Quietly nestled amidst the hubbub of downtown Bangkok at Ratchaprasong junction lies a sacred venue, devoted to the ever fleeting pursuits of romance and true love dubbed the Trimurti Shrine. Renowned locally and the world over as a one stop refuge for all those in search of a one true love, this popular local temple located opposite Erawan Shrine on the corner of Central World Plaza is also a curious oddity in Bangkok’s cultural landscape.
Legend states that devotees who flock to this place of worship in the hopes of finding love will have their wishes fulfilled and thus a throng of local worshippers are seen at the venue, mainly in the evening hours bearing joss sticks and floral garlands. Often referred to as the Lover’s Shrine, the temple’s Hindu name refers to the trinity of Hindu deities namely, Vishnu (the sustainers), Brahma (the creator) and Shiva, the destroyer.
Constructed in 1989, the temple lies on an elevated platform and is flanked by a dome supported by four columns. The elaborately decorated columns feature intricate carvings of gables on each side. The main structure is surrounded by an open- air amphitheatre style seating area that is reserved for worshippers who wish to pray and reflect. The idol within the shrine features a golden statue of a human figure with four arms and two heads. The heads are placed on top of one another while the head at the bottom has four faces. Displaying classical Indian sculptural influences with a touch of Thai crafting elements, the idol within the shrine is actually a replica of the genuine statue from ancient Ayutthaya.
The best time to visit the Trimurti Shrine is of course on Valentine’s Day when the entire venue is decorated with aromatic red roses as worshippers from all across Bangkok flock to the temple come evening time. Red candles are lit on this special occasion as young lovers close their eyes and bow before the three deities in hopes of securing eternal bliss with their very own soul mate.
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