Thai, foreign devotees throng Erawan Shrine
Many Thai and foreign devotees flocked to Erawan Shrine in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district on Wednesday to pay their respects as they marked the 66th anniversary of the enshrinement of the Hindu god of creation.
The ceremony was organised by the Than Tao Mahaprom Foundation in the morning.
Hundreds of devotees placed offerings before the Brahma statue, such as garlands, incense, candles and fruits.
Erawan Shrine, formally the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine, was built in 1956 as part of the government-owned Erawan Hotel to eliminate bad karma after the foundation was laid on the wrong date.
The construction of the hotel was hit by a series of mishaps, including cost overruns, worker injuries and even a loss of a shipload of fine Italian marble intended for the building.
Furthermore, Ratchaprasong intersection had once been used to put criminals on public display.
After the golden Brahma statue designed and built by the Department of Fine Arts was enshrined on November 9, 1956, the hotel's construction proceeded smoothly without any further incident.
However, in 1987, the hotel was demolished and the site used for the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel.
The Erawan Shrine has since become well known among Thais and foreigners.
Some pay their respects to the Brahma statue, while others visit the site to witness a dance worshipping the Hindu god of creation.
Those interested in visiting Erawan Shrine can do so from 6am to 11pm any day of the week.
To make a wish at the shrine, devotees say their name and birthdate, followed by the words: “Today I have brought (specify the name of your offerings) for Lord Brahma to ask for (specify your wish).”
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