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Devotees at Erawan shrine
The Erawan shrine of Bangkok (ศาลพระพรหม)
is consecrated to Lord Brahma, the creator.
This shrine is very sacred to the Thai Buddhists and the deity is known to
have wish-fulling and boon-giving powers.
Devotee at Erawan shrine
So devotees are coming here to ask Lord Brahma for a favor to get a lover,
to bear a child, to become rich, to succeed exams and so on...
Dancers at Erawan shrine
The dancers, all women, wear glittering costumes.
The fees for the dances depend on the number of dancers,
starting from 260 baht. The length of the dance ranges from five to ten minutes.
Each dancer and musician get 20 baht per performance
and each earns around 800 to 900 baht a day.
Dancers at Erawan shrine
Dances, which are performed in Erawan shrine in front of the image of Lord Brahma,
are in the nature of Thai classic drama dance known as "LAKORN JATRI"
(ละครชาตรี).
The dance to fullfill ones vow is called "RAM KAE BON"
(รำแก้บน). Religious dances are usually performed for
making the deity happy and keeping him in good mood.
Dancers at Erawan shrine
During the four-minute performance, dancers recite the name of
the supplicant, who sits in front of them and faces the Brahma statue.
Erawan shrine
At the centre of the shrine is the handsome Brahma golden god.
He has four faces and eight hands. The first three right hands hold a chakra, a staff and a pot.
The fourth is placed on the chest. The four left hands hold a sceptre, Hindu scriptures,
a conch shell and a string of beads.
Erawan shrine
The famous Erawan shrine
is containing a four faces Lord Brahma statue. This shrine is supposed
to bring luck. When making a request, devotees must bring a gift: flowers,
garlands, elephants made of wood, banknotes, food, dances and so on...
Elephants offering
Devotees offer elephants made of teak wood. The size of wooden elephants
varies according to the extent of devotion shown by the devotee and
according to what he can afford.
In August 2015 a bomb exploded
at the Erawan shrine. The blast killed 20 people and injured more than 120 people.
The Brahma statue had a chunk of its chin blown off. It is still not clear who are
the responsibles (domestic or international terrorism?).
Erawan shrine is also still very busy at nighttime.
Erawan shrine
The supplicants are sitting in front of the dancers and are facing
the Brahma statue.
Erawan shrine
Not only Thai people are asking for favors from Brahma god but also
many Asian people.
Erawan shrine
The Erawan shrine in Bangkok opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 11:00 PM.
Erawan shrine
At nighttime the atmosphere is a bit special with all lit candles.
Erawan shrine
View from the SkyTrain Bridge when passing by the busy Erawan shrine at nighttime.
Erawan shrine
In July 2016 a car slammed into the fence of the Erawan Shrine.
It injured a few people. Police mentioned the driver suffered a stroke.
Erawan shrine
It is end of day. The dancers are all tired. There are two shifts for dancers, i.e.
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 4:00 PM to 10 PM.
