We accidentally found this street Temple while heading to the nearby skytrain station. It's situated on a busy corner in front of a hotel (currently Hyatt). The Temple, dedicated to Lord Brahma, was constructed before the luxurious hotel in the 1980s to gain favor from the Gods for business success. Today, locals come here to present offerings and pray for prosperity in their lives. The site is always bustling, and if you are fortunate, you might witness traditional dancers. Fantastic stop, a totally free attraction to enjoy for 10 minutes.
It feels surreal to encounter this Hindu shrine in front of a mall, with people praying amid large illuminated advertisements. It seems to be a highly commercialized sacred site, which is unfortunate. The area is crowded at all times, especially in the evenings. The dances are financed by the immediate donations from onlookers, creating some pressure to contribute. The intersection is exceedingly loud and busy, yet this location captures the essence of Thailand, where traffic, commerce, and spirituality coalesce.
A Complete Guide to Praying at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok
Visiting the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok offers a profound spiritual experience. Here are essential steps for your prayer:
**Preparing Offerings:**
- Buy incense sticks, candles, flowers, or fruits from nearby vendors to present to the deity.
**Circumambulation of the Shrine:**
- Start at the front of the statue and move clockwise around it.
**Lighting Incense Sticks and Prayer:**
- At each side of the statue, light your incense sticks, make your offerings, and express your prayers for specific aspects of life.
**Formulating a Wish:**
- Focus your thoughts and articulate your prayers or wishes clearly.
**Expressing Gratitude (Optional):**
- If your wish is granted, it’s customary to return and express thanks. Traditional Thai dances or offerings like fruits, red drinks, or flower garlands are usually made.
**Dressing Modestly:**
- Show respect by avoiding sleeveless shirts or short skirts.
**Contributing to the Shrine:**
- Consider donating to the donation box to support the shrine’s needs and upkeep.
The Erawan Shrine is a serene and culturally significant site deserving of your visit. Approach it with reverent intentions.
The Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is one of Thailand's most esteemed spiritual landmarks. This shrine attracts countless worshippers and tourists daily seeking to pay their respects at the four-faced Brahma statue. The shrine is particularly known for its ability to grant wishes, leading to a continuous flow of devotees seeking divine favor. Visitors can acquire various prayer items, including incense, flowers, and candles for their offerings. Traditional Thai dance performances are an integral part of the worship experience, funded by donations from grateful devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled. Regardless of the time, you will see people engaged in prayer while classical Thai dancers perform elegant movements in splendid costumes. Despite its placement at one of Bangkok's busiest intersections, the shrine retains an air of tranquility.
Date: Tue 14 Jan 2025
Time: 9.50 pm
We visited to appreciate the four-faced Buddha. This shrine looks so stunning at night. It closes at 10 pm.
