Bangkok Shrines and Spirit Houses
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A stroll around Bangkok has many surprises in stall. Despite being a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis with skyscrapers, a sophisticated Skytrain system and mega-malls that feed a consumerism culture like those of most big cities in the world, it's got its own very unique edge. To some, the city may appear bland and even grubby on the surface - to others, who care to take some time to explore, it's a fascinating urban treasure chest with many delightful surprises.
Like shrines and spirit houses. Spirit houses are common throughout Thailand, and can be found outside almost every house and building. The doll house-sized homes are set atop a pedestal and placed in an auspicious location, which allows residents, workers and others to offer prayers and small gifts to appease spirits, believed to be dwelling in the land, trees or elsewhere nearby. Most spirit houses do not develop into full-fledged shrines, and are said to be a tradition continued from pre-Buddhist and pre-Hindu time, when Thailand was heavily influenced by animism. Spirit houses in Thailand usually include doll-sized human figures, or perhaps a small figurine of Buddha.
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Shrines, on the other hand, are places of worship where you'd go to pay respect to sacred religious icons in Buddhism (especially Brahma infleunces) and Hinduism, who in turn could grant you love, happiness, good fortune, success, luck or even fertility. Some of these shrines are very famous (and popular), while others are bizarre enough to make you blush - and not even listed in official tourist guides. Here are just some of the interesting shrines that can be found in Bangkok..
Learn more about Shrines: Erawan Shrine, Goddess Tubtim Shrine, Lovers Shrine, Ganesha Shrine, Mae Nak Shrine |
It's Brahman, not strictly Buddhist. And yet, this famous shrine attracts more visitors than many of the city's temples. It was erected during the mid 1950s, after the Thai government had decided to build the luxury Erawan Hotel on this location. However, the first stages of the construction were beset with so many problems that superstitious labourers refused to continue unless the land spirits were appeased. (READ MORE)
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On Thursday evening at 21:30 is when lovelorn singles wearing red turn to Trimurti, the god of love, with offerings of red roses - all in the name of love, and in the hope that they will meet their eternal sweethearts. The shrine is a landmark in front of CentralWorld, and was recently slightly moved (at great expense) to make way for recent renovations. (READ MORE)
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Directly adjacent to Trimurti stands another important Hindu shrine, this time for Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha is considered a master of intellect and wisdom, and visitors here seek to be blessed with artistic success and accomplishment. (READ MORE)
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The Mae Nak Shrine is located within Maha But Temple built in the late-Ayutthaya Period, and named after the monk who initiated its construction. Locals often refer to it as Wat Mae Nak Prakanong (Temple of Mother Nak of Prakanong). The shrine looks more like a 'home' for Mae Nak and her child as it's always filled with flower garlands, colourful Thai costumes, cosmetics, toys, diapers, and milk bottles offered by devotees as gifts for her child. (READ MORE)
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Literally hundreds of penises (phalluses) - from small wooden carvings to big stone sculptures that stand ten feet tall and decorated with ribbons - make this shrine quite unique. It honors Chao Mae Tubtim, a female fertility spirit. Women visit this shrine when they are trying to conceive, leaving offerings of lotus and jasmine. And if rumours can be believed, the shrine has a good success rate. (READ MORE)
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If you've been to Bangkok, you've seen them. They're everywhere! Beside houses, offices, schools, car dealerships, construction sites, trees, demolished buildings, malls and even high-rise office towers - very little that sits still and points up in Bangkok escapes the company of a cute little spirit house. If you've spent some time near one, you'll also have seen locals giving them a deferential 'wai' before heading on their way, or delivering daily offerings at the doorways of these elaborate constructions - gifts of food, incense, flowers, figurines and candles. (READ MORE)
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