevented several bombs from hitting Bangkok during World War II.

After Luang Pu Sodh died in 1959, Maechi Chandra transmitted the Dhammakaya tradition to a new generation at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen.

An 80 acres (320,000 m2) plot of paddy-field was donated for building the centre by Khunying Prayat Suntharawet, a land owner of royal blood.

[13] Having only 3,200 Baht ($80) to their name,[15]: 101–4  a group of meditation practitioners headed by Maechi Chandra began establishing the temple.

It was first officially established on Magha Puja Day, 20 February 1970, and called "Sun Phutthachak Patipattham" (ศูนย์พุทธจักรปฏิบัติธรรม; 'the Dhamma practice center of the Buddha-sphere').

During the period of establishment, Maechi Chandra sought finance to support the center and set the regulations for those living in the temple.

[15]: 117–8  Asian Studies scholar Jesada Buaban believes that Maechi Chandra made Wat Phra Dhammakaya attractive, because most other Thai temples are male-led, with no women in a leading role.

[19] Spokespeople of the temple describe the role of Maechi Chandra in the early period of the temple as a 'chief commander' (Thai: jomthap), whereas Luang Por Dhammajayo is depicted as a 'chief of staff' (Thai: senathikan) developing proper plans, and Luang Por Dattajivo is described as the practical manager.

[20] During the years to follow, Maechi Chandra's role would gradually become less, as she grew older and withdrew more to the background of the temple's organization.

[4][9][22] Maechi Chandra's remains were burnt in a grand ceremony, using glass to ignite the fire by sun light.

This is a hexagonal building with a meditation hall and a life-size golden image of Maechi Chandra in it,[4][5][15]: 201  which was cast earlier in 1998.