Occupying prime real estate at the southeastern corner of Ratchaprasong intersection, the Erawan Shrine is one of Bangkok’s most recognizable landmarks. It is also something of a tourist draw, attracting an estimated 1 million visitors a year who, like the Thais, make offerings to each side of the shrine in a silent petition to the Hindu god Brahma to grand them their wish. This makes Erawan Shrine the most visited religious site in Bangkok.
Built after a series of mishaps during the construction of the Erawan Hotel, the shrine is Hindu and centers around a four-faced statue of Brahma, referred to as "Phra Phrom" by Thais. Traditionally the god of builders, Phra Phrom’s four faces symbolize east, west, north and south, illustrating the god’s ability to see everything in Heaven and on Earth.
Vendors conveniently offer candles, flower garlands, incense and gold foil – the bare necessities for praying at the Erawan Shrine – right outside of the entrance for around 1000฿, though adding on to that with elephant figurines, coconuts and soft drinks will of course cost you extra. Visitors make their offerings to each side of the shrine in a clockwise direction, lighting a candle and three sticks of incense at each side and repeating their prayer every time. Visitors whose wishes have been granted traditionally pay for live Thai dancers to perform to live music; the frequency of these performances adds to locals’ beliefs that praying here works.
The shrine’s popularity can be a double-edged sword: in August 2015, a bomb exploded close by, killing 20 people and damaging the shrine. The shrine was repaired and reopened just two days later.
