Indra Shrine of Bangkok

As per Hinduism, Lord Indra is the leader of Devas (a kind of divine beings). He is the master of heaven. He controls thunder and lightning and thus decides when, where, and how much it should rain. (He is not the leader of the Gods, as wrongly interpreted by the Westerners). Irrespective of his strength and status, Indians would visualize him only as weak and feeble, thanks to his portrayal in Indian movies. As Indra is not found as the main deity in any shrine or temple, there is no way that Indians would visualize him differently or in a better way. If they come to Bangkok and visit Indra's temple, they will never accept the icon as Indra. The icon depicts him as very powerful and strong. Yes, Indra is considered an important deity in Bangkok city in Thailand.

Thailand and Bangkok

Thailand officially called the Kingdom of Thailand, is a small South East Asian country near Myanmar and Cambodia. It was formerly known as Siam.

Though Thailand is officially a constitutional monarchy, whereby the prime minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is the head of state, it is actually under the control of a military junta.

Thailand has been heavily influenced by the culture of India for several centuries. It is evident from the Indianised names of the kingdoms, cities, and even the Kings. Ramayana, the epic from India, is very popular in Thailand.

Bangkok, known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon in the Thai language, is Thailand's most populous and capital city. It is famous for its vibrant street life, ornate temples, massage parlors and shopping.

Indra Shrine

Indra is famous not only in Hinduism, but even in Buddhism and Jainism religions. In Thai literature, he is well known. It is believed that the city of Bangkok was created by the divine architect Vishvakarma on order from Indra. It is evident from the manner how Bangkok is referred to in Thai as "Sakka thattiya Witsanukam prasit". Sakka refers to Indra, Witsanukam refers to Vishwakarma, "thattiya" means order, and "prasit" implies accomplishment. Indra is depicted in a few temples and as an independent statue in Thailand. Even a Government emblem carries his figure where he is found seated on his white elephant Iravat (called Erawan).

The temple of Indra is also found on the same road where the famous Erawan Shrine is located. It is built in front of Amarin Mall. The Amarin Plaza was constructed in 1985, and the shrine of Indra was consecrated in 1986.

Indra's icon is big in size and looks beautiful in jade green. He has four arms and holds a discus, bow, thunderbolt, and triple-pronged lance in his arms. He is found seated. The three-headed white elephant, Erawan, is found below his seat. A few other elephant figures are also found around Erawan.

Happy travelling.