Erawan Shrine

A Hindu Brahma shrine in the middle of modern Bangkok — daily surrounded by devotees offering flowers and ritual dances.

The Erawan Shrine stands at one of Bangkok's busiest intersections — the Ratchaprasong crossing in Pathum Wan district, surrounded by luxury malls and high-rises. Erected in 1956 during construction of the original Erawan Hotel to ward off misfortune on the building site, it has grown into the city's most visited shrine. The gilded four-faced Brahma statue — each face turned toward a cardinal direction — receives thousands of devotees daily, who bring flower garlands, elephant figurines, and incense sticks. Classical dancers in traditional costumes regularly perform ritual dances here. The shrine is a living place of faith in the heart of a modern metropolis.