Spectacular yet approachable three-headed elephant deity

Thailand is known for its numerous temples, but the Erawan Museum, featuring the three-headed elephant deity, is less commonly seen on social media. The entrance fee is 500 baht, and even before officially entering, the three-headed elephant statue captures your attention with its grandeur from afar. Perhaps due to its museum nature, it lacks the solemnity of a temple. Once inside, visitors can freely explore or pay their respects. It's recommended to take a stroll around the pond beneath the museum, where many elephant statues surround the area. Each has its own name, and as you walk under them, you might even hear elephant sounds, which is quite amusing. Next, when visiting the museum's interior, you need to remove your shoes as there are Buddha statues inside. The interior features four large pillars depicting stories from different religions, including not only Buddhism but also Jesus. Some visitors use headphones during their visit, likely for audio guides that provide deeper insights into the stories. Even without the guide, simply admiring the intricate carvings, decorations, and the stained glass ceiling is worth the ticket price. After ascending two or three levels via a spiral staircase (or taking the elevator), you'll reach the interior of the elephant's body, known as the "heavenly level." Here, there are Buddha statues for worship. Additionally, there are several antique Buddha statues nearby, though photography is not allowed. This area is air-conditioned, making it a good spot to rest for a while. Before leaving, you can visit the gift shop, which not only offers souvenirs but also has a small café selling snacks and drinks. As for transportation, to avoid walking, I took the BTS to Pu Chao station and then a Grab ride for 80 baht. On the return trip, I took a Grab to BTS Chang Erawan station, also around 80 baht. The museum also provides a tuk-tuk shuttle service to and from Chang Erawan station for 20 baht per person. When taking the BTS back to the city center, you can catch a glimpse of the three-headed elephant deity along the way. Seeing such a majestic statue up close and then spotting it effortlessly from the BTS makes you imagine how, for Thai residents who pass by daily, this grand deity becomes a familiar and approachable part of their everyday life.