The striking colossal elephant, whose three heads alone weigh around 100 tonnes, is an inescapable landmark for anyone travelling through Samut Prakan provinceThe gigantic base and interior of this magnificent three-headed elephant houses priceless antiquities in a three-level hall known as the Erawan Museum.
Altogether, it is an astonishing edifice born of the strong faith and glorious imagination of Lek Viriyahbhun, who is also the initiator of Ancient City, the world's largest outdoor museum boasting numerous replicas of Thailand's most historically significant attractions.
Known for his avid interest in antique collecting, Mr Lek recognised the importance of the cultural heritage the ancient objects on display within the museum represent.
Realising that priceless and distinctive antiques should be marked as national treasures and preserved for future generations, Mr Lek tried to figure out an appropriate place to display them where they could remain protected through the ages.
When one of his foreign visitors made the remark that apple-shaped architecture was related to Western cultural ideology, Mr Lek began to consider an Eastern analogy. The concept later evolved into a major inspiration to establish a museum in the shape of a heavenly elephant - Airavata, the divine vehicle of Lord Indra according to Hindu mythology.
The entire design of the building that arose from his determined vision was passed on to his eldest son, Pakpiern Viriyahbhun, who was in charge of the construction project. Over 10 years of perseverance, common clay and dust were finally formed into the massive 43-metre tall sculpture which today stands on a long stretch of Sukhumvit road.
The elephant's massive body, made of pure bronze, is set on the top of a huge round base painted in pastel pink. Inside the breathtaking museum hall invaluable reminders of Thailand's ancient heritage are kept, while its captivating interior is lavishly adorned with elegant decorative pieces of contemporary art. The museum's three separate floors symbolise the universe and are designed in accordance with the three-tiered cosmology of the Hindu-Thai Buddhist concept of Tribhumi.
The basement level represents the underworld. Alongside rare artefacts from furniture to ceramics and pottery, large display boards detail the history and construction of the Erawan Museum.Moving up to the next level, depicting the human world, the exquisite interior decoration inside the dome-shaped architecture reflects a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western art. Highlights include the splendid stained glass ceiling on which a world map and zodiac are illustrated, the creative design of German artist Jacob Schwarzkopf.
Intricately detailed stucco works by Phetchaburi artisans were elaborately installed over the sweeping staircases, and magnificent arches as well as the Avalokiteshavara shrine are situated on the mezzanine level. All these decorative stuccos are enhanced with countless pieces of crusted Bencharong ceramics.
The finely embellished venue is supported by four embossed tin pillars on which are depicted religious tales. These standing columns portray the four Buddhist principles of virtue that help bring authentic peace to the heart of mankind and sustain the world.A narrow spiral staircase passing through the right hind leg of the elephant leads to Tavatimsa Heaven, deep inside the elephant's belly.
This eye-catching room on the top of the museum marks the second heaven where Indra resides, and houses two superb Buddha images, glistening with gold. Portions of relics of the Lord Buddha are placed inside the walking Buddha statue below a replica of the Phra Phuttha Sihing.
Apart from a display of old Buddha images from different periods, the most charming feature of this level is its curved wall and ceiling, which was transformed into a representation of the eternal cosmos with beautiful hand-painted patterns.
As a result of the solid Hindu influence in Thai Buddhism, the grand Erawan statue has come to serve as a prominent sacred object among Thai worshippers who continue to visit the museum to pay homage and seek blessings from their "God elephant".Mr Lek Viriyahbhun's ambitious effort has shown the incredible power of faith to make the impossible happen. This is clearly evident in this artistic masterpiece which - a new symbol of old Siam.