Spiritual Significance of the Elephant
In Buddhist legend it is believed that Queen Maya (mother of the Buddha) was only able to conceive after having a dream that a white elephant entered inside her. This is why the white elephant (see below) is seen as highly auspicious and enjoys royal status in Thailand.
Thai Buddhism has incorporated elements of Hindu beliefs and shrines to Hindu gods and deities can be seen all over Thailand. Amongst these, Ganesh (the Hindu god with an elephant’s head) and Erawan* (the elephant mount of Indra) are particularly common.