Phra Rahu is worshiped at many temples throughout Thailand, the most famous of which is Wat Srisathong in Nakhon Pathom Province. Phra Rahu is a Demon God who, according to ancient Hindu belief, takes the form of a celestial serpent. Although in Thailand, he takes on a more demonic human form, as in the photo below. Colored black, with only an upper body and head, he holds a golden orb that represents the sun or moon to his mouth.
The Story of Phra Rahu
Phra Rahu is a somewhat fearsome deity who is worshipped to prevent harm from coming to the bearer of gifts. If you’re wondering why a Hindu demon is worshipped in Buddhist temples, read this article about Thailand’s spiritual fusion of Buddhism, Animism, and Hinduism.
Gifts usually offered to Phra Rahu include Black grapes for business success, Black liqueur for profitable investment, Black coffee to get what you wish for, Black jelly for patience, Black beans to progress, Black rice for wealth and love, Black cake for rewards, Black eggs for successful dealings or favors.
There are many variations of the story of Rahu, which stem mainly from Hindu, Buddhist, and Tamil beliefs. The most common legend is the Hindu one, which describes an Asura (demon deity) who was transformed into Rahu after drinking an elixir that would assure his immortality.
The legend goes on to say that Rahu stole the elixir from the Hindu Deities, but he was seen by Chandra (the moon god) and Surya (the sun god). Chandra and Surya informed Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu), who promptly chopped off the Asura’s head.
A small amount of elixir had already been sipped by the Asura before Mohini could chop off his head, so his head and upper body had already attained a state of immortality and became Rahu.
Rahu takes revenge upon Chandra and Surya by swallowing the moon and the sun every time he sees them, thus causing an eclipse.
Phra Rahu in Pattaya
Although not seen around town as commonly as deities like Ganesh who is prominently located on Soi Buakhao, for example, Phra Rahu shrines can be found at many temples in Pattaya, the most well-known of which is Huay Yai Temple (Wat Huay Yai ) in East Pattaya.