"Success is not measured by expensive offerings but by the proper method of worship." Today, we will take everyone to enhance their auspiciousness at the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine, featuring insights from Phra Maharatchakhru Phithi Sri Wisutthikun, the current chief royal Brahmin from the Royal Ceremonies Department, Bureau of the Royal Household, who reveals in-depth worship secrets.Worship techniquesWhat must be done at each spot to greatly boost your luck for 2026.
The "City Pillar Shrine"was built during the reign of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) after he ordered the city pillar raising ceremony on Sunday, 21 April 1782. The city pillar was made of Chaiyaphreuk wood with rosewood cladding outside, and the top shaped like a lotus bud.
Later, during King Mongkut's reign (Rama IV), he ordered the erection of a new city pillar due to the original's deterioration. The new pillar used teak wood as its core, decorated with Chaiyaphreuk wood, topped with a Mand-shaped finial, to enhance prosperity as the residence of the city pillar deity.
Subsequently, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) attended the 200th anniversary celebration of Rattanakosin in 1982 and graciously ordered the restoration and beautification of the City Pillar Shrine to its complete state.
Currently, the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine area also includes shrines for the five guardian spirits believed to protect the nation: Phra Suea Muang, Phra Song Muang, Phra Kan Chai Sri, Chao Jethakup, and Chao Hok Klong, along with the Buddha image hall.
The Bangkok City Pillar Shrine is situated at the southeastern corner of Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace, near the Ministry of Defense. It was built alongside the founding of Rattanakosin (modern-day Bangkok) as the capital during King Rama I’s reign on 21 April 1782. The shrine follows Brahmin customs, based on the belief that before establishing a city, one must raise the city pillar at an auspicious site to bring blessings to the new city. The original pillar was made of Chaiyaphreuk wood with rosewood cladding and a lotus-bud-shaped top.
To this day, the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine has two city pillars because the original deteriorated significantly. During King Rama IV’s reign, a new city pillar was established to replace the old one. This new pillar is made from teak core wood with Chaiyaphreuk wood cladding, topped with a Mand-shaped finial, and a new horoscope of the city was inscribed to ensure lasting prosperity for the nation and Thai people.
First, purchase offerings for the City Pillar Shrine, including flowers, incense, and candles.Gold leaf Three-colored silk clothOil for the lamp. There are five worship spots in total.
Spot 1 At the Buddha image hall, pay respects by offering one lotus flower to the Buddha image inside.
Spot 2 Worship the replica city pillar by placing incense and candles (unlit), reciting a prayer, applying gold leaf to the revered pillar, then tying the three-colored silk cloth around the replica pillar all at once without separating the cloth pieces.
Spot 3 Worship the actual city pillar by paying respects and offering a garland.
Spot 4 At the shrines of the five guardian spirits—Phra Suea Muang, Phra Song Muang, Phra Kan Chai Sri, Chao Jethakup, and Chao Hok Klong—pay respects to the protectors of the city.You may offer additional garlands bought separately, depending on your faith..
Spot 5 Refill the oil lamp corresponding to your birth day’s deity by pouring oil into the lamp to enhance your fortune.
Before leaving, stop by the Buddha image hall to raise the fortune-telling Buddha statue for blessings and to predict your luck. Those wishing to boost their luck can visit the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine, open daily from 06:30 to 18:30.