Erawan Shrine

This is one of my favorite places to visit each time I come to Bangkok. While I do not share in the same religion, I always feel welcomed into the Erawin shrine and want to share this story with you.

This area of Bangkok named after Erawan, the 3 headed elephant of Indra, is a location of extremes. It is a top-end fashion center, also the location of the main interchange of Bangkok’s Sky-Train transportation system and home one of the most uniquely treasured shrines in all of Bangkok. The smokey appearance of the pictures is due to the vast quantities of incense being burnt.

Here sits the 4-faced Buddha. Actually the statue represents Brahma who is one three members of the Hindu Trinity, Brahma – creator, Vishnu – sustainer, Shiva- transformer. They are the three primary manifestations of one divinity.


In Thailand, Brahma is known as Phra Phrom. The image has four faces – each facing in the four directions of the compass. It has eight arms and sits upon the lotus. Each face represents the 4 Vedas (Scriptures) the Hindu religion. In the eight arms are held the following objects and symbolism
Sutra: Knowledge
Beads: Controlling karma
Spear: Will power
Flower vase: Wishes coming true
Conch shell: Wealth
Hand on chest: compassion
Flying wheel: Protection from evil
Cintamani (fan): Blessings

Practices at the Erawan shrine:


I enjoy visiting the Erawan shrine because it is always abuzz with people in need, praying and giving thanks for answered prayers. The religious expression may be different than my own, but comonality of humanity makes it all feel very familiar. At the Erawan shrine one may purchase flowers, incense, small statues of ephants and people, and if desired, give a donation for a few minutes traditional Thai Dance performed by the Erawan Thai Dance Troupe. The gentleman kneeling in the foreground has paid for such a performace which is accompanied by a traditional Thai musical ensamble.

It is said that Phra Phrom is keely partial to traditional Thai music and dance. Watching the dance troupe is always a pleasure for me. It is my understanding that such an offering is made in thanksgiving for answered prayers.


Devotional practices are expressed openly and enthusiastically.












Purchasing flowers, miniture images to represent yourself, or other people, or small statues of elephants, or incense to accompany your prayers, or as thanksgiving for answered prayers.



Or purhcase a sparrow to set free. At some shrines and Temples, items purchased for offerings are oftentimes resold, if possible. As I took this picture I wondered if any of the small birds in this cage had been caught before?

A bit of history to close this post about the Erawan Shrine

In 1956 a government sponsored hotel was built at this site. But construction began on a date that was not approved by the local Thai Buddhist astrologers. Nothing but chaos resulted. Numerous accidents and deaths at the building site, cost over-runs etc. Finally the religious authorities were consulted and it was recommended that this shrine be built to appease the mistake. From then on the situation changed. In 2006 a deranged man literally destroyed the idol. He was mobbed and killed on the spot. A new idol was created from pieces of the old. A caste was made an is in the National Museum, for safe keeping should anything befall this statue.