Throughout the year, there are crowds of people milling around this tribute to the Hindu God Brahma, with those of faith burning incense and playing religious music to mark this sacred monument. The importance of religion within contemporary Thailand is clear, from the vast crowds that throng around the Erawan Shrine. The shrine takes its name from the three-headed elephant which is part of Hindu mythology.
The Erawan Shrine is slap bang in the middle of modern, energetic Bangkok, and is something of a curate’s egg for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the historic resonance of this ancient monument contrasts totally with its location one of Bangkok’s very busiest intersections! The Erawan Shrine is located at the foot of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. Secondly, this is a Hindu shrine based in a largely Buddhist country.
The shrine was originally erected back in 1956 with the intent of warding off evil forces that were perceived to be having a nefarious influence during the construction of the aforementioned hotel. During its construction, there was a series of unfortunate construction incidents, some of them fatal, which led to an astrologer advising that a shrine for Brahma be built to ward off any further bad luck. The project was then allegedly completed without further incident.
While there’s no guarantee that you’ll share in the same good fortune by visiting this shrine, you can be assured that you’ll sense a warm, positive vibe in the people surrounding it. Thai people from every walk of life and income bracket visit the shrine with offerings, and the pleasing aroma of incense is never far away.
There is also a glittering canopy which covers the golden figure of the Hindu god with four faces and arms which brings an attractive aspect to the Erawan Shrine.
The Erawan Shrine is located in the Pathum Wan district. The best ways to cross Bangkok to the Erawan Shrine are by taxi to the crossing of Rajadamri and Phloenchit roads, or by Skytrain to the Chitlom Station stop.
