The Erawan Shrine (officially named Thao Maha Brahma) is a Hindu Brahman, not Buddhist, shrine standing   alongside the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel at the busy junction of Ploenchit and Rajadamri Roads in the heart of downtown Bangkok. Although not old, built in 1956, it is an interesting testament to the role of religion in modern Thai society. As one of the nations most revered and respected shrines, every week sees thousands of Thai and other visitors attend the shrine to make their devotions and requests for blessings.