A sculpture depicting Indra Riding Erawan Elephant was enshrined at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani in September 2023. This artwork has been specially crafted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bangkok Land Public Company Limited and honor the memory of Mr. Mongkol and Mr. Anant Kanjanapas, the co-founders of the Muang Thong Thani project.

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A magnificent alloy sculpture, resonating with the inherent values of goodness and joy that emanate from unwavering faith. The meticulously crafted idol stands at 265 centimeters and rests upon a base measuring 205 centimeters in length, 96 centimeters in width, and 15 centimeters in height. Adorned in the attire of the Sriwijaya period, Indra sits regally upon an elephant’s neck. In one hand, he firmly grips Vachira as a weapon, while the other hand gently holds the elephant's hook in his lap. His vehicle is the awe-inspiring three-headed Erawan elephant, depicted in a forward-stepping position that exudes immense power and strength. Yet, amidst its might, the elephant also emanates a profound sense of compassion, embodying the qualities that symbolize its service to the deities associated with virtue and fertility. This elephant sculpture beautifully incorporates a range of significant ornaments known as 'Gajabhorn'. These include Sanubnga (elegant tusk rings), Phapokkapong (a majestic head-dress), Takaikeawjeeranai (a crystal head-net), Poohoo (graceful ear tassels), Semagajabhorn (a pendant), Pannar (a neck girth), Panart (a backcloth), Panlung (a back girth), Samaung (a tail ring), and ankle bracelets.

The creation process involves four main steps. Firstly, skilled artisans sculpt a model to establish the desired form. Secondly, the model is expanded to its full size through a life-size clay sculpture, allowing for intricate details to be carved, such as Indra's costume and the elephant's ornaments. The third step encompasses molding work. Lastly, the sculpture undergoes casting in bronze, with the skilled artisans meticulously connecting the parts of Indra and the Erawan elephant. Skilled artisans then apply paint and meticulous detailing, enhancing the sculpture's beauty. The completed artwork is finally enshrined at its designated location.
The entire process took around 16 months to complete, led by two experienced sculptors, Lieutenant Colonel Noppadon Suwansombut and Ajarn Thanit Kaewniyom, both esteemed former civil servants of the Office of Traditional Art at the Fine Arts Department. Alongside their team of skilled artisans, they meticulously oversaw every aspect of the project from start to finish. This work holds immense significance and stands out uniquely among other artworks. Its completion brings immense joy and pride to all involved.

Mr. Peter Kanjanapas

Chairman of Bangkok Land Public Company Limited.

"A sculpture depicting Indra Riding Erawan Elephant project is at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani. Its main objective is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bangkok Land Company Limited. and honor Mr. Mongkol Kanjanapas (Grandfather) and Mr. Anant Kanjanapas (Father), co-founders of Muang Thong Thani project. This project is currently considered a real estate development project with comprehensive readiness, including facilities, services, residential support, business operations, and all-encompassing tourism and relaxation opportunities."

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Mr. Paul Kanjanapas

Chief Executive Officer of Bangkok Land Public Company Limited.

"The consecration ceremony of a sculpture depicting Indra riding Erawan Elephant will become a new landmark in Muang Thong Thani. It will serve as a check-in point for tourists, event organizers, and visitors who wish to pay their respects and make wishes in front of the shrine located at the front of the IMPACT Arena daily. We invite everyone to come and admire its beauty both during the daytime and at night when it is illuminated with captivating lights. Let's celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangkok Land together."

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Ms. Kunwadee Jintavorn

Executive Director, Bangkok Land Public Company Limited

The commissioning of the Indra Riding Erawan Elephant sculpture holds a special significance as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of Bangkok Land Public Company Limited. As the foremost real estate company in Thailand, Bangkok Land has a long-established history and has consistently incorporated the symbol of the Erawan elephant, or the three-headed elephant, in its branding. To mark this significant milestone and to further enhance prosperity, the company embarked on a special project, invoking the presence of Indra, the only deity associated with riding the Erawan elephant. Knowledgeable individuals and experts, including sculptors, a team of skilled artists, and the office of traditional arts, were consulted and engaged to ensure the project's success. The project was seen as a source of inspiration and motivation for executives and employees, instilling a sense of pride and encouraging continuous growth within the organization.

