Heartbroken, wanting a partner, wishing for children, hoping to win the lottery, dreaming of wealth—these are just some of the life challenges that lead people to seek blessings at sacred sites. Today, we present a list of places where you can pray and ask for help. Even though these are merely beliefs and faith, we cannot know if our wishes will truly come true, but they certainly provide emotional support and encouragement for many Thai people.

     1. Blessings for Love: Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Single women approaching their thirties who want to find love should visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon. The number 3 symbolizes the Reclining Buddha and represents a woman's love according to belief systems. In addition to love, this site is also revered for luck and success.

Location:  Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangkalaram, Ratchawaramahawihan 2, Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.

Transportation: Bus lines 1, 3, 25, 32, 33, 59, 60, 70, 82, and express buses 2, 3, 6, 25, 32, 59, 60.

     2. Blessings for Love: Goddess Uma at Wat Phra Sri Maha Uma Wat

For singles wishing for a long-lasting love, it is recommended to pay respects to Goddess Uma at the Indian Temple (Wat Phra Sri Maha Uma Wat) in Silom. She is known as the goddess of power and fortune, famous for her faith and steadfast love for Lord Shiva. Offerings are prepared at the temple entrance for 60 baht, but you can also bring additional items like flowers, coconuts, yogurt, and bananas. The temple uses these donations for maintenance and events. Note that no meat is allowed inside the temple, and women on their period are not permitted to enter.

Location: Wat Phra Sri Maha Uma Wat, 2 Silom Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok.

Transportation: Bus lines 15, 77, 115, 163, 164, BTS Sala Daeng station / MRT Silom.

     3. Blessings for Fortune: Luang Por Pak Daeng at Wat Phra Manee

If you wish to win the lottery or gain wealth, visit Luang Por Pak Daeng at Wat Phra Manee, an ancient temple in Nakhon Nayok known for granting fortune. Many Thai people and lottery enthusiasts flock here, believing that the lucky numbers from Luang Por Pak Daeng will lead them to riches overnight. The main offerings include 9 clusters of bananas, 9 sets of betel nuts, 9 garlands, and 1 bottle of red drink.

Location: Tambon Sarika, Mueang District, Nakhon Nayok.

     4. Blessings for Safe Travels: Luang Por To at Wat Kalayanamit

Before embarking on a journey, it's wise to seek blessings for safety. Visit Luang Por To at Wat Kalayanamit, known among the Chinese as Sam Po Hut Gong. Besides travel safety, he is also revered for fostering good friendships. Offerings include 3 incense sticks, a pair of red candles, and flower garlands for auspiciousness.

Location: Wat Kalayanamit, Thonburi, Bangkok.
Transportation: Bus lines 40, 57, 149, express bus 177, or take a ferry from Pak Khlong Talat to Wat Kalayanamit.

     5. Instant Blessings: Luang Por Than Jai at Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Head north to pray at Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai, where Luang Por Than Jai is known for granting wishes instantly. Whether for business, studies, work, or luck, many people come to pay respects. You can only ask for one wish at a time. Light 3 incense sticks, say your name clearly in your heart, and make a wish. If granted, you should return with more than 50 garlands of fresh flowers as an offering.

Location: On the way to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park, about 10 kilometers from Chiang Mai city.

     6. Blessings for Children: God Tua Lao Aye at the Tiger God Shrine

If you wish to have children but haven't been able to, pay attention to the calendar. Every 15th night of the first month is a special day for asking for children at the Tiger God Shrine. This ceremony, known as “Jab Hong Mae,” requires offerings of 1 pair of brown sugar lions (similar to cut bean cakes) to the God Tua Lao Aye, which you should take home for worship. If you are blessed with a child, you must return the following year with double the offerings. You can make your request from 6 AM to midnight. In 2018, the day for Jab Hong Mae falls on March 2nd. Note that this day occurs only once a year.

Location: Thanon Tanao, near the Giant Swing, Phra Nakhon.

Transportation: Bus lines 10, 12, 19, 35, 42, and express bus 12.

     7. Blessings for Victory: Wat Chana Songkhram

If you are facing conflicts, enemies, or legal battles and wish to win, visit the main Buddha statue and Somdet Phra Rajawang Bovorn Maha Surasinghanat in the temple. It is believed that worshipping here will grant you victory over all obstacles, just as the name of the temple suggests. Offerings for the main Buddha statue include 3 incense sticks, 1 candle, and 1 lotus flower. For the statue of Somdet Phra Rajawang Bovorn Maha Surasinghanat, use 5 incense sticks.

Location: Chakphong Road, Bang Lamphu, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.

Transportation: Bus lines 3, 32, 33, 64, 65, express buses 3, 32, 33, 64, 65.

     8. Blessings for Popularity: Wat Rakhang Khositaram

If you wish to gain fame and recognition like a bell, visit Wat Rakhang Khositaram to pay respects to Somdet Phra Puthacharn (To Phromrangsi) and the main Buddha statue. Offer 3 incense sticks, a pair of candles, and 3 sheets of gold leaf while reciting the Chinabanchorn prayer.

Location: 250 Arun Amarin Road, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok.

Transportation: Bus lines 19, 57, 83, or take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Wang Lang Pier and cross from Tha Chang to Wat Rakhang.

Ultimately, praying for blessings is just one way to feel comforted and encouraged. If we believe that by doing good and behaving well, good things will eventually come our way.

source: www.travel.mthai.com