One of the most popular places for worship in Thailand is the Erawan Shrine – a representation of the Hindu god of creation Brahma. Formally called the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine, it is located in Bangkok at the busy intersection of Sukhumwit and Ratchadamri Road in Pathumwan District, almost halfway between Chitlom and Siam BTS stations. It is near big shopping centers such as Central World, Gaysorn, and Amarin Plaza.

The shrine was built in 1956 upon the suggestion of an astrologer to appease the bad spirit living in the area. At that time, the construction of a government hotel project was being delayed due to mishaps and cost overrun. It also came to light that the area was formerly the place to display criminals. The Department of fine Arts was then commissioned to design the shrine which was inaugurated that same year. The construction problems were reportedly never encountered again. Today, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel stands beside the shrine.

On March 21, 2006, a man believed to be insane vandalized the statue with a big hammer. On August 17, 2015, a bomb was detonated near the Shrine, killing 20 people, injuring 125 and slightly destroying the statue. After investigation, it was initially proposed that the culprits were Turkish Muslims who wanted to retaliate on Thailand for deporting Uyghur terrorist suspects back to China. However, there was no conclusive evidence and further investigation was halted.

Material offering of worshippers

These are Erawan dancers who pray for an answer to a guest’s prayer.