Thailand's Largest Stainless Steel Ganesha Statue Opens in Bangkok
A massive stainless steel Ganesha statue, claimed to be Thailand's largest, has been installed at a Bangkok development. Weighing 190 kg and made of rust-proof 316 steel, the six-armed deity holds modern symbols like a Bitcoin, smartphone, and medicine capsule alongside traditional items. The statue was consecrated in three ceremonies and is open for public worship.
Ganesha is one of the most well-known deities among Thais, believed to be the 'god of success' who brings prosperity to worshippers, particularly those in artistic, performance, and craft professions. Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Uma, with four arms, an elephant head, one tusk, a yellow body, a potbelly, and a mouse as a vehicle. Shiva blessed him as the remover of all obstacles and the god of wisdom and success. In Brahmin ceremonies, Ganesha must be honored first before other deities.
Several years ago, actress Susana Tasaneeya (Kru Kong KPN) and her businessman partner Pisit Kraisorasuwan (P' Mee) presided over the consecration and installation of 'Phra Sitthakana Pati,' the largest stainless steel Ganesha statue in Thailand. It stands at the front of EV Wine (Thailand) Co., Ltd., in the Premium Place-Mix Ekamai-Ramintra project on Nawamin Road, Bangkok. The statue depicts Ganesha in a blessing posture with modern attributes.
The statue is cast entirely from 316-grade stainless steel, weighing over 190 kilograms, making it the largest stainless steel Ganesha in Thailand. Placed outdoors, it reflects sunlight like a glass mirror and will never rust, enduring permanently for future generations to worship.
The deity has one face and six arms. On the right side: the first hand makes a blessing gesture; the second holds a Bitcoin, symbolizing digital currency as the money of the future; the third holds a smartphone, representing an essential modern tool for work and life, blessing worshippers with career success.
On the left side: the first hand holds a medicine capsule, representing modern medical treatment and granting freedom from illness; the second holds a rose, symbolizing love, loyalty, beauty, and homage to his mother Uma; the third holds a trident, the weapon that destroys obstacles and evil, also honoring his father Shiva.
Phra Sitthakana Pati underwent three sacred consecration rites: a Buddhist ceremony, a Thai-Brahmin ceremony led by royal Brahmins, and a South Indian Brahmin ceremony for auspiciousness.