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Lieutenant Colonel Noppadon Suwansombut

A sculptor and a former civil servant of the Office of Traditional Arts, Fine Arts Department

This sculpture is an exceptional masterpiece that is unparalleled. It intricately portrays creativity with meticulous attention to detail. The symbols, postures, and intricate elements draw inspiration from ancient paintings of the Srivijaya period. The sculpture seamlessly combines beauty and anatomical precision. The dynamic postures of both Erawan and Indra evoke a sense of motion, which is further accentuated when illuminated by light and shadow. Notably, the weapon is poised in a forward position, mirroring the movement of the elephant's hind legs, while the swaying ornaments add an extra touch of gracefulness.

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Ajarn Thanit Kaewniyom

A former civil servant of the Office of Traditional Arts, Fine Arts Department

The Erawan elephant possesses distinctive characteristics that set it apart from laborers, war elephants, or those used in combat, as it embodies divine qualities of mercy. This divine nature complements Indra, a benevolent deity known for granting blessings to those who seek them. Lieutenant Colonel Noppadon, the sculptor behind the artwork, approached the project with meticulous care. He engaged in extensive discussions with his team, seeking their input on various components, their suitability, and the feasibility of adjustments. Whenever necessary, he promptly made the required modifications. The result is a masterpiece of unparalleled quality, regarded as a world-class creation enshrined at Muang Thong Thani.

Legend of Indra holds the Erawan elephant. It is most mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Because he is the guardian deity of Buddhism, it is the personification in the legend that has a great influence on the respectful. Trust in both religion, the origin is Brahmanism and Buddhism, a leader whose followers are full of faith because of compassion, is a follower of a follower, a loyal husband, a firm ancestor, and a friend to the practitioner. , Personification with the Law of Karma, Baphen Charismatic Bodhisattva, the upright father, the ministering social worker, the grateful child, the meek relative to the adult, even though Indra is a great person in the world, it still has its own ever changing agenda. The changing significance of each era, both prosperous and depressed, was reduced to the secondary deities of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma in Buddhism. Indra has to hold the five holy precepts and practice seven chapters, so there is no change because virtue is like a ruler in the present. Act adhering to the principles Therefore Indra holds the Erawan elephant It is a god that protects Buddhists who adhere to good morals Indra has built an Erawan elephant. Reminders are statues, figures, and so on as a reminder to remember that good people, gods, heal gods and protect them from the unseenable things that will harm. Because Indra holds the Erawan elephant Is a deity, suppressing evil in all 3 worlds namely Heaven, human landscape and hell landscape.

Reference:
PhraThepKhunaporn (Sophon Sophanachitto Phumphuang)
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Ceremony to bless and celebrate the sculpture depicting Indra Riding Erawan Elephant

The procession of the sculpture depicting Indra Riding Erawan Elephant to enshrine at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani

Casting ceremony of the sacred image of the sculpture depicting Indra Riding Erawan Elephant at a foundry in Chachoengsao Province

คาถาบูชาพระอินทร์ทรงช้างเอราวัณ
(ตั้งนะโม ๓ จบ)

เอราวะโณ นามะ เทวะราชะกุญชะโร มะหาเตโช โหติ
มะหายะโส มะหัพพะโล มะหิทธิโก มะเหสักโข
อิมินา สักกาเรนะ ตัง เอราวะณัง นามะ เทวะราชะกุญชะรัง ปูเชมิฯ

Prayer:

เอราวะณัสสะ นามะ เทวะราชะกุญชะรัสสะ
อานุภาเวนะ สัพพะสิทธิ ภะวะตุ เม ฯ
With the grace of Lord Erawan the Elephant, may success be bestowed upon me.

Offerings:

Flower garlands or flowers (please place them at the designated spot).