This is the floor of the lower beings and the level is called Suvarnabhumi. This is where the tour to the museum commences and the place where you can encounter many ancient and precious relics from the founder of the museum Lek Viriyaphant himself. There are tea sets, collections of vases, elegant bowls etc. from the Qing Dynasty and Ming dynasty. It also has a sculpted statue of half naga, which is believed to have guarded these treasures underwater for so many years.
This section represents the human earth and symbolises Mount Meru which is the centre of the Buddhist world. There is rich iconography in the beautiful towering hallways and the winding staircases radiate the utmost level of artistic joy. Here you can see hand- beaten copper work, the dexterity of Petchaburi craftsmen through their intricate work of stucco, Benjarong inlays, mural paintings etc. the beautiful colour stained ceiling made of glass is a spectacle to look at which represents the Milky way galaxy and the roof of the universe.
Tavatimsa Heaven is located in the belly of the beautifully carved beast. A Bodhisattva statue stands tall in the middle of this level of the museum to remind the visitors of cosmos or heaven. There are several Buddha posters and abstract art paintings in this part of the museum. This section of the museum aligns truthfully with the concept of fusion art displayed in the museum. A three dimensional Dali painting spotlights the surrealism of the temple in the far end corner of the section.
When you are done with your tour in Erawan Museum and want to spend some more time in the area, then you can head straight into the relaxing greens of the nearby Erawan Garden. This garden too is full of surprises for you. It has various elegant statues of elephants placed in the garden and as an element of surprise, a trumpet sounds as soon as someone passes beneath them. This is made possible by the use of sensors that are attached to the elephant statues.
Other than that, you can enjoy the serene tropical trees amidst the sculptures from Hinduism and Buddhism. Other smaller shrines like the ones dedicated to lord Ganesha are also present. When you are done enjoying the ambience, you can head over to the eatery situated here to enjoy food at a very reasonable price.
Walk into the grand museum of one of its kind, built on a spectacular pedestal, signifying the importance of Erawan, the mystical elephant that fought alongside Indra- the highest of the deities.
Enjoy the three levels of the museum and soak in the grandiosity of Thai culture as you admire even the roof of the museum which is covered in the paintings of various galaxies, signifying the grandiosity of the universe.
You can expect a perfect union of architecture, mythology and tropical scenic beauty as you emerge yourself completely in the beauty of the artefacts and paintings that are kept in this museum.
A walk in the garden outside the museum is a must and you can even feed the school of carps presents in the artificially made pond.
Expect to emerge yourself in the local culture and you can even try praying for good luck and prosperity from the Erawan elephant by floating lotus in the pond water.
Location:
99 Kanchanaphisek Rd, Bang Muang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
Time:
9 am to 6 pm everyday
Best time to visit-
The morning hours would be the best if you want to fully drown yourself in the cultural and mythological heritage of the museum. This would be the best time to take amazing pictures and spend some time alone in the serenity as the crowd would be way lesser than in the afternoon or evening hours.
Rules And Regulations:
By Metro: On the light green line towards Kheha, take the BTS to either Pu Chao BTS Station or Chang Erawan BTS Station. The museum is located halfway between these two stations. So, in any case, you'll have to get down and get a taxi or cab.
By Bus: Bus 511 travels from major areas such as Kong Salak (near Khao San Road), Sukhumvit (near Asok BTS station), and all the way to Khong Korek bus station, just ahead of Erawan Museum.
What is the three-headed elephant in the Erawan Museum?
The three headed elephant in the Erawan Museum is the symbolic representation of Erawan or Airavata elephant that can pass through all three realms of the universe and had fought alongside the great deity Indra. Erawan bestows humans with rain and rainbows in the times of famine and droughts. Therefore this majestic creature is often paid homage by the local inhabitants too. This Erawan has 3 heads which represent the 33 heads of the Airavata elephant.
How far is the Erawan Museum from Bangkok?
Erawan Museum is not too far from Bangkok and is built in the ancient city that has miniature versions of all the ancient places of Thailand. It is situated at a distance of 26 km from Bangkok and is just 45 minutes away from the capital city.
What is unique about the Erawan Museum?
Erawan Museum has a 14 storey long hand carved statue of Erawan elephant whose outer layer is made from pure copper. This is one of its kind museums and houses ancient relics and artefacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has three levels of exhibition which are indicative of the three dimensions of existence in Hindu mythology. This museum is unique for being the perfect fusion of architecture, history and mythology.
How long does it take to explore the Erawan Museum?
It takes around 1 hour to fully explore the Erawan Museum. If you want to spend ample time in the garden as well and sit in the museum to pray, then it might take you around 2 hours to do the same.
What are the three interesting facts about the Erawan Museum?