Phra Phrom
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Phra Phrom is the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma. A great example of this representation is the statue of Brahma at the Erawan Shrine.
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[edit] Background
For more than 5000 years, the disciples of Brahmana were known to have paid homage to Phra Phom as their highest esteemed God in their religion. The origin of this was that the Brahmana religion believed that these 3 Gods combined their powers to create the world. This religion was mainly symbolised by 3 major Gods:
- Brahma : Creator of the world and all things
- Vishnu : Preserver of all things
- Siva : Destroyer that makes all things exist and perish according to nature's cycles
The wives of these 3 Gods are also their capable assistants who also helped in the creation of the world. Brahma's wife is known as Saraswati which means the Goddess of great wisdom.
Brahma is believed to be the Creator of all things of the world. He is cool-tempered and possesses the highest moral principles. He is full of kindness, mercy, sympathy, and impartiality. These four precepts comprise the " Conscientious Behavior" corresponding to Buddhist teaching which instructs Buddhists of the four Dharma. Besides creating the world, Brahma also creates heaven and human beings.
The features of the Brahma/Phra Phom otherwise known as the 4-faced deva is a deva with 4 faces and a pair of hands. Many people in Southeast Asia know him as the 4 faces Buddha. In fact, in the records of Buddhist literature, he belongs to the class of Devas and not Buddha.
The significance of the 4 faces of the Great Brahma was to offer help to the people who come to him from all directions. It is also believed that there are special significance to the religions items held by the hand and its posture. The significance of the items interpreted are believed to be as follows :
- A Book in Hand : Represents Knowledge
- Beads : Controlling Karma
- Spear Stick : Will Power
- Flower Vase : Wish fulfillment
- Couch Shell : Wealth and Propserity
- Mystic Position of Hand placed on the chest : Compassion
- Flying Wheel : To avert disatster and clamaties, suppress evil.
- Cinta Mani (a kind of fan used by monks for blessings) : Power of Buddha blessings.
[edit] Gifts
Worshippers of Phra Phom usually offer Phra Phrom's favourite items: jasmine flowers /jasmine garlands and young coconut's (with water in them ) in their worship. Another common way of worship is to make offerings of wooden elephants to honour him. Phra Phom is also known to love Thai Classical Music.
Worshippers of Phra Phom are also usually advised to abstain from consuming beef.
