Four-Faced Brahma Shrine · Bangkok
Thao Maha BrahmaErawan Shrine
Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine / 四面佛) is a four-faced Brahma shrine at the Ratchadamri intersection — a center of faith and belief that has stood for over 60 years in the heart of Bangkok
Four-Faced Brahma Shrine
Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine)
THAO MAHA BRAHMA · ERAVAN SHRINE
Clear · golden-light chance ~85%
Weather & light today
Updated with live weather at Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine)
Times calculated from the shrine's actual coordinates (13.7443°N, 100.5397°E)
About
What is Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine)?
A four-faced Brahma shrine in central Bangkok believed to answer prayers for career, love, health and study
Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine) stands at the corner of Ratchadamri and Phloen Chit roads, Pathum Wan, opposite CentralWorld and the Grand Hyatt Erawan. It was built in 1956 during the construction of the Erawan Hotel to dispel misfortunes that struck the project.
The Brahma image is plaster over a wooden core, gilded in gold. The four faces represent creation, prosperity, protection and benevolence. Today it is one of Thailand's most famous sacred sites, free to visit daily 06:00–22:00.
“Built as an act of faith, it has stood for over 60 years in the heart of the capital”
Come at dawn or in the evening to avoid heat and crowds. 18:00–20:00 has beautiful light and several dance troupes performing together
See visit guide →Worship
Worship customs & offerings
“With a focused mind and sincere faith, what you truly wish for shall come to pass”
Worship at Thao Maha Brahma follows long-standing traditions — the offerings, the clockwise walk and the dance troupes all carry meaning. Here is a basic guide for first-time visitors.
Steps of worship
Buy offerings at the stall, light 3 incense sticks with joss powder and candles, and calm your mind
Circle the shrine to the right (clockwise) and pause to pray at each face respectfully
Each face represents a different blessing; make a separate wish at each one
When a wish is fulfilled, devotees hire a dance troupe to perform as an act of gratitude
Common offerings
Fragrant flowers are the basic sacred offering, often made into garlands
3 incense sticks and a candle pair are used for prayer; joss powder is sprinkled
Seasonal fruit and other items are placed on the offering table
Red cloth and donations are commonly offered for good fortune
Dance troupes for the deity
Dance troupes are hired to perform for the deity. When a wish is granted, devotees return to hire a troupe in gratitude. Some troupes have dozens of performers and several perform together in the evening, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere.
Worship etiquette
- Dress modestly and remove hats while praying
- Walk clockwise; never go against the direction
- Avoid photographing people mid-prayer without permission
- Silence your phone and keep quiet
- No eating or smoking within the shrine area
交互式参拜指南
点击各面查看对应的祈求主题与参拜要点
第一面（正面，正对大门）
事业、学业、功名、官运
3 支香、1 支蜡烛、1 串花环
包含官方价目表、R-Walk 天桥路线图与公共守则，适合保存至手机离线查看。
History
History & legends of Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine)
From Hindu deity worship absorbed into Thai Brahmin rituals, this shrine grew from a small corner into a symbol of Bangkok
Origins (1956)
During construction of the Erawan Hotel several fatal accidents occurred. A Brahmin priest was consulted and a Brahma shrine was built in front of the hotel for good fortune; the misfortunes then ceased.
The four-faced belief
The four faces represent creation, long life, prosperity and protection. Worshippers walk clockwise and pray at each face in turn.
The 1994 incident
A mentally ill man smashed the image with a hammer; an angry crowd killed him. The original was preserved in a museum and a replica was made.
The current image
After a 2006 attack, a new bronze-and-gold image replaced the plaster one for durability, and it remains open for worship to this day.
The legend of its sacredness
It is said that those who pray with sincere faith and have their wishes granted often return to give thanks with dance troupes. This belief made the shrine one of Asia's most famous wish-making sites, especially among visitors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
Did you know?
Although Brahma is a Hindu deity, the shrine is maintained by Thai Brahmin ritual and is revered equally by Buddhists and Hindus.
Tales from the elders
It is said Brahma is the creator god, so people offer flowers, scents and dance to show gratitude.
The shrine today
When life succeeds, they speak of the merit made at this shrine, and return to pray again and again.
Visit Guide
Plan your visit & info
Essential information for planning your trip, safety and getting there and back
Two ways to visit
Choose what suits you — a casual stop or a dedicated prayer visit
Level:★· 15–30 min
Tourists / photographers
View the image, take photos and buy flowers to offer on the spot, no preparation needed
Level:★★· 30–60 min
Believers
Prepare flowers, incense, candles and joss powder; walk clockwise and pray at each face
⚠ Beware of scams
Some people approach offering 'lucky strings' or press for donations. Buy offerings only from the stall in front of the shrine and never share personal details.
