Phra Phrom
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Phra Phrom (พระพรหม; from Sanskrit: Vara Brahma) is the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma,[1] and is regarded as a fortune and protection deity. A celebrated example of this representation is the statue of Brahma at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok.[2] The golden dome of the Government House of Thailand also contains a statue of Phra Phrom.
Worshipers of Phra Phrom usually offer incense, candles, jasmine flowers or jasmine garlands and young coconut milk (with water in them) in their worship, usually placing these offerings before all four heads of Phra Phrom, each head representing a different aspect of the deity; it is believed each side of Phra Phrom offers different blessings. Another common way of worship is to place wooden elephant statues on the altar to honor him. Phra Phrom is also known to admire Thai classical music, which is played near larger scale outdoor altars, accompanied by dancers. Worshipers of Phra Phrom are also usually advised to abstain from consuming meat.
Phra Phrom is colloquially (and erroneously) known outside Thailand as the four-faced Buddha (四面佛, Sìmiàn fó) by overseas Chinese worshipers, especially in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan where worship of Phra Phrom is very popular.
