Bangkok's Lakshmi shrine goes viral: Devotees show photos and offer pink treats for love

Approaching your crush and professing your love to them are not the only steps involved in getting the one you love, some universal magic is also a must. For people in Bangkok, this involves visiting Phra Mae Lakshmi, a goddess who they believe grants you the one made just for you.

Located in Gaysorn, Bangkok, Phra Mae Lakshmi's shrine is present in the village building on the fourth level. Thai natives and foreigners, visit the goddess to pay homage to her status as a deity of beauty, riches and business success.

But while money and success are still probably to achieve, love comes tricky for all. This is why the goddess is most popular for granting wishes of love, fulfillment and a wonderful partner. From pink cold drinks to incense sticks, worshippers visiting the country-wide popular goddess bring numerous offerings, all in pink, in the hopes of her fulfilling their wish. Some even dress in pink from head to toe.

Many even bring photos of the kind of partner they would like, showing them to the goddess so she is able to find a partner that they truly want. "I came here to pray for love. I am asking for someone who is warm, tall, in good shape and fairly handsome, someone like Cha Eun Woo" said visitor Nichaporn Manotham Plen to BBC, referencing South Korean actor Cha Eun Woo.

Most come to the shrine after being influenced by social media videos where many claim to have found their one true love, thanks to the goddess. "I heard about this place on social media, people say their wishes really come true," said Manotham Plen to the outlet.

Another set of visitors shared that the goddess loves lotus flowers and the colour pink, however, they visit to pray for the well-being of themselves and others. They promised they would bring an offering of pink lotus flowers if their wishes came true, and they did.

Darinthip Sankeawteakool prayed to the goddess for the first time when her close friend had been diagnosed with brain cancer. "I prayed that if the person survived, they would make a full recovery, but if the person couldn't recover, I prayed they would die peacefully without suffering," she shared. The person eventually passed away in sleep without pain and Sankeawteakool has been visiting the goddess every month ever since.

Decked in shining studded jewellery and traditional clothes, Phra Mae Lakshmi is the beacon of hope, a religious north star for numerous worshippers who dedicate themselves to praying to the goddess for their desires. But does she truly fulfil them all?

"I half believe in this kind of thing. I believe in it, but not completely," added Manotham Plen. However, if her wishes come true, she says she will be back to give thanks and even if it doesn't she promises returning to make another offering and pray.

For those who are planning to visit for the first time, it's important to know that people bring their own offerings as they are not sold nearby. As per the Sawasdee Thailand website, these include nine joss sticks, eight lotus flowers, a pair of candles, sugarcane juice, milk or water, and soft fruits like coconuts or other auspicious fruits. If you are particularly visiting for love, about five to eight apples and incense sticks are a good choice along with other offerings.

The shrine is located in the heart of Bangkok on Ploenchit Road, Lumpini subdistrict, Pathumwan district. It can be reached by BTS, Chidlom station and then walking to Gaysorn Department Store.

Love shrines in Thailand

Although Thailand is a Theravada Buddhist-majority nation, Hinduism finds a deep place in the country's history, art and culture. Phra Mae Lakshmi, is the Thai name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is a revered deity of prosperity, fortune, and beauty. She is worshipped in Thailand by both Hindus and Buddhists, depicted as a golden-coloured woman holding flowers and pots of money.

Along with this goddess, other shrines in the country are also known for their love-granting magic. 'Phra Treemurati' at Central World Plaza is considered the god of love by Thai teenagers and couples. People normally come to pray every Thursday in the hopes of finding a love partner or wishing for a long-lasting relationship with the one they have.

'Chao Mae Pradu' at Chao Mae Pradu Shrine in Yaowarat is prayed to for a lover with a good-looking face and body, 'Uma Devi' at Wat Khaek in Silom is worshipped for a partner with a plump figure and 'Ya Nak' shrine at Mahabut Temple is visited for wealthy lovers, as per the Amazing Thailand website.

Thus, if visiting the country, taking a chance and worshipping these gods and goddesses for your ideal love partner might just help you meet the one.