Erawan Shrine was created as a spirit house to the Erawan Hotel. The name Erawan comes from Brahma's thirty-three headed elephant.
The forces of the typical Thai spirit house didn't seem effective enough during the building of the hotel, so spiritual persons advised that it should be replaced with the four-headed image of Phra Phrom in Thai.
The shrine has became famous for bringing good fortune. People offer colourful flower garlands, lotus, incense and candles.
Often, if a wish has been granted, people thank the spirits by donating teak elephants or commissioning the classical Thai dancers and live orchestra.