🐘 Erawan Shrine
Thailand
About This Sacred Site
The Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine in the heart of Bangkok's business district, dedicated to Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma. Built in 1956 to ward off bad luck during the construction of the original Erawan Hotel (now the Grand Hyatt Erawan), the shrine quickly gained a reputation for granting wishes and has become one of the most popular religious sites in Bangkok. Devotees of all faiths — Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian — come to pray, offer flowers, incense, and wooden elephants, and hire traditional Thai dance troupes to perform in gratitude for answered prayers. Despite occupying a small plot at a busy intersection, the shrine draws constant crowds throughout the day and night.
Spiritual Significance
Constructed in 1956 to dispel bad luck during the Erawan Hotel's construction, this Hindu shrine honors Brahma, the four-faced god of creation, attracting devotees from diverse faiths including Buddhists, reflecting Thailand's syncretic religious landscape. Rituals include traditional Thai dance offerings performed by troupes hired by worshippers seeking blessings for health, fortune, and career success. Daily prayers often involve chanting mantras from the Rigveda, and devotees present garlands and incense to invoke Brahma's protection. The shrine's central statue features four faces symbolizing omnipresence and the four Vedas, emphasizing Hindu cosmology. Annual ceremonies such as the Erawan Festival draw large crowds who participate in merit-making and communal worship. This site exemplifies the integration of Hindu deities within Thai religious practice, fostering cross-religious spiritual engagement.
Key Facts
- •Built in 1956 to counter bad luck during the construction of the Erawan Hotel
- •Devotees of all faiths come to pray, not just Hindus or Buddhists
- •Traditional Thai dance troupes are hired on the spot to perform for answered prayers
- •Located at one of Bangkok's busiest intersections (Ratchaprasong)
- •The four-faced Brahma statue looks in all four cardinal directions
Location
Coordinates: 13.7440, 100.5403
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is Erawan Shrine associated with?▾
Erawan Shrine is a Hinduism holy site located in Thailand. It was established 1956 and is ranked #495 in our global directory of sacred sites.
When was Erawan Shrine established?▾
Erawan Shrine dates back to 1956. Built in 1956 to counter bad luck during the construction of the Erawan Hotel
How many people visit Erawan Shrine each year?▾
Erawan Shrine receives approximately 10+ million visitors per year. Devotees of all faiths come to pray, not just Hindus or Buddhists
What is Erawan Shrine known for?▾
A Hindu shrine in downtown Bangkok believed to grant wishes, drawing millions of devotees. Visitors come seeking prosperity, protection, blessings, healing. Traditional Thai dance troupes are hired on the spot to perform for answered prayers
Related Holy Sites
Sacred places connected by country, religion, and purpose
🙏Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Home to a 46-meter golden reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage.
🏛️Ayutthaya Historical Park
The ruins of Thailand's ancient capital, with hundreds of Buddhist temple remains.
🛕Tirupati (Tirumala Venkateswara Temple)
The richest and most visited Hindu temple in the world.
