Along Ratchaprasong’s bustling streets, shrines to six deities comfort believers and root modern Bangkok to ancient Hindu gods and goddesses. Open to all properly dressed visitors. Each shrine offers a unique protection and solace and attracts devotees accordingly. Praying at all six in one day is believed to bring you good luck! Many stalls nearby sell devotional items like flowers and incense sticks, but prices tend to be high, so try to bring your own. To learn more, download a copy of Deities@Ratchaprasong here.
Open 6 am – 11 pm
Ratchaprasong’s most popular—and powerful shrine—Phra Phrom is known worldwide for bringing good fortune. To make a wish, offer 12 incense sticks, four candles, four jasmine-marigold garlands or gold leaf. The BTS skywalk makes a lovely, shaded viewing point for its Thai dancing performances. Dress: shirts with sleeves, no shorts or sandals. No admission charge.
Open 24 hours
This beautiful dark-jade statue of Indra, the ‘God of a thousand eyes’ who takes care of humankind, draws thousands of quick, silent prayers from office workers walking by every day. To make a wish, place fresh marigold garlands or small elephant statues.
Open 24 hours
Erected in 1997, this striking statue of Lord Narayana, the God of Mercy, protects local businesses and all worshippers. To make a wish, offer fresh marigold garlands, textiles or Thai desserts like tong-yod.
Open 24 hours
A very popular shrine often active in the wee hours, the Elephant God Ganesh’s statue is ringed with offerings of fruit and milk, fresh marigold garlands, Thai desserts and black sesame left by artists looking for inspiration and those seeking protection from harm.
Open 24 hours
Trimurti, made up of the three Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, is the God of Love for Thais, and one of Ratchaprasong’s most powerful deities. At all hours of the day, devotees make offerings of nine red incense sticks, fruit, red roses or red candles before praying and seeking favor.
Open 10 am – 8 pm
Lakshmi, the Goddess of luck, wealth and fertility, is Lord Narayana’s consort. She is revered for her beauty. To make a wish in her open air, above-ground shrine, offer dark pink lotus blossoms, sugar cane or coins and other symbols of wealth.
Rama I Rd, between CentralWorld and Siam Paragon
Tel. 0 2254 2545
Famed as the repository of the ashes of Prince Mahidol and HM the King’s mother, Wat Pathumwanaram is one of Bangkok’s most prestigious temples. Properly dressed visitors can enter throughout the day or join in early morning meditation. Alms may be offered to monks every morning around 7 am.
Along Ratchaprasong’s bustling streets, shrines to six deities comfort believers and root modern Bangkok to Buddhism’s Hindu origins. Each shrine offers a unique protection and solace and attracts devotees accordingly. Praying at all six in one day is believed to bring you good luck! To learn more, download a copy of Deities @ Ratchaprasong here.
