Hindu worshipers in Bangkok

Most worshipers to these Hindu shrines are Buddhists I believe. It is interesting to note the influence of Hindu deities & legends fused with Buddhism in Thai culture.

This brings back memories of a Hindu procession witnessed back in 2005 somewhere in Sathorn area. Think it was Thaipusm time if I am not mistaken. Streets around a Hindu temple were lined with devotees with altars set up on the sidewalk - probably a hundred or more!





















It wasn't quite the same as the Thaipusm procession seen in Singapore or Malaysia where Indian devotees carried Kavadies in procession.

Here past mid-night, a banner led a procession of Hindu priests out from the temple.
















The first priest balanced a pot of flowers on his head while blessing devotees. You got to see the emotions of worshipers rushing forward.






























































Hindu deities were very colorful decorated with flower garlands, carried on men's shoulders.





































Priest with metal skewers pierced through his chin.
































Ceremonial dance performed when priests were passing.










































I have seen Indian deities occasionally in Thai temples of the provinces too - visible but not prominent.

Another Hindu Shrine

Nearby to Erawan Shrine is another Hindu Shrine (just diagonally across the traffic junction) outside Isetan department store at Central World Plaza (formerly World Trade Center).





















There are actually 2 shrines here..





















Lord Brahma in standing pose to the right...





















Lord Ganesha sat on the left.





















the Lord of Accomplishment.





















He took the form of an elephant head with a human torso.. with pot belly.































































It is not as popular as the Erawan Shrine judging from the number of worshippers.
If I have to follow the crowds.. guess I would pick Erawan Shrine to make my wishes come true!

Update 20th Nov 2008
My curiosity of Hindu Shrines in central Bangkok lead further readings.. this site shed more on this subject if you are interested too.

http://www.thaiwebsites.com/hindushrines.asp

Erawan Shrine

Outside Grand Hyatt Erawan along the Sukhumvit Road corner is the well known Erawan Shrine. First erected in 1956, it has been around for more than half a century! Probably most Asian visitors to Bangkok would know or have heard about it.

In Chinese it has often been referred as the 'Four Faced Bhudda', so I have mistaken for years it is Buddhist originated. How wrong it was! In fact it is the Hindu God of Creation - Brahma.

Thais & tourists come daily, rain or shine to make their wishes here.
Views from the BTS walkway above.





































A close up of view of Lord Brahma. On 21st Mar. 2006, the statute was smashed by a mentally ill man. The act was so provocative he was killed by angry bystanders. This statute was restored on 21st May 2006.





















Traditional Thai dance can accompany your wish making process too - small price to pay if helps.
















Taking a break - cosmetic touched up in between performances.





















Vendors outside are doing brisk business too.
































The courtyard is lined with rows of wooden elephant sculptures - big & small; worshiper's gratitude in return for wishes granted?






























































One would go round making wishes 4 times around the shrine, at each face of the deity.
















Air filled with incense smoke soon filled the air as worshipers number grew.. bring tears to eyes!
















Attendant making his round clearing off incense sticks & candles to make space for others - Oops how does it affect the wishes made before the incense fully burned out?
















It doesn't matter, people of all walks of life continue to stream in;
Men..
















Young couple...





















Women folks...
































The young & old... we all have our wishes, don't we?
















Lots of coconut juice to quench Lord Brahma's thirst (served with straw too!)?





















Is it only in one's mind after all?

A refreshing day at Suvarnabhumi Airport!

As the plane sat waiting for push back to take off, something prompted me to to take out my camera this morning - it was actually the brightness of the day lifted my mood. I'd been taking late night flights recently, such a refreshing change it turned out to be!

Admiring the architectural forms of the Suvarnabhumi Airport from the tarmac.. sights that I would have taken for granted.
































A magnificent view of another jumbo just landed.. I always marvel at such huge man-made machines taking into the sky! Wright Brothers' first flying machine (invented less than a hundred years ago) lifted off a short distance within the length of this jumbo jet!
















Bangkok has a fair share of rains recently.. caught a glimpse with a pool's reflection.
















I was thrilled with this sea of cumulus clouds forming.. not often to have such view in bright sunshine!
















From the air, saw many rice fields were inundated too..
















As the plane turned towards the Gulf.. view of this island came to sight. My guess is Ko Samet.
















I like to play this geography puzzle matching game with Google Earth getting the same viewing angle. I am getting pretty good at it, huh?















It may be just another day.. I still enjoyed scenes of the day's beauty.

Updated with photos of Suvarnabhumi Airport (10th Nov 2008).
No visitor leaves without seeing this spectacular sight depicting the tussle between the Good & the Evil of Hindu legend.












































































Manage to find in my photo archive - Lego model of Suvarnabhumi Airport at a shopping mall during the times of airport opening.