Tales say that after the Thai government decided to build the luxury Erawan Hotel, the project was met with many mishaps. So much so that the workers refused to continue working until the spirits of the land were appeased. After many consultations with astrologers, a shrine to honour the God Bhrama was built with the image of the God gilded and cast. Erawan shrine was erected and subsequently the Erawan Hotel opened to worldwide acclaim and fame for nearly three decades. Towards the latter part, the establishment could not compete with more modern properties and was taken over by the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok in 1991.
Built in the mid 1950s, the shrine is decidedly Brahmin and not Buddhist. Yet it garners many more visitors than most temples in the city. From morning till night an unending stream of locals and tourists pay homage by means of flower garlands, fruits and teakwood elephants in hopes of fulfilling their wishes. It is believed widely that wishes do indeed come true at this shrine. Tourists staying at a Siam hotel, Bangkok could easily access this much revered shrine, observe the colourful heritage of Bangkok and perhaps even make a wish.
Tourists are readily met with a host of varied accommodation facilities ranging from budget hotels to lavish lodgings such as Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and many others. These hotels provide a perfect vantage point from which you can both observe and immerse yourself into the country’s vibrant culture. The wonderful feeling of reverence and awe is amplified by classical troupes of Thai dancers or Chinese lion dancers that perform frequently in the area. If you are planning a visit to vibrant Bangkok, make sure to visit the Erawan Shrine. Perhaps make a wish at the shrine, and who knows; maybe your wish might come true.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
