If you are planning to visit Bangkok, you should definitely consider adding the Erawan Brahma Shrine to your itinerary. Located in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel at the Ratchaprasong Intersection, Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathumwan District, this sacred and famous court is visited by both Thai and foreign people.
The history of the Erawan Brahma Shrine dates back to 1951 when Police General Sriyanon required the construction of the Erawan Hotel to support foreign guests. However, during the first period of construction, many accidents occurred. Later, when the construction was nearing completion in 1956, Vice Admiral Luang Suwichan suggested that appropriate sacrifices be made to ask for blessings from Brahma to help overcome the obstacles. As a result, the Brahma Shrine was established and designed by Mr. Rawi Chomree and ML, the Malakul Baht, the Hundred-thousandfold Brahma with a gilded plaster. It was molded by Mr. Jit Pimkwit, Chang Kong Handicra, and the Fine Arts Department invited Brahma to be enshrined in front of the Erawan Hotel on November 9, 1956. The shrine of Thao Maha Brahma Erawan Hotel is regarded as the first Brahma shrine.
According to Hinduism, Brahma is the creator and has four faces, each representing a symbol of the four directions, north, south, east, and west. His Highness is said to help dispel obstacles and promote luck and success for worshipers who have faith. The Erawan Brahma Shrine is now in the care of "The Foundation of the Maha Brahma Scholarship" and can be visited by tourists or those interested in paying respects to the shrine without any fees, every day without holidays.
Picture Source: https://th.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/bangkok/erawan-shrine-77017/
Location:
494 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathumwan District, Bangkok
How to travel:
BTS Chidlom BTS Station (Sukhumvit line) then walk to the Ratchaprasong intersection about 100 meters. Open to worship 6.00 - 22.00 hrs.
Worship:
To worship the Erawan Brahma, you will need 12 incense sticks, 4 candles, jasmine and marigold, and 4 gold stars. You can start by paying respects to the face of Erawan Brahma who is turned towards the entrance and circling around clockwise direction lighting 3 incense in each side, along with a candle, garland, and gold, and worshiping on each side of the Brahma Brahma.
Each direction has a specific meaning, such as asking for blessings for career and progress in life in the north, fortune and success in the south, health and family in the east, and real estate and property projects in the west.
Worship (abbreviation)
“โอม อหัม ปรัหมา อัสมิ”
"Om Aham Prama Atsami"
In addition to offering Thai dances and music, meditation is also popular to solve problems by increasing concentration, which can lead to wisdom and the ability to solve various problems.
In conclusion, the Erawan Brahma Shrine is a must-visit place in Bangkok for anyone interested in Hindu culture or seeking blessings for success in their life. So, if you plan to visit Bangkok, do not forget to add this sacred place to your itinerary.