worshippers placing offerings before the Four-Faced Buddha
In Bangkok, one popular tourist attraction which I will visit is the Erawan Shrine, next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and is conveniently located near the Bangkok Skytrain's Chitlom Station. Hundreds of people visit it daily as it is said worshippers usually have their prayers answered.
The Four-Faced Buddha literally has 4 faces. Each of the 4 faces represent the elements of the earth that face 4 different directions. In a clockwise direction, starting at the entrance, is the Face of Peace and Health, Face of Good Fortune, Face of Good Relationships and Face of Protection against Evils.
Caged birds for releasing
At the entrance of the shrine, you can buy a cage of birds for 500 baht for releasing. It is said one can get good credits for doing this.I don't buy it. :P
There are numerous stalls outside the shrine selling offerings. They usually charge exorbitant prices. Hubby would only buy from the stall inside the shrine.
Worshippers whose prayers have been answered returned here to hire dancers ( from 2 to maximum 8) to perform for the Buddha. Price depends on the number of dancers.
But even if you do not believe in such things, it is worth the visit to learn more about the Thais' distinctive culture and traditions. Good opportunity to observe and take pictures too.
Wordless Wednesday
Very colorful cultures n traditions. I love the graceful Thai dancers. Wld like to visit Bangkok one day.
ReplyDeleteI am quite skeptical,but as you say,it is worth the visit.
ReplyDeleteSweet Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteYou have not been to Bangkok?
It is one of my favourite destinations where food, massage and shopping are the reasons I visit. :D
The Thais are so hospitable.
stanley,
ReplyDeleteI tag along whenever my hubby goes to pray at the Erawan shrine.
I used to be a skeptic but I have witnessed some amazing powers of Four-faced Buddha.
I must visit this shrine too if I visit Bangkok.
ReplyDeleteAs you said, it's worth it to visit to appreciate Thai's tradition even if we don't share the same belief. :)
Lina,
ReplyDeleteMany tourists visit this shrine to see an important part of the Thai culture and tradition. You will find it fascinating.
A lot of my friends who prayed here told me they got their prayers answered and they have returned to thank the Four Face Buddha.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I would love to go Bangkok again! It's my favourite travel destination, and it's not far from Malaysia! : )
ReplyDeleteIf you Beleaf it will come..
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures of a sshrine I have never heard about before; The Four Faced Buddah.
ReplyDeleteI have read about the temple dancers though, didn't know they still existed.
This is why I like blogging. I get to see and learrn all the time.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi ECL! I have not been to Bangkok but I can tell there are so much to see and experience there.
ReplyDeleteRight now we're still enjoying our vacation here in Manila =)
foongpc,
ReplyDeleteMy hubby returns to pray to Four-faced Buddha every year, that speaks volumes.
I just love the food and shopping in Bangkok.
Bananaz,
ReplyDeleteNot necessarily so, if not all the bad guys also get their wishes granted, then how?.
Felisol,
ReplyDeleteOne can still watch the traditional Thai dance in Bangkok. There are temples that conduct classes too. :)
Ayie,
ReplyDeleteYou should come to Singapore for a holiday since you are in Manila!! It's a must visit destination in your lifetime! :D
There are several budget airlines flying from Manila to Singapore.
Bangkok is one city you should visit once in your lifetime.
Did the dancers care that you were taking their picture?
ReplyDeleteBEDTIME?
A woman who always saw red,
Could not get it out of her head;
Her dreams were red-hot,
Although she was not
Exactly Miss Scarlett in bed.
© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Red Umbrella
Magical Mystical teacher,
ReplyDeleteThere are many people watching the performances and taking photos of the dancers. I'm sure they don't mind their photos being taken.
I've been there once and this was one of the first places we stopped in Bangkok. i thought it was a nice introduction to the city.
ReplyDeletelooks fun! nice shots. thanks for dropping by at my blog. happy RT!
ReplyDeleteThailand is the great place to visit. I will visit there soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information.
It all looks so very beautiful, colourful and yet peaceful all rolled into one. I hope that you have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know the name of the yellow flowers that are made into garlands ... are they by chance chrysanthemums? I can't quite make them out. I often wish blogs could have a smell feature so that we could all have the opportunity to experience a little more of everything! Perhaps one day who knows ...
Life Ramblings,
ReplyDeleteUsually the tour guides would bring their clients to Erawan Shrine first. First thing my hubby does after checking into our hotel is to go pay respects to the Four-faced Buddha. :)
Hi genny,
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by.
coolingstar9,
ReplyDeleteBangkok is a great place to shop and dine. Things cost cheaper.
Kloggers/Polly,
ReplyDeleteThe yellow flowers are marigolds. Besides marigold, jasmine is also a popular flower to offer to Four-faced Buddha. Lots of these flowers are used each day in Bangkok.
err.... it's better without the smell feature for this post because the shrine is filled with the choking smell of burning incense. :P