Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Thailand is a Buddhist country, but there's a deep element of Hinduism running through Thai culture, and Hindu gods are venerated in shrines and even at Buddhist temples in Thailand. Even though they belong to a different religion, Thai Buddhists often visit the Hindu temple to pray and make offerings, and it is believed that the Hindu gods can give blessings of wealth, luck, happiness, and love.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is also known as "Wat Khaek", a Thai name meaning "Temple of the Guests". Located downtown along the busy Silom Road, the temple is the biggest, oldest, and most important Hindu temple in the kingdom. It's got a fascinating and rich history tied to the Thailand's substantial Thai-Indian population. When India became a British colony in 1858, some people preferred to leave their home rather than live under the Raj. A not-insignificant number of Indian immigrants made their way to Thailand, and built Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in 1879. Today, a large number of the Thai-Indian population enjoys full Thai citizenship. Much like the Thai-Chinese community, the Thai-Indian community in Bangkok is an important part of the city's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

The temple's great doors were closed, perhaps in preparation for evening Diwali festivities, but peering through the gates, I could see a white-robed priest pacing through the grounds. I wasn't sure if he was in prayer or meditation, or was perhaps just making sure that everything looked perfect for the evening's ceremonies.