For the Devout “Oṃ Gaṃ Gaṇapatye Namaḥ, Oṃ Gaṃ Gaṇapatye Namaḥ, Oṃ Gaṃ Gaṇapatye Namaḥ.”
Faith is a universal force, transcending cultures and classes across the globe. One deity who commands immense reverence is Ganesha, the Hindu god known for removing obstacles. Many people visit shrines to seek his blessings, especially in Ticy City. To help you plan your spiritual journey, Nai Mu has compiled a list of 5 urban shrines where you can worship Ganesha for success, along with some intriguing insights into this beloved deity.
Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, is a global icon, revered in various cultures, including Tibet, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, and Japan. Each culture has its own depiction of Ganesha, who is universally recognized as the remover of obstacles. He is always worshipped first in rituals to clear the way for success in all endeavors.
With 32 forms and 108 names, Ganesha is the primary deity of worship in every Hindu sect. This is due to the powerful boon given to him by his father, Lord Shiva. Over the ages, Ganesha’s role has evolved—from a figure of mischief in early Buddhist times to “Siddhidata,” the bestower of success, in the Puranic age. Not originally an Aryan god, Ganesha was associated with elephants, which represented the king of the jungle among indigenous tribes.
Brahmanism-Hinduism boasts a pantheon of 33 million deities, many of whom are local gods and goddesses. To foster unity, Ganesha, a local deity, was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon. According to legend, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha’s human form and replaced it with an elephant’s head, symbolizing wisdom and intelligence. Ganesha was then blessed to be the primary deity of worship, a status he holds to this day.
For Thais, Ganesha has been a familiar figure since ancient times. His statues can be found in temples, colleges, shrines, royal residences, and even shopping malls, where he is widely venerated.
These days, “spiritual devotees” often associate Ganesha with wealth and prosperity—winning lotteries, gaining riches, and so on. However, a deeper understanding of Ganesha reveals that these beliefs were later additions, introduced to commercialize the faith. True devotees know that removing obstacles is far more valuable than material wealth.
This time, Nai Mu will introduce you to Ganesha shrines located in or near popular eating and shopping spots. Surprisingly, there are quite a few!
Heramba Ganapati: The Royal Ganesha Heramba Ganapati is a new and grand addition to the Phenix Building in Pratunam (formerly Pantip Plaza). With the slogan “Delicious, Fun, and Fly High,” this shrine is located on the 6th-floor rooftop (take the elevator at the rear, near the parking area). Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, the shrine features a magnificent Heramba Ganapati statue made of golden teak wood. The statue stands 4.5 meters tall, 2.4 meters wide, and 3.7 meters long, weighing a massive 10 tons. Crafted by seven artisans from Chiang Mai, it took a year to complete and was enshrined on June 18, 2024, at 9:09 AM. The shrine was designed and constructed under the guidance of Master Khem Marukphitak, President of the Indra Erawan Foundation.
Heramba Ganapati, known as the royal form of Ganesha, has a commanding presence with five heads that see in all directions and ten arms holding auspicious divine weapons. He sits atop a lion, a creature gifted to him by the goddess Durga (a form of Parvati). This form of Ganesha was popular among ancient Indian kings and continues to be revered by politicians and businesspeople who believe he offers protection and success in governance.
On Sunday, August 18, at 4:00 PM, there will be a fire ceremony conducted by Brahmin priests from India.
POP Ganesha at CentralWorld Mall One of the most well-known Ganesha shrines among Thais is the “Ganesha Shrine at CentralWorld, Pratunam.” Every day, throngs of devotees come to pay their respects, often leaving offerings like marigolds, sweets, milk, and red soda. Occasionally, TV drama and film crews hold rituals here before filming. If you don’t want to carry your own offerings, they’re available for purchase at the shrine.
Standing Ganesha at Union Mall In the morning, before noon, the area in front of the “Standing Ganesha Shrine” at Union Mall, Ladprao, is relatively quiet compared to the evening when vendors set up stalls. This shrine is a popular spot for TV series producers to hold rituals, and every series that has done so here has been a hit!
Ganesha-Lakshmi: Removing Obstacles and Granting Wealth Another notable shrine is the “Ganesha and Lakshmi Shrine” in front of Fortune Town, Ratchadaphisek. Though the space is limited, the statues of Ganesha and Lakshmi are beautifully crafted, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the granting of wealth. There’s also a stall selling offerings. A unique tradition here involves offering seven flowers during worship.
Aishwarya Ganesha: Can It Get Any Cuter? Although this final shrine isn’t located in a mall, if you’re visiting Yaowarat or Charoenkrung during the Chinese Ghost Festival or shopping at the old market or Leng Buai Ia Market, make sure to visit. The shrine is situated in front of the Plub-plachai Police Station, just a short distance from the Tai Hong Kong Shrine at the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. Here, you’ll find the “Aishwarya Ganesha,” a youthful depiction of Ganesha adorned in Mughal-style royal attire and jewelry. It’s recommended to bring your own offerings, as incense is no longer commonly used here. A focused mind is all you need to connect with him!
Written by: Nai mu
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