Thapthim Shrine at Saphan Luang, Thailand's revered spiritual site. This spiritual hotspot is gaining attention for its sacredness, drawing many devotees who line up to pay respects and ask for blessings from the Thapthim deity at the shrine. Thairath Online presents the history of the Thapthim Shrine at Saphan Luang, which is over 150 years old, along with proper worship methods and simple travel instructions for visitors.
The origin of the Thapthim Shrine at Saphan Luang (also known as "Eung Kia Tien Ho Keng") dates back to the early reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). During that period, many Chinese immigrants settled in Siam. Among them was the family of Mr. Ju Sae Tang, who traveled from Teochew, Guangdong Province, to live with his elder brother who had immigrated earlier.
One day, Mr. Ju's elder brother, was walking along the Bang Rak canal when he noticed an object floating upstream, settling in a whirlpool. He initially paid no attention, but after several days, he saw it still floating there. He decided to retrieve it and found it was a wooden carved statue of the Thapthim deity. He respectfully brought it home.
Later, Mr. Ju chose the Saphan Luang area to raise ducks for sale to merchants in Yaowarat Market. As his business grew, his brother entrusted him with the Thapthim statue to find a suitable place for worship. Mr. Ju built a small shrine, and when local residents and Chinese neighbors learned of it, they came to worship and make vows. Many found their wishes fulfilled, leading to the shrine's growing reputation for sacredness and the eventual establishment of the official Thapthim Shrine.
In 1911, during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), the king graciously ordered the creation of a censer bearing the royal cipher "Jor Por Ror", with Chinese characters, as a royal tribute to King Rama V during the royal cremation ceremony. The Thapthim Shrine at Saphan Luang received this censer, which remains in use today.
The over-century-old Thapthim deity at this shrine is renowned for compassion and sacred power. Visitors commonly come to pray for success in work, business, trade, and matters of love, whether single or in a relationship.
When making a wish to the Thapthim deity, begin by calming your mind and focusing. Then, mentally introduce yourself with your full name and date of birth before stating your wish clearly. After praying, you may take the offerings back to consume.
Additionally, some visitors observe the custom of dressing neatly, as one would when paying respects to elders or respected relatives, since the Thapthim deity is affectionately called " A-Ma, who is said to be highly compassionate and grants blessings to those who come to ask for favors.
"Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa" (Chant 3 times)
"Imang Sajjavagang Adhisthami Iti Iwinyana Amanima Nimama Metta Thanam Laphang Sappakunang Akangcha Momahi" (Chant 5 times)
Note: Typically, worship at Chinese shrines involves focused prayer and wishes. However, anyone wishing to chant these mantras for peace of mind may do so.
1. Light a pair of candles and five incense sticks to worship Heaven and Earth at the front of the shrine.
2. Light three incense sticks at the censer to pay respects to the Thapthim deity.
3. Light three incense sticks to worship Cha Leng Yak Kong (the Green Dragon deity).
4. Light three incense sticks for Pae Kong and five incense sticks for Ti Chu E (the Earth God).
5. Light two incense sticks for Ming Xing, the guardian deities at the left and right gates (one incense stick per side).
Note: Incense, candles, paper offerings, and lamp oil are available at the shrine entrance. Auspicious fruits and cakes can be brought by visitors.
The shrine is located in Soi Chulalongkorn 9 and is open for worship daily with the following hours:
Directions to Thapthim Shrine at Saphan Luang are easy by subway; take the MRT to Sam Yan Station (Exit 2). From there, walk through the Sam Yan Mitrtown shopping center to the other side. You can open Google Maps and continue walking toward Sam Yan Market, heading to the shrine. The walk takes about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you may take a tuk-tuk, motorcycle taxi, or taxi.
Parking is not available directly in front of the shrine. Visitors arriving by private car are advised to park at the following locations:
Besides Thapthim Shrine at Saphan Luang, there are several other Thapthim shrines in Bangkok and its vicinity popular among devotees, such as those at Saphan Sanghi, Phahurat, Bang Mod, and Samut Prakan.
Thanks for the images and information from :the Facebook page of Thapthim Shrine at Saphan Luang.
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