06:00 – 22:00
- Daily (incl. public holidays)06:00–22:00
Costs
- EntryFree — no entry fee
- Offerings at the stallFlowers, incense, candles from ~20 baht
- Dance troupeHireable from ~2,000 baht up
Getting there
- BTS Chit LomExit 1, ~5 min walk to the shrine
- MRT subwayLumphini station, then bus or taxi
- Car / taxiSet destination to Erawan Shrine near CentralWorld
Photography
Tips for beautiful shots of the image and dance troupes
Good light windows
Soft light, few people, calm atmosphere
Best golden light for the image and dance
Pretty lights, good for long exposure
Photo spots
View: Clear view of the gilded image
Tip: Keep distance, use standard lens
View: Wide view of shrine and intersection
Tip: Use zoom for details
View: Flowers and incense in foreground
Tip: Don't block people praying
Camera / phone settings
Camera: RAW, warm white balance
Phone: PRO mode, WB ~5000K
Camera: Tripod, 1/15s
Phone: Night mode, stabilize
Camera: Aperture f/4, ISO 800
Phone: Record video instead
Cautions
- Turn off flash to avoid disturbing prayers
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Respect the sacred area; don't step on the shrine base
Best time to visit
Open daily, but times of day differ greatly in weather and atmosphere
Quietest
Cooler and uncrowded, ideal for peaceful prayer
Liveliest
Beautiful light and several dance troupes performing together
Hot & crowded
Very hot with heavy crowds and little shade
Safety
- Watch your bag — Crowded area has pickpockets; keep valuables secure
- Dress modestly — Not as strict as a temple, but dress respectfully at a religious site
- Cross carefully — The shrine is at a major intersection; use safe crossings
- Beat the heat — Midday is very hot; rest in nearby mall shade
🌫 Air quality (Jan–Mar)
Early in the year Bangkok may face PM2.5 from burning and traffic. Those sensitive to dust should wear a mask and check the AQI before leaving.
Emergency numbers
Keep these numbers handy for emergencies
Accessibility
The shrine is at street level and easy to access
- Ramped pavements — Ramps and even ground; wheelchairs can access
- Parking — Park at CentralWorld, Gaysorn Village or nearby hotels
- Restrooms — Use restrooms inside the nearby shopping malls
- Elderly friendly — Open space with seating and shade from surrounding trees
Frequently asked questions
Is entry free? +
Entry is free, but offerings and dance troupes cost as chosen
What are the hours? +
Open daily 06:00–22:00, good for both morning stops and evening prayer
What can I pray for? +
Each face is believed to answer career, love, health and study; pray separately at each
How do I get there? +
BTS Chit Lom Exit 1 is a ~5 min walk, or take a car/taxi to CentralWorld
What should I wear? +
Not as strict as temples, but dress modestly and remove hats while praying
Food around the shrine
Restaurants & snacks near Thao Maha Brahma
Surrounded by malls and eateries at every level, from cheap snacks to fine dining
CentralWorld and Gaysorn have affordable, tasty food courts
Curry, noodle and fresh-fruit stalls open all day
Cafés in Gaysorn are good for a cool break
Grand Hyatt Erawan offers international buffets
“Don't eat in front of the image and respect those praying — that is the visitor's graceful etiquette”
Gallery of Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine)
Scenes, the image, rituals and dance troupes at the four-faced Brahma shrine
All images are general shrine scenes for education and travel guidance.
Photos from visitors and open sources — see references at the end.
Reviews
Voices of visitors
Experiences from tourists and devotees who have prayed at Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine)
We are a non-profit educational guide with no stake in any business
First visit; impressed by the gilded image, staff were kind
A must-visit spiritual spot in Bangkok. The dance troupes are mesmerizing.
Crowded in the evening but the light is gorgeous for photos
許願很靈，還願時請了舞蹈團，現場氣氛莊嚴又熱鬧
Free and easy to reach, but very hot at midday
Conveniently located next to CentralWorld, easy to combine with shopping.
夜のライトアップが美しく、踊りの奉納も見応えがあった
Brought my child to pray for studies; safe and pleasant atmosphere
Sources & references
Sources & references
Information on this page is compiled from open sources and on-site research. Report errors via email.
Key references
Quick facts
Built in 1956; the current image is bronze gilded in gold. Free entry 06:00–22:00 daily. One of Thailand's most famous sacred sites.
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Map & directions
Visit Thao Maha Brahma (Erawan Shrine)
At the Ratchadamri intersection, Pathum Wan, Bangkok — easy by rail or road
📍 494 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
🧭 PGVR+P5 Bangkok
🌐 13.7443° N, 100.5397° E