Erawan Shrine
Central Thailand Region
The Erawan Shrine, formally known as San Thao Maha Phrom, is a revered religious site in Bangkok, Thailand, housing a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Established in 1956 to counteract bad karma associated with the construction of the Erawan Hotel, the shrine exemplifies the syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs in Thai culture. It is located near the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok at the busy Ratchaprasong intersection, surrounded by major shopping centers and accessible via the BTS Skytrain. The shrine is well-known for its traditional Thai dance troupes, hired by worshippers as offerings in gratitude for answered prayers. Despite suffering vandalism in 2006 when the statue was destroyed and later replaced with a replica incorporating fragments of the original, the shrine remains a significant spiritual and cultural landmark. It is part of a cluster of Hindu deity shrines in the area, contributing to Bangkok's rich religious tapestry and vibrant urban atmosphere.
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Tip: Visit the Erawan Shrine early in the morning or in the evening to avoid crowds and experience the traditional Thai dance performances. Tickets are not required, but donations are customary. The shrine is easily accessible via the BTS Skytrain at Chit Lom Station, which offers an elevated walkway for convenient access. No advance reservations are needed. Visitors can combine their visit with nearby shopping destinations such as CentralWorld and Gaysorn Plaza. Respectful attire and conduct are advised, as the shrine is an active place of worship.
Interesting facts
- •The shrine was built to counteract bad karma believed to have delayed the Erawan Hotel's construction.
- •The statue of Brahma was destroyed in a 2006 vandalism incident and replaced with a replica containing original fragments.
- •The shrine features traditional Thai dance performances as offerings from worshippers.
- •It is part of a group of six shrines dedicated to Hindu deities in the Ratchaprasong area.
- •The replica statue was installed precisely when the sun was directly overhead on May 21, 2006.
History
The Erawan Shrine was constructed in 1956 to mitigate negative influences believed to have delayed the Erawan Hotel's construction, following advice from an astrologer.
The shrine's Brahma statue was crafted by the Fine Arts Department and enshrined on November 9, 1956.
The hotel was later demolished in 1987 and replaced by the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.
In 2006, the original statue was vandalized and destroyed but was promptly replaced with a replica incorporating fragments of the original statue.
The shrine has since continued to be a prominent religious and cultural site in Bangkok.
Place Guide
Brahma Statue1956 (original), 2006 (replica)
The central figure of the shrine is the four-faced statue of Phra Phrom (Brahma), symbolizing creation and protection. It is a replica made after the original was destroyed in 2006, incorporating fragments of the original statue.
Thai Dance Performances
Traditional Thai dance troupes perform regularly at the shrine as offerings for answered prayers. These performances add cultural vibrancy and are a unique feature of the Erawan Shrine experience.
Contact
Phone: 02 252 8750
