Ganesha Shrine, Bangkok
Built in 1994, the Ganesha Shrine is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Ganesha - the Hindu elephant god. The deity is more recognizable because of his elephant head, human components (many arms), elements of serpents and the big belly. Visitors come here to be blessed with artistic success and accomplishment.
Though Ganesha is often linked to the field of arts, it is , in fact, the Destroyer of Obstacles. He is also believed to be the god of good fortune and revered by businessmen who wish for success in their ventures. Craftsmen would invoke Ganesha before embarking on a delicate process like stone carving.
The Ganesha Shrine stands at the other corner of Central World Plaza, Bangkok. It has a legend associated with it. Ganesha was believed to annoy his father who unwittingly cut off his head. To rectify his mistake, he ordered his troops to return with the head of anyone found asleep with the head pointing north. When they found an elephant and severed its head to replace Ganesha's head, the legend of the Elephant God was born.
Ganesha Shrine is just one of the six shrines to Hindu deities located in the Ratchaprasong shopping district. It is a surprising occurrence in a predominantly Buddhist country. Worship of Ganesha is an indication of the influence of Hindu gods in Thai customs and rituals being introduced over the centuries. Devotees can be seen praying at the shrine at all times. A red lotus is the main offering dedicated to this god. Other offerings include flowers, fruits, milk and sweets but no meat.
As Ganesha is believed to be the god of accomplishment, wisdom and wealth, the Ganesha Shrine is a favorite place to go and pray to find that elusive road to success.
Though Ganesha is often linked to the field of arts, it is , in fact, the Destroyer of Obstacles. He is also believed to be the god of good fortune and revered by businessmen who wish for success in their ventures. Craftsmen would invoke Ganesha before embarking on a delicate process like stone carving.
The Ganesha Shrine stands at the other corner of Central World Plaza, Bangkok. It has a legend associated with it. Ganesha was believed to annoy his father who unwittingly cut off his head. To rectify his mistake, he ordered his troops to return with the head of anyone found asleep with the head pointing north. When they found an elephant and severed its head to replace Ganesha's head, the legend of the Elephant God was born.
Ganesha Shrine is just one of the six shrines to Hindu deities located in the Ratchaprasong shopping district. It is a surprising occurrence in a predominantly Buddhist country. Worship of Ganesha is an indication of the influence of Hindu gods in Thai customs and rituals being introduced over the centuries. Devotees can be seen praying at the shrine at all times. A red lotus is the main offering dedicated to this god. Other offerings include flowers, fruits, milk and sweets but no meat.
As Ganesha is believed to be the god of accomplishment, wisdom and wealth, the Ganesha Shrine is a favorite place to go and pray to find that elusive road to success.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bangkok. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Ganesha Shrine on Map
Sight Name: Ganesha Shrine
Sight Location: Bangkok, Thailand (See walking tours in Bangkok)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Bangkok, Thailand (See walking tours in Bangkok)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Bangkok, Thailand
Create Your Own Walk in Bangkok
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bangkok is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bangkok Old City Walk
The Thai capital Bangkok emerged in the 15th century as a small trading post in the Chao Phraya River delta. The origin of the name “Bangkok” is unclear and was likely a colloquial adopted by foreigners, in which Bang is the Thai word for “village on a stream” and Ko means “island”, referring to the city's watery landscape. Another opinion is that it may be shortened from Bang... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Wats and Temples of Bangkok
The “City of Angels” – Bangkok – is a home to over 400 temples. Known locally as "wats", some of them are massive complexes, quite famous and attracting thousands of tourists every day, while others are smaller and lesser-known, located far down the tiny "sois" (side streets), well out of tourist traffic. Still, all these shrines equally form an integral part of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Flower Market to Chinatown
One of the shopping capitals of the world, Bangkok is a city where you can buy almost anything, provided you know where to find it. And if shopping spree is high on your agenda, then the local markets are the best place to go.
Vibrant atmosphere, smiling faces, plus the staggering variety of unique things on offer, including wealth of delicious street food and snacks – there's nothing... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Vibrant atmosphere, smiling faces, plus the staggering variety of unique things on offer, including wealth of delicious street food and snacks – there's nothing... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Food Walk
There aren't many cities out there, if any, beside the Thai capital to be just as voracious and passionate about eating! Food in Bangkok is a key aspect of daily life, attesting to which are the numerous eateries all over the city. And what's more, regardless of where you have it, be it a scrumptious street food stall or a fancy restaurant, the local food never fails to impress.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chinatown Walking Tour
Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Founded in 1782, the core of it lies along Yaowarat Road, which serves as the main artery and sometimes lends its name to the whole area.
The district has been the center for trading by the Thai Chinese community for almost 200 years, progressively evolving from a vast wilderness outside the city walls to a major... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The district has been the center for trading by the Thai Chinese community for almost 200 years, progressively evolving from a vast wilderness outside the city walls to a major... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 15 Things to Buy in Bangkok
Well-made, local products not only remind people of the trip they've had, but also make great gifts to bring home to family and friends. Following is the list of original and representative of Bangkok local specialties that you might wish to consider as a memorable...
7 Places in Bangkok for Superb Street Food
Eating is huge in Bangkok, and luckily for the famished, you won't be that way for long, regardless of the hour. You can find conglomerations of vendors selling five-star fast food (in the you-won't-have-to-wait-long-to-enjoy-it sense, not McDonald's style) for under 100 baht (roughly...