Erawan Shrine, Bangkok

The Erawan Shrine (officially named Thao Maha Brahma) in Bangkok is not old, but it is an interesting testament of the role of religion in modern Thai society.

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History of Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 to appease the supposed evil forces that were taking the lives of construction workers and causing other calamities in the construction what is now the Grand Hyatt Erawan. The misfortunes were caused, it seemed, by starting the construction on an unfavorable date. After the shrine was erected, construction deaths stopped and the hotel grew very prosperous.

The apparent effectiveness of the monument made the shrine one of the most revered spots in Thailand. The great importance of the shrine became terribly apparent in 2006, when a mentally disturbed Thai man attacked the statue with a hammer - onlookers beat him to death in broad daylight. The statue was replaced within two months, incorporating pieces from the original image.

What to See at Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine is located on the northwest corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan property, near the Chit Lom stop on the skytrain. It consists of a golden statue of the four-faced Hindu god Brahma, named Than Tao Mahaprom. The statue sits beneath a glittering canopy, surrounded by offerings of flowers, incese and candles.

The area is crowded with worshippers day and night and always wafting with incense smoke. It is also common to see people bowing as they pass by bus, taxi or above by skytrain.

Quick Facts on Erawan Shrine

Site Information
Names:Erawan Shrine · Thao Maha Brahma
Categories:shrines
Dedication: Brahma
Dates:1956
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:13.744315° N, 100.540363° E
Address:494 Rajdamri Road
Bangkok, Thailand
10330
Hours:Daily dawn to 8pm
Lodging:View hotels near Erawan Shrine
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Frommer's Thailand
  2. Erawan Shrine - Wikipedia

More Information

© Marc Aurel
Another night view of Erawan Shrine. © Jill Shih
© killerturnip
Erawan Shrine with Burberry in the background. The much-revered shrine is in the center of the shopping... © Hirotomo Oi
© Fern Leyder
Erawan Shrine by night. © Daniel Cheong

Map of Erawan Shrine, Bangkok

Below is a location map and aerial view of Erawan Shrine. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.