The Erawan Shrine Bangkoks Good Luck Charm

Bangkok is one of the trade capitals of Asia, a bustling city famous for its night markets and towering skyscraper office buildings

. Yet in the midst of these hallmarks of modern prosperity can be seen a curious scattering of cultural superstition in the form of small but ornate spirit houses: that appear anywhere from small house gardens to the front entrances of imposing buildings. These little shrines have been placed there by the owners for protection against misfortune and mishap. The shrine in front of Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, officially known as Thao Maha Brahma, is one spirit house that has evolved into a revered Thai legend.

The construction of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel was initially fraught with misfortune. Accidents claimed the lives of its workers and the construction suffered numerous set backs. Astrologers attributed the bad karma to having commenced construction at an inauspicious time and decided to counter it by erecting an elaborate gold statue of the Brahma in 1956. Subsequently the run of ill-luck stemmed and the hotel became a flourishing business.

The story of the prosperity brought by the Erawan Shrine quickly drew many seekers of good fortune, bearing offerings to the four-armed, four-faced golden Hindu god. As more and more devotees were appeased, the shrine became one of the most revered sites in Thailand. Just how beloved the Thao Maha Brahma had become was made tragically evident in 2006, when a mentally ill man was beaten to death by onlookers in broad daylight for vandalizing the statue.

The shrine, which is located near the Chit Lom Sky train station, is today inundated with crowds of worshippers bearing offerings in exchange for granted wishes. Vendors hawk garlands and incense in the surrounding street and troupes frequently dance in front of the statue, hired by devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled. Travelers passing through on buses and sky trains traditionally bow in the direction of the shrine, showing respect.

The Erawan Shrine is definitely worth a look for the Bangkok tourist interested in the cultural aspects of Thai city life. Visitors favouring an

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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