Paying Respect to and Asking Blessings from Phra Phrom (Brahma)

If you have ever been around the Ratchaprasong area or any famous Phra Phrom shrine, you have probably seen crowds of people packed tightly together, holding flowers, incense, and candles, all lining up to pay respect. Today, let us get to know more about how to worship Phra Phrom.

Who is Phra Phrom?

Phra Phrom is an important deity in Hinduism, highly revered and widely worshipped in Thailand. Let us look at who he is and where this belief comes from.

Origin and background

Phra Phrom is one of the Trimurti – the three most important deities in Hinduism, consisting of:

• Brahma (Phra Phrom) – the Creator

• Vishnu (Phra Narai) – the Preserver

• Shiva (Phra Siwa) – the Destroyer and Re-creator

Distinctive appearance

In general, Phra Phrom is depicted with four arms, not eight. Each hand holds a sacred item, each with symbolic meaning.

Phra Phrom with four arms (standard form)

The image of Phra Phrom we most often see in Thailand, including at the Erawan Shrine, normally holds:

• The Vedas (holy scriptures) – symbol of knowledge and wisdom

• A rosary (mala) – representing time and the cycles of the universe

• A lotus flower – purity and creative power

• A water pot (kamandalu) – the water of life and creation

Phra Phrom with eight arms (special form)

There are also some special depictions of Phra Phrom with eight arms, in which he may hold additional items such as:

• The Vedas

• A rosary

• A lotus

• A water pot

• A ritual ladle (śruva) – used in fire offerings and sacrifice rituals

• A bow – power and might

• A discus (chakra) – supreme authority

• A sword or mace – power to rule and protect

However, the eight-armed form is not often seen. Most Phra Phrom images at shrines in Thailand are the four-armed type.

Vehicle (mount)

• Phra Phrom is usually shown seated on a swan (or goose), symbolising wisdom and purity.

Why do Thai people like to worship Phra Phrom?

Thai people believe that Phra Phrom has the power to bestow blessings, especially in areas such as:

• Career – advancement, promotion, and stability

• Business – prosperity, good sales, and many customers

• Loving-kindness and popularity – being well-liked and supported by others

• Success – fulfilment of one’s wishes and goals

Famous Phra Phrom shrines

The Erawan Shrine (San Phra Phrom Erawan) at the Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok is the most famous Phra Phrom shrine in Thailand. Both Thais and foreigners visit to pay respects and ask for blessings, especially visitors from China and other East Asian countries.

In short, Phra Phrom is a powerful deity long revered by Thai people. Many believe that worshipping him brings prosperity in life, popularity, and success in achieving one’s heartfelt wishes.

How should you prepare to worship Phra Phrom?

What to prepare

Common offerings include:

• 9 incense sticks

  (Some shrines ask for 12. Follow the specific instructions of the shrine you are visiting.)

• 4 candles

  (Representing the four faces of Phra Phrom)

• 4 flower garlands

  (Or other flowers prepared as offerings)

• Krayasat (traditional Thai sweet offering) – if available

Nowadays, most shrines have ready-made offering sets sold in front of the shrine. This makes it very convenient; you do not need to search around for items yourself.

Step-by-step: How to worship

1. Light the incense and candles

   Light all incense sticks and candles according to the required number first.

2. Walk around and pay respect at all four faces

   Start at the front face (the side facing the main entrance), then move clockwise to your right, paying respect at each of the four sides.

   At each face:

   
   

   • Place 3 incense sticks

   • Place 1 candle

   • Offer 1 flower garland

   
   

3. Pay homage to the Buddha and then to Phra Phrom

   Before asking for anything, begin by reciting a homage to the Triple Gem (the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha), and then chant the verses for Phra Phrom.

4. Make your request (ask for blessings)

   This is the most important part. Clearly state:

   
   

   • Your full name

   • Date of birth (day, month, year)

   • Your address or place of residence

   
   

   Then state your wishes clearly and sincerely. Avoid asking for anything unfair, harmful to others, or unrealistic to the point of being impossible.

5. Make a resolution or vow of good deeds

   Form a clear intention about what you will do in return – for example:

   
   

   • Coming back to offer more flowers

   • Sponsoring a traditional Thai dance performance in thanks

   • Making donations or doing charitable acts

   
   

Chants for worshipping Phra Phrom

Below are commonly used chants when paying respect to Phra Phrom. You can choose according to what is suitable for you.

1. Preliminary homage to the Triple Gem (always chant first)

Homage to the Buddha (in Pali):

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa  (3 times)

2. Short main chant for Phra Phrom (very commonly used)

Om Brahma Thapanaya Nama

Chant 3 or 9 times.

3. Full prayer for Phra Phrom (Thai prayer text in English)

Om Brahmane Nama.

I bow in homage to Phra Phrom, the Great Lord,

the Creator of the world and the universe,

who is full of great loving-kindness and great compassion.

May the Divine One kindly grant blessings so that I

may be successful, wise, and prosperous

now and always.

(You may insert your name in this prayer if you wish.)

4. Short mantra for Phra Phrom

Original mantra in Roman letters:

Om Paramesa Namaskaram Brahmane Nama

Ongkara Nissavaram Brahma Sahampati-namang

Aham Vandāmi Sabbadā

Meaning:

“I always pay homage to the great Lord Brahma, the supreme one.”

5. Chant for Phra Phrom’s four faces

Brahmā ca Mahādevo Issaro ca Mahissaro

Brahmā lokānaṃ paṭhamaṃ maṅgalaṃ hotu sabbadā

Meaning:

“May Phra Phrom, the Great Lord, the origin of all worlds,

grant auspiciousness at all times.”

Recommended chanting order (complete form)

1. Chant Namo tassa… 3 times.

2. Chant the main Phra Phrom mantra:

   Om Brahma Thapanaya Nama (3–9 times)

3. Introduce yourself: full name, date of birth, address.

4. Clearly state your wishes and requests for blessings.

5. State what you intend to do in thanks if your wishes are fulfilled.

6. Bow or prostrate 3 times.

Note:

It is generally not recommended to make “bargaining vows” (for example, “If I get X, I will give Y”), but rather to focus on asking sincerely for blessings, and then do good deeds out of genuine gratitude.

Practical tips when worshipping Phra Phrom

• Go in the morning if possible – it is cooler and usually less crowded.

• Dress modestly and respectfully – avoid clothing that is overly revealing.

• Be careful with safety – there are many people, and open flames from candles and incense, so be mindful.

• Dispose of trash properly – help keep the shrine clean and orderly.

What should you do if your wish is granted?

This is something many people forget. If you made a request and feel that your wish has been granted, you should return to fulfil what you promised or at least express thanks, for example by:

• Bringing more flowers and offerings

• Sponsoring a traditional Thai dance performance as a form of thanks

• Making donations or doing charitable acts within your means

At the Erawan Shrine, there are already services for hiring traditional dancers or performers. The price varies depending on the type and size of the performance and your budget.

In summary

Worshipping Phra Phrom is not complicated. The most important things are:

• A sincere and respectful heart

• Faith grounded in goodness

• Not asking for anything immoral or harmful

• Remembering to do what you resolved to do if your wish is granted

Most importantly, worship is only one part of the picture. If we want our lives to truly improve, we must also help ourselves by working hard, being disciplined, and continuously developing ourselves. Worship and effort go hand in hand.

If you have a chance to visit the Ratchaprasong area, try stopping by the Erawan Shrine to pay respect to Phra Phrom. The atmosphere is very special, and you can truly feel the faith of the many people who come to pray and ask for blessings there.