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This three-headed elephant, Airavata was born of
Khun Lek Viriyapant's ideas and imagination. It was inspired by his
wish to preserve his collection of antiques as a contribution to Thai
cultural heritage. Many of these were priceless objects of art they
were also held as sacred objects for people of ancient cultures.
According to ancient traditions they were believed to bring blessing
and prosperity to the land and its people, and therefore must not be
lost to outsiders. It had been Mr.Viriyapant's concern to find a way
that would keep these objects safe and that would also be suitable to
their traditional functions.
One day he had a visit from a Westerner who,
during the course of the conversation, suggested the idea of
constructing the most important building in the town in the form of an
apple which according to Western traditions of belief, played a crucial
part in the shaping of human destiny. This suggestion was warmly
welcomed by Mr.Viriyapant. He nevertheless thought it more appropriate
to adhere to Eastern traditions and thus decided on the heavenly
elephant Airavata of Hindu mythology. In addition, he wanted this
three-headed elephant to be more than just the vehicle of the god Indra.
The elephant would be a symbol of the centre of
the universe and, as such, the building would function symbolically as
the spiritual heart of the land where sacred objects of the land were
housed and revered. He then designed the building and gave the design
to Khun Pagpean Viriyapant, his eldest son, to begin construction.
Already during the construction, the building attracted people who came
to worship. Thus it fulfilled Khun Lek Viriyapant's wish to preserve
sacred objects for the country. Although both Khun Lek and Khun Pagpean
passed away before the construction was completed, their heirs
continued their wish to create a place where ceremonies and festivals
of Thai traditions might be held, and that would also serve as museum
to keep the memory of Khun Lek Viriyapant's life and work alive for
future generations.
Getting to The Erawan Museum: Bus No: 25,142,365 / Air-conditioned bus No: 102,507,511,536
Admissions: Adult Baht 150 / Children Baht 50
Office: The Ancient City 99/9 M.1 Muang Samut Prakan, Samut Prakan Province 10270
Tel: 0 2371 3135-6 Fax: 0 2371 3136
Open Everyday 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.
Website: www.erawan-museum.com
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