The Four-Faced Buddha amulet has been a source of fascination and intrigue for many people, both in Thailand and around the world. This unique amulet features the image of a revered deity with four faces, each facing in a different direction.
With a rich history steeped in spiritual significance and miraculous stories of wish fulfillment, the Four-Faced Buddha amulet has become a popular talisman for those seeking good luck, prosperity, and protection.
If you have the opportunity to visit Thailand, you should take some time to go to Erawan Shrine to witness first-hand the devotion of the people here for the Four-Faced Buddha statue. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of the Four-Faced Buddha amulet, exploring its origins, meaning, and the many ways in which it is worshipped and revered.
What is Four-Faced Buddha amulet?
The Four-Faced Buddha amulet, also known as Phra Phrom, is a sacred object in Thai Buddhist culture. It is an image of the four-faced deity, Brahma, who is revered for his ability to help fulfill the wishes of his devotees.
The amulet is believed to bring good luck, success, and protection to those who wear it. It is also believed to have the power to grant wishes related to wealth, love, career, and health. Many people wear the amulet around their neck or carry it in their pockets or purses.
The Four-Faced Buddha amulet is a popular item in Thailand and is often found in amulet shops, temples, and other places of worship. It is important to note that while the amulet is considered to be a powerful talisman, it is not a substitute for good karma and ethical behavior, which are the foundations of Buddhist teachings.
Origin of Phra Phrom
His origin and history can be traced back to Hinduism, where he is known as Brahma, one of the three major gods alongside Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is believed to be the creator of the universe and the god of wisdom and knowledge.
As Buddhism spread from India to Southeast Asia, Brahma was incorporated into Buddhist mythology and became known as Phra Phrom. In Thailand, Phra Phrom is often depicted with four faces, each representing different virtues and aspects of Buddhist teachings.
The origin of the Four-Faced Buddha statue in Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, is believed to date back to 1956. The hotel that previously occupied the site had experienced a series of misfortunes during its construction, and it was believed that these were caused by the displacement of a Brahma statue. To remedy the situation, a new Brahma statue was installed in front of the hotel, and the misfortunes ceased.
The popularity of the Four-Faced Buddha grew rapidly after the 1987 film “Erawan Hotel” was released, which portrayed the deity as a wish-granting entity. The Erawan Shrine in Bangkok became a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking blessings and good fortune.
Today, Phra Phrom is revered by many Buddhists in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection. The deity is often depicted in homes, businesses, and public spaces, and many people continue to make offerings and pay respects to him.
Symbolic meaning
Phra Phrom, also known as the Four-Faced Buddha, is often depicted holding four different weapons in his hands, each of which holds a symbolic meaning. Here is a brief overview of the four faces and weapons of Phra Phrom:
- North Face: The north face is associated with wisdom and knowledge, and the weapon held in this hand is a scripture or book, symbolizing the importance of knowledge and learning.
- East Face: The east face is associated with protection and the weapon held in this hand is a mace or scepter, symbolizing the power to protect and defend.
- South Face: The south face is associated with compassion and the weapon held in this hand is a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- West Face: The west face is associated with wish fulfillment and the weapon held in this hand is prayer beads, symbolizing the power of prayer and meditation to achieve one’s desires.
Overall, the four faces and weapons of Phra Phrom represent different aspects of Buddhist teachings and virtues, such as wisdom, compassion, protection, and wish fulfillment. These teachings serve as a reminder to devotees of the importance of striving towards spiritual liberation and inner peace.
Once you have identified your needs, when you visit Erawan Shrine, you should worship and pray at the corresponding face of Phra Phrom. However, the most important thing is to have a sincere and faithful heart when making offerings, then your desires may become reality.
Many tourists visiting Thailand also pay respects to all four faces of Phra Phrom. They believe that since they have come here, they should worship all the remaining faces with sincerity because each face of the Buddha is equally sacred. The convergence at the corners of the Four-Faced Buddha will help them encounter luck, peace, and overcome any difficulties they may be facing. If you want to worship all four faces of the Buddha, you should follow the clockwise direction from the front face. At each face, you can stop to light a incense, and pray for what you desire.
You can also see dancing girls at Erawan Shrine with the number usually from 6, 8 or 12 people. These are girls hired by others to dance in thanksgiving for what Four-Faced Buddha has done for them.
Benefits of the Four-Faced Buddha amulet
The Four-Faced Buddha amulet is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection to its wearer. It is particularly popular among Thai people, who believe that the amulet has the power to grant wishes and bring success in all aspects of life.
Some of the benefits associated with the Four-Faced Buddha amulet include:
- Wealth and prosperity: The amulet is believed to attract wealth and prosperity to its wearer, making it a popular choice for businesspeople and entrepreneurs.
- Career success: The Four-Faced Buddha is said to have the power to bring success in one’s career, helping people to achieve their professional goals.
- Protection: The amulet is thought to offer protection against harm and evil spirits, providing a sense of security to those who wear it.
- Love and relationships: The Four-Faced Buddha is also associated with love and relationships, and is said to help people find their soulmate or improve existing relationships.
- Wishes and prayers: Many people believe that the Four-Faced Buddha amulet has the power to grant wishes and prayers, making it a popular choice for those who want to manifest their desires.
