Erawan Shrine
You’re just in time to stay at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam and catch the most auspicious day of the year at the wish-granting Erawan Shrine When you’re in Bangkok and wondering what to do, include Erawan Shrine, a Hindu shrine located at the Ratchaprasong intersection on Ratchadamri Road within 10 minutes’ walk from The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam and steps from BTS Chidlom, also known as Chit Lom BTS station, and CentralWorld, on your list.
A popular Bangkok attraction, the shrine dates back to 1951, and it has certainly seen a lot of history. Thailand’s largest shrine housing Phra Phrom, the god of builders, it celebrates Phra Phrom’s birthday on 9 November each year which is considered the most auspicious day for seeking Phra Phrom’s help.
The four faces of the actual Buddha statue – it is also known as Four Face Buddha Shrine – symbolize north, south, east and west, signifying that Phra Phrom has unlimited vision of both the human and heavenly worlds. As such, Phra Phrom can get rid of difficulties and obstacles and encourage fortune and success for worshippers with a respectful mind. Each face also signifies a particular significance: Front face-Career; Left face-Romance; Back face-Finance; Right face: Health.
Under the supervision of Than Tao Mahaprom Foundation, access for prayers is free of charge. Here’s how to pray at the shrine correctly:
1. Buy your flowers, joss sticks & candles. There is a counter at the right side in the shrine. Less than 50 baht.
2. Start from the first and front face of the Buddha facing the entrance to the shrine.
3. Pray sincerely walking in a clockwise direction.
4. Place 1 candle, 1 bunch of flowers and 3 joss sticks at each of the four faces.
5. Make a wish.
6. Finish your visit by washing your face/hands/legs from the golden urn to the side.
If your prayers are answered and your wish comes true, you should return to the shrine to give thanks by buying coconuts, wooden elephants and such at the counter and placing them at the table in front of the Buddha statue.
It is also recommended to hire the dancers in the shrine to dance for you.
Address:
Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok.
How to get there:
700 m walk from hotel via Ratchadamri road.
Website:
https://berkeleypratunam.com/nearby-attractions/erawan-shrine-signifies