The Little Known Shrine Of Goddess Tuptim

Bangkok has more sites than just Buddhist templestraditional offering because people believe that the
and Buddhist images. Nearly at every corner ofshrine is dedicated to fertility.
Bangkok, you will see many small and big spirit housesAlthough the shrine is present within the boundaries of
and shrines to Hindu Gods and animism deities.a hotel, not many people know about it. Even guests
A must-see shrine in Bangkok is located on theof the hotel are not informed of its existence. This
grounds of Nai Lert Bangkok Hotel, also know ascould be because of the phallic symbols around the
Swissotel. The hotel is located on Wireless Road. Thisshrine; some are a few meters long! So people think it
shrine is decated to Phra Mae Tuptim. The exact originmight not be politically correct to advertize a shrine like
of the shrine is not known and many tourists do notthis.
know about this shrine. The among the locals is thatNo one can explain the name of the Goddess. Many
Nai Lert built this spirit house for the spirit that wasbelieve that the name could have originated from the
suppose to be living in the large ficus tree on the veryThai word, Tuptim, which means pomegranate.
same spot.Interestingly, many of the phallic symbols around the
Most Thais used to visit this shrine offered jasmineshrine are dark red in color resembling the color of
flowers, incense sticks and lotus buds. However, nowpomegranate juice.
the trend has changed. You will find many large andHowever, the site is well worth a visit if you are in the
small phallic symbols around the shrine instead of theneighborhood.