Phra Phrom (Thai: พระพรหม) derives from Brahma, the creator god and one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. After Brahmanic culture brought his worship to Thailand, it blended with local Buddhism and folk belief to become one of the most widely venerated and most fervently worshipped deities in the kingdom, often called the "four-faced Buddha" among ethnic Chinese devotees.
Origins and the Erawan Shrine
Thailand's most famous Phra Phrom shrine is the Erawan Shrine (San Thao Maha Phrom) at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok. Legend holds that during the construction of the Erawan Hotel in 1956 a string of accidents occurred; on the advice of an astrologer a shrine to Phra Phrom was erected at the corner to restore peace, after which the work proceeded smoothly and its reputation for efficacy spread far and wide, making the shrine a place of ceaseless pilgrimage for devotees from Thailand and abroad.
The Four Faces
The four faces of Phra Phrom look toward the east, south, west and north, each governing a distinct blessing that together form a complete whole: one face for career and status, one for love and relationships, one for wealth, and one for health and safety. Devotees believe that with a sincere heart, earnest prayer and the doing of good, blessings in all four directions may be obtained.
Worship and Offerings
Worship of Phra Phrom is usually performed by paying respect to all four faces in clockwise order, beginning at the front and offering flowers, incense and candles at each while praying with palms joined. Traditional offerings include seven-coloured garlands, coconuts and bananas, and some devotees, once their wishes are granted, commission a classical Thai votive dance in thanksgiving — a distinctive sight before the Erawan Shrine.
Iconography
Phra Phrom is portrayed as a golden figure with four faces and multiple arms, wearing a pointed Thai crown, his front hands forming a sacred mudra at the chest while the others hold ritual objects such as a rosary, scripture, conch, wheel, sceptre and water vessel, symbolising his boundless power to create all things and protect all beings.
Wearing and Collecting
Phra Phrom amulets and images are among the most popular categories of Thai sacred objects, signifying blessings from all four directions and the fulfilment of every endeavour, and are especially cherished by those in business and by anyone praying for career success and household peace. They are best received and honoured with a sincere heart, proper devotion and diligent good deeds, to accord with the deity and enjoy lasting blessings.
