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On Sunday, April 21, 1782, at 6:54 a.m., King Rama I commanded the raising of the city pillar in the heart of the new capital, according to the royal scriptures known as the Nakhon Than Royal Ceremony.
The current city pillar was created to replace the original one, which had deteriorated with time. It's a teak pillar with an exterior layer of Chaipruk wood. It stands 108 inches tall and has a 70-inch wide base. The mantra-shaped top of the pillar holds the capital's fortune.
The Fine Arts Department has registered the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine as an ancient monument. It is located near the Ministry of Defense. The shrine available for public worship every day from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and will be open all night on New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year. More information and news at www.bangkokcitypillarshrine.com
Written, translated, and illustrated by: Ratchanok T.