All Quiet at Erawan Shrine

his is the famous Erawan Shrine in Bangkok at the Ratchaprasong Intersection. Thousands of tourists and local people come to this shrine every day to pray and wish for good luck. It is always teeming with life. I have never seen it so empty as it has been… Written by: Richard Barrow Read more: All Quiet at Erawan Shrine at My Thai Photos by Richard Barrow.

History
The Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 as part of the government-owned Erawan Hotel to eliminate the bad karma believed caused by laying the foundations on the wrong date.

The hotel's construction was delayed by a series of mishaps, including cost overruns, injuries to laborers, and the loss of a shipload of Italian marble intended for the building. Furthermore, the Ratchaprasong Intersection had once been used to put criminals on public display.


An astrologer advised building the shrine to counter the negative influences. The Brahma statue was designed and built by the Department of Fine Arts and enshrined on 9 November 1956. The hotel's construction thereafter proceeded without further incident. In 1987, the hotel was demolished and the site used for the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel

It’s located in the middle of modern city. Hundreds of people are visiting Erawan Shrine daily, wishing for luck in business or love. They make small offerings such as food and drinks, all kinds of flowers and wooden elephants as well. Thai people offer their respect when passing the shrines. The classical Thai dancers with orchestra are arranged to perform at the Shrine quite often. There is a story of the old lady asked for help in her business, and promised to dance to the shrine, if her wisher were granted. Legend said that her business flourished and she performed as promised.


Erawan Shrine is located in central Bangkok, at the intersection of Ratchadamri Road and Ratchaprasong Road in Pathum Wan district.