Phra Pradaeng City Pillar Shrine

Today, we take you to pay respects and make wishes at the Phra Pradaeng City Pillar Shrine, a sacred site that has been a symbol of the city for centuries. The shrine is home to the oldest Ganesha statue in Thailand, located in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan. This ancient Ganesha statue, believed to be over a thousand years old, was crafted from stone and features four arms. The upper right hand holds a trident, the lower right hand holds a tusk, the upper left hand holds a noose, and the lower left hand holds a bowl of sweets. The shrine itself was built in 1815 (during the reign of King Rama II), making it over 200 years old. When you arrive, the first step is to light five incense sticks to pay homage to the heavens and earth, announcing your presence. Then, you can make offerings to the deity by donating money (a full set of offerings costs 100 baht) or presenting garlands according to your faith. Afterward, proceed to the pavilion to pay respects, recite prayers, and make your offerings. Light the incense sticks, bow in reverence, and place the incense in the urn outside. Then, visit various points within the shrine to make your wishes. Don’t forget to whisper your wishes into the ears of the two mouse statues, as they are believed to carry your prayers to Ganesha. You can also pay respects to Goddess Lakshmi and Guan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy). Before leaving, bow once more to the deity to bid farewell and pray for blessings, success, fulfillment of your wishes, and safe travels. 📍Phra Pradaeng City Pillar Shrine is located in the Phra Pradaeng Market, Nakhon Khuean Khan Road, Talat Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province.