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The Giant Swing at Wat Suthat

Wat Suthat Thep Wararam - วัดสุทัศนเทพวราราม  One of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks is the Giant Swing, a towering red monument looking something like a Japanese torii gate , but serving a very different purpose. Long ago used in a royal ceremony by the kingdom's secretive royal court Brahmins, the swing today serves as a symbol of the City of Angels. Wat Suthat Temple, the home of the Giant Swing, is a first-class temple of the royal grade, of which there are only ten in all of Bangkok. Wat Suthat Temple and the Giant Swing in Bangkok's old town Surrounding the temple sanctuary are twenty-eight miniature Chinese-style pagodas carved from stone. According to the Buddhist scriptures, there have been twenty-seven Buddhas before the enlightenment of Prince Siddhārtha Gautama. Each of these twenty-eight pagodas therefore correspond to one of the ancient enlightened lives of the Buddha. 28 Chinese pagodas surrounding Wat Suthat Temple, corresponding to the lives
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Lakshmi Shrine - The Goddess of Wealth and Fortune

Lakshmi -  The Shrine of the Hindu Goddess of Wealth and Fortune

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity looks out from her shrine at the top of Gaysorn Village shopping mall. The small golden statue, wrapped in a delicate pink robe, stands high above Bangkok, watching over downtown and blessing the city's businesses with good fortune. The shrine to Lakshmi is the only shrine to a Hindu goddess in downtown Bangkok.

The Shrine to the Goddess Lakshmi, downtown Bangkok
The Shrine to the Goddess Lakshmi, downtown Bangkok

Lakshmi

The goddess Lakshmi is the Hindu patron of business, wealth, and fortune. Lakshmi is the consort to the god Narayana (Vishnu) whose shrine stands nearby in front of the Hotel Intercontinental in Bangkok.

The Lakshmi Shrine really is a hidden gem in Bangkok, as even many locals either don't know of its existence or how to find it. In fact, the shrine is tucked away in a corner on the fourth floor outdoor terrace at Gaysorn Village shopping mall. The statue stands looking out over Bangkok's busy business district.

pink robed golden statue of the goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi Shrine - looking out over downtown Bangkok

The Lakshmi shrine is one of eight Hindu shrines in the Ratchaprason area of downtown Bangkok. If you can, make a mini pilgrimage to pay a visit to all eight shrines in the same day. The shrine to Lakshmi stands next to the Jatukokbal  Shrine.

pink lotus blossoms, marigold garlands, and incense as offereings
pink lotus blossoms, marigold garlands, and incense as offereings

When to visit the Lakshmi Shrine

  • The Lakshmi Shrine is open to visitors at any time that Gaysorn Village shopping mall is open. The mall is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.

How to pray at the Lakshmi Shrine

People visit the Lakshmi shrine to pray for prosperity and good fortune in business ventures. The goddess Lakshmi is said to like the color pink, so petitioners will bring pink lotus blossoms to the shrine in offering. You'll also see many offerings of incense and coins surrounding the shrine.

If you have trouble finding the shrine, simply ask for assistance downstairs at the information counter at Gaysorn Village.

Eat, Pray, Shop - Eight Hindu Shrines at the Ratchaprasong Intersection in downtown Bangkok

The Lakshmi Shrine is just one of the eight Hindu shrines in the Ratchaprasong Intersection. The Thai Tourist Authority has instituted an initiative called "Eat, Pray, Shop" to encourage people to take a short pilgrimage to each of the shrines and discover the sacred hidden secret of downtown Bangkok.

Where is the Lakshmi Shrine?

  • The Lakshmi Shrine is somewhat hidden on the 4th floor terrace at Gaysorn Village, next to the Jatukokbal  Shrine. You can reach it by entering the shopping mall and taking the elevator to the fourth floor.
  • 999 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330
  • https://goo.gl/maps/DeQxFC2zLj32 

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