It is important to note that while the Four-Faced Buddha amulet is widely believed to have these benefits, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Ultimately, the power of the amulet comes from one’s faith and belief in its ability to bring positive energy and good fortune.
Mysterious stories related to the Four-Faced Buddha
There are many mysterious stories and legends surrounding the Four-Faced Buddha, especially in Thailand. Here are a few examples:
The Erawan Shrine incident
In 2015, a bomb exploded at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, killing 20 people and injuring more than 120 others. Many people believe that the Four-Faced Buddha statue at the shrine protected some visitors from the full impact of the blast. Some even claim that the statue shed tears or showed other miraculous signs after the bombing.
The fateful flight of 1997
On September 3, 1997, Vietnam Airlines Flight 815, which was flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh International Airport in Cambodia, crashed during landing. All 64 out of 66 people on board, including the crew and passengers, were killed, except for two children.
According to Saigon Doanh Nghiep, the crash was caused by severe weather conditions in Cambodia due to heavy rain and storms, which the TU 134 aircraft was unable to withstand despite the experienced pilot, who was also the chief safety officer of VNA.
Only the tail of the plane remained intact, and that saved one baby’s life. There are some sources that say only one baby survived, while others suggest that two people survived. What’s remarkable is that people saw a miraculous pendant on the surviving baby’s neck, which was a Four-Faced Buddha amulet. The pendant was bought by the baby’s parents during a trip to Thailand.
The curse of the Four-Faced Buddha
According to legend, anyone who steals or defaces a Four-Faced Buddha statue will be cursed with bad luck and misfortune until they return the stolen object and make amends. There are many stories of people who have suffered accidents, illnesses, or financial ruin after stealing or damaging Four-Faced Buddha statues.
The girl sweeps the trash around the Four-Faced Buddha
The story that many tour guides tell about the Four-Faced Buddha statue in Thailand is related to the garbage collector who was cleaning around the statue.
One day, after the ceremony had ended, the garbage collector was so tired that she pointed straight at the face of the Buddha statue and said, “You have fulfilled so many wishes and desires of many people. So why is it that even someone who cleans up after you every day cannot receive any response from you?” The garbage collector promised that if she won the lottery, she would dance naked in front of the Four-Faced Buddha statue.
After that, the garbage collector actually won a huge lottery prize but forgot about her promise. After a long time, when she fell seriously ill, she suddenly remembered her unfulfilled promise. She decided to return to the temple and make a thanksgiving ceremony for the Four-Faced Buddha statue, and then she was miraculously cured of her illness.
The floating Four-Faced Buddha
There have been several reports of a mysterious Four-Faced Buddha statue floating on the water in various locations in Thailand. Some people claim that the statue is a manifestation of the deity, while others believe it is a hoax or a publicity stunt.
The Four-Faced Buddha and lottery winners
Many people believe that praying to the Four-Faced Buddha can bring good luck and help them win the lottery. There are numerous stories of people who have won large sums of money after making offerings or performing rituals at Four-Faced Buddha shrines.
While some of these stories may be exaggerated or based on superstition, they reflect the deep reverence and cultural significance of the Four-Faced Buddha in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Where is the Four-Faced Buddha Temple located in Thailand?
- Name: Erawan Shrine
- Address: In front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel, at the corner of Ploenchit and Ratchadamri streets.
- Opening hours: 06h00 – 24h00
The Four-Faced Buddha Temple, also known as the Erawan Shrine, is located in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. It is situated at the intersection of Ratchadamri Road and Phloen Chit Road, near the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The shrine is easily accessible by public transportation, such as the BTS Skytrain, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The people living here, including locals and tourists, all take the time to visit the Erawan Shrine to pray for good luck and peace. If you have the opportunity to visit Thailand, you will have a chance to witness many tourists present at the Erawan Shrine to offer prayers, pay respects, and make offerings to the statue of Phra Phrom Buddha.
How to worship and make wishes to the Four-Faced Buddha statue
To worship and make wishes to the Four-Faced Buddha statue, you can follow these steps:
- When visiting the Four-Faced Buddha shrine, it’s important to refrain from using vulgar language or swearing. Whether you believe it or not, basic manners and etiquette are expected in a sacred place.
- This is a spiritual location, so it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing or offensive clothing.
- Do not bring pets to the Erawan Shrine. There are many Thai police officers around the area, and they may become suspicious and conduct checks on you at any time.
- Depending on the purpose of your wish, you can light candles on one or all four faces of the Buddha statue. If you wish to go around all four faces, stop at each face and light three candles, one joss stick, and offer a bouquet of flowers.
- After offering your prayers or making your wishes, it’s customary to go to the elephant statues corner, where the holy water of the Four-Faced Buddha is kept. Use this water to wash your face and hands. Remember to scoop the water to wash instead of putting your hands directly into the container, as this may be considered disrespectful by the locals.
Above is all the information you need to know about the Four-Faced Buddha in Thailand. With its renowned sanctity in Thai tourism and spiritual stories, the Erawan Shrine has become a popular destination for many tourists to visit and make wishes when they have the opportunity to visit the Land of Golden Temples.
