Tai-Wei (Andy) Lee, Moon-Joon YoonPete Somkul

Who: Andy, Moon-Joon, Pete What: Erawan Shrine (San Phra Phom) Why: Obtain more knowledge about

religions in Thailand Where: Bangkok, Thailand, Ploenchit and

Rajadamri Roads, next to Erawan hotel When: Sunday, February 8th 2009 How: Personal Car, BTS

First brought in by the ‘Tai’ people

Animism-based

◦Belief in spirits

Can be seen constantly throughout

Thailand

Mix between Hinduism and Buddhism

Similar to Thai spirit house Displays golden, four-faced Brahma Offer:

◦ Flowers◦ Dancers to dance◦ Teak elephants◦ Food

People seek blessings, fulfillment of dreams, wish for their business and love

Built 1956, along with Erawan Hotel Reverse bad luck that had brought to the

construction process Supposedly due to having its foundation laid

on the wrong day 21st March 2006, shrine was vandalized by a

drunk man who was later beaten to death by observers

21st May 2006, a new statue was created◦ Made of plaster ◦ mixed with gold bronze and other precious

material

Shrine closed due to March 21st incident of the drunk man vandalizing shrine

4 sets of 3 incenses 4 candles 4 flowers 4 gold Buddhist stickers

Additional Goods• Buddha necklace• Teak Elephants• Color-dyed flowers• Sheet of paper with

words for prayers

Approx. 300 baht/set

•Written in Bari-Sansakrit •Language for Buddism and Hinduism prayers

1.Wash your hands by the holy water fountain◦ Some wash their

face with the holy water

Light up 3 incenses for each face of Brahma

Do so by praying for what you want then place the 3 incenses, 1 candle and 1 flower in designated area

repeat step 4 for each four sides of the Shrine clockwise

1

2

3

4

1

23

4

Diagram of How you rotate

 1. How long have you been selling products next to the Erawan Shrine?

A: Nearly 20 years 2. How famous is the Erawan Shrine? How many tourists

often visit here? A: During festival Seasons, about 10000 people visit the

Erawan Shrine in one day. Normal days: about 3000 people.

3. When and for what motives was the shrine built for? A: It helps people to escape from bad spirits, while

also relieving pain.

How do we pay respect to the Shrine? Is there a Specific way of praying?

A: Tourists come here often to pray about their blessings by following the steps. (shown from above)

Any important or interesting events relating to the Erawan Shrine?

A: About 3 years ago, a mentally ill person damaged the shrine. (shrine had to be repaired)

How do you feel about the Erawan Shrine? A: An important spiritual place where people can pray and

relieve their mental stress in their daily lives.

Performed to pay respect/appreciation

to Brahma

"Fawn Thai”, originally performed

for the royals of old Siam

Performed by 8 to 12 dancers

Sometimes perform naked

Appreciated more for their meaning of

appreciation to Brahma

Video>>>>>>>

“For me, going to the Erawan Shrine was a memorable event since I learned more about Hinduism and how it affected Thai people. Considering that I’m a Christian, observing the traditions of Hinduism helped me learn that every religion has its own uniqueness. As I watched the people praying and wishing for blessing, I realized how deep these people’s belief were towards their religion (Hinduism or Buddhism), and that it was a major aspect of Thai culture.” -- Moon Joon Yoon

“Visiting the Erawan Shrine was a remarkable experience, from the Erawan Shrine, we see a perfect blend between Buddhism and Hinduism. Though more than 90% of Thai people are Buddhists as it is part of their culture, it is quite fascinating how much respect these Buddhist Thai give to the Hindu god, Brahma as seen through praying materials and number of people visiting the shrine. From this, I realized that each and every religion has its own significance and uniqueness.” –Andy Lee

“I have chosen this trip for my TSEA project because I have always wanted to learn about different cultures in Thailand. I wanted to learn more about the culture of Hinduism and why the place is so “holy”. I learned the steps that you have to do to pray at the shrine which is really confusing and by going on this trip I have learned a lot about the history and the why the people considered Erawan Shrine one of Thailand’s tourist attraction site. I learned that every religion has its own uniqueness and that it no religion is better than other but it’s how much you believe in it that makes it difference.” – Pete Somkul