Hindu Deity Beliefs Among Thai Buddhists: A Case Study of Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Wat Khaek, Silom)

Abstract

The research aims to study the beliefs regarding Hindu deities among Thai Buddhists at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Wat Khaek Silom) in Bangkok. The study employed participant observation and a questionnaire survey conducted from November 2023 to July 2024.

          The study found that the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a Hindu temple of the Shakta tradition, which places the highest reverence on female deities. Chief among them are Goddess Uma Devi (also known as Mariamman or Kali), Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Sarasvati. The temple also honors the major male deities in Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, along with Ganesha and Kartikeya, the sons of Uma and Shiva. Furthermore, there is a recognized belief that the Hindu god Vishnu incarnated as the Buddha.

          Regarding the beliefs of worshippers, the research found that Thai Buddhists believe Hindu gods can grant success, remove obstacles, bring wealth and prosperity, and even bless them with a life partner. Most visitors who come to pray hold a bachelor’s degree, and their most common requests are for financial luck and personal success. For each prayer, they purchase and present offerings to the Hindu deities; notably, no offerings are made to the Buddha statues within the temple complex.

          These findings support the hypothesis that the evolution of Hindu deity beliefs has influenced changes in Buddhist beliefs within Thai society. In particular, this trend impacts the core Buddhist teaching that a happy and prosperous life depends on one’s own actions, not on blessings from deities. However, the Buddhists who pray to Hindu gods still maintain their faith and regularly participate in Buddhist ceremonies.