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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 died before the construction was completed, their heirs continued their wish to create a place where ceremonies and festivales of Thai traditions might be held, and that would also serve as a museum to keep the memory of Khun Lek Viriyapant's life and work alive for future generations.

Erawan is an Elephant in the Epic literature. Every Thais is familiar with Erawan as literature elephant ridden by Indra. Erawan was built as sculpture with copper as tall as 17 storeys building.

The museum's three separate floors symbolize 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.

The shepherds visit baby Jesus

Christian pillar

The four supporting pillars depicting scenes from the four religions prop up the roof which, in turn, symbolizes earth. Rounding off the fanciful, eclectic blend of East, West, traditional and modern decorative styles is a splendid stained glass ceiling by the German artist, Jacob Schwarzkopf, which represents the roof of the world, the Zodiac and stars above.

High above the main hall, the stained glass ceiling beneath the dome is etched with a map of the world, the stars and the zodiac symbols.

the splendid stained glass ceiling on which a world map and zodiac are illustrated, the creative design of German artist Jacob Schwarzkopf.

The domed upper level of the pedestal, representing Mount Meru (the centre of the Buddhist universe), is brashly beautiful. A towering, techni-coloured hall rich with iconography and artistic exuberance, what really impresses here is craftsmanship.

Two staircases studded with porcelain wind upstairs on either side of the hall, virtually the stairways to heaven, passing the altar of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, on the way up.

the altar of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, on the way up.

Each pillar represents the four major religions of the world, which are Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam 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 melange of artistic skills used to ornament everything from walls to winding staircases is incredibly diverse, and includes hand-beaten copper work, Benjarong inlays, intricate stucco by Petchaburi craftsmen, tin embossed tableaus, and mural paintings.

The stairways to the belly of the elephant, which is the “stairways to heaven” is an art work made up of broken pieces of Benjarong pottery.

The start of the stairway to Heaven

From conception to completion it took almost ten years to construct. With a proud, war-like demeanor and trunks the size of ancient Banyan Trees, this is an epic image of Hindu mythology's Airavata (otherwise known as Erawan) you'll never forget.

Sound: Thai Traditional Music

Text & Pictures: InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda