Around Bangkok - Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine
Original Four-Faced Buddha image of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)
I am quite a spiritual person and there are three normal routine that I will do whenever I have time in Bangkok. Paying respect to the Four-Faced Buddha at Erawan Shrine located next to Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is my top priority . FYI, the four-headed statue is an image of Brahma or Phra Phrom in Thai- a class of celestial beings but not Lord Buddha. Locals believe that prayers will be answered when one prays to this Buddha especially on Thursday. Next, I will catch a cab or motorbike to do merit making at Ruamkatanyu Foundation next to Wat Hua Lampong by offering one or a pair of coffins for a safe journey in Thailand. The temple is located directly above San Yan MRT station before proceeding to Thien Fa Foundation in Bangkok Chinatown (Yawaorat) to pay homage to Kwan Si Yim Phu Sak or Goddness of Mercy. Above all, I also visit Lord Ganesha and Phra Trimurti (God of Love) shrine in front of the Central World Plaza as well.
Traditional Thai Dancers @ Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)
Erawan Shrine or San Phra Phrom is located diagonally opposite to Central World Shopping Mall (former World Trade Centre) at the junction of Ratchadamri Road and Phloenchit Road , and also within walking distance if you are coming from Pratunam, MBK or Siam square. The place is popular among Asian tourists and many locals come here and make offering. This place can be crowded on certain times. In the past, the Shrine was built as a spirit house - home to the guardian of the place/building for the Erawan Hotel which has now made way for the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The gilded plaster statue was enshrined on November 9, 1956 and devotees from all over the world will come and pay homage to the highly revered deity on this date. If so, please mark this date on your calender. Unfortunately, the original status was destroyed by a demented man in March 2006 and a replacement was built in May 2006. The name Erawan comes from Brahma’s thirty-three headed elephant.
Offering @ Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)
The Four-Faced Buddha literally has four faces. The first Face starts in a clockwise direction from the entrance of the shrine which represents the Face of Peace and Health, Face of Good Fortune, Face of Good Relationships and Face of Protection against Evils. People offer garlands of marigold flowers, lotus, young coconuts, candles and incense sticks to the Four-Faced Budhha at the 4 corners in a clockwise direction. Often, if a wish has been granted, people thank the spirits by donating teak elephants, gigantic candles or commissioning the classical Thai dancers and musicians to perform to the Gods. Many Thai use gold leaf and make an offering-by placing the gold on the wooden elephants. I was told by a friend that to pray on Thursday because your wishes will come true.
Holy Urn filled with holy water (Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine)
An urn of holy water is located at the corner of the Shrine and people usually sprinkle the water over their heads and shoulders or dropping coins into the water for good luck after prayer.
Cages of birds on sold for releasing
At the entrance of the Shrine, caged birds like Munia are sold for releasing. Thais people believe in merit making and it is supposed to bring good luck and tickets bought from the lottery sellers are also considered lucky. I usually release the birds at Ruamkatanyu Foundation. It is much cheaper. It costs only 100 THB for 7 birds. It is crazy to pay 500 THB for a cage of birds!!! It is a great experience by visiting the Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine in the bustling Thai capital city, Bangkok to learn more about the Thai people belief and colourful culture and it is one of the top ten things to do for visitors visiting Thailand.
Price for the dancers to dance for you
2 dancers = 260 Baht 4 dancers = 360 Baht 6 dancers = 610 Baht 8 dancers = 710 Baht . Remember to purchase your offering inside the Shrine because it will only cost you from 50 THB and above.
Visiting Times: Brahma Shrine: 6.00-23.00 hrs
Getting There: Skytrain to Siam Square if you are from the Silom Line or skytrain to Chit Lom Station if you are in Sukhumvit Line.
A devotee offers gold leaf @ Four Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)
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Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok, Thailand)
