Abstract:
This research, titled A Study of Trimurti Worship Practices in Bangkok, aims to achieve two main objectives: (1) to study the conceptual framework of Trimurti worship in Brahman-Hinduism, and (2) to analyze the characteristics and meanings of Trimurti worship within the Bangkok metropolitan area. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing both documentary researchsuch as scriptures, religious texts, historical sources, academic books, theses, and scholarly articlesand fieldwork involving in-depth interviews with ritual specialists, scholars, religious practitioners, and devoted worshippers. The combination of theoretical and empirical approaches allows for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The first part of the study reveals that the concept of Trimurti in Brahman-Hinduism is rooted in ancient scriptures, particularly the Vedas and Puranas. Trimurti comprises three supreme deities: Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer), unified in the form of a single divine entity symbolizing trinity in unity. This concept reflects the Indian philosophical view of cosmic cycles and the dynamic flow of all existence through the triadic interplay of divine forces. Trimurti serves as a metaphysical and theological foundation that has informed Hindu worship for centuries. The second part of the study, which focuses on the practice of Trimurti worship in Bangkok, draws on case studies of three major religious sites: the Erawan Shrine, the Devasathan (Brahman Temple), and the Shiva Shrine at Pinklao. The findings indicate that Trimurti worship in Thailand has been localized and adapted in ways that significantly differ from its Indian origin. These adaptations include changes in ritual form, reinterpretations of sacredness, and shifts in the intended purposes of worship to better align with urban Thai culture. Notably, worshippers often focus on themes of love and personal success, with practices shaped by consumerism, tourism, and popular culture. This hybridization reflects a fusion of Brahman-Hindu traditions with contemporary Thai values and urban spirituality. In conclusion, Trimurti worship in Bangkok represents more than a continuation of traditional Hindu beliefsit embodies a cultural and spiritual transformation that reflects modern social values and the search for identity and meaning in urban life. The study offers valuable insights into religion in the global urban context and may serve as a case study for guiding future approaches to Trimurti worship in Thailand and beyond