Erawan Shrine

A Hindu shrine at Bangkok's busiest corner. The Erawan Shrine, known in Thai as Thao Maha Phrom, stands at the Ratchaprasong intersection in the Pathum Wan district, hemmed in by luxury hotels, department stores and elevated Skytrain tracks. At its centre is a gilded statue of the four-faced Hindu god Brahma, revered by Thai Buddhists as a bringer of fortune.

Born from misfortune. The shrine was erected in 1956 after a string of accidents and delays plagued the construction of the original Erawan Hotel on the site. Astrologers advised installing a Brahma image to counter the bad luck, and once it was in place the troubles were said to cease. Word spread, and the shrine grew into one of the most visited devotional sites in the city.

A living place of worship. Devotees arrive around the clock to light incense, offer marigold garlands, teak elephants and wooden figures, and pray for success in love, business or exams. When a wish is granted, worshippers commission resident troupes of costumed dancers and musicians to perform traditional Thai dance in thanks, giving the shrine an almost continuous soundtrack. In 2015 a bomb attack here killed twenty people; the shrine was quickly repaired and reopened, and it remains a symbol of resilience. Vendors at the railings sell incense, candles and marigold garlands, and the constant chime of the dancers' music drifts across one of the busiest crossings in the city.

Visiting. The shrine is open air, free to enter and reached directly from Chit Lom BTS station via covered walkways. It is busiest in the evenings and on auspicious days. Visitors are welcome to observe or take part respectfully, buying offerings from vendors at the gate; modest dress and quiet behaviour are expected amid the crowds of the surrounding shopping district.