In Thailand white elephants enjoy a special and holy position in the society. As white elephants are considered an epiphany and they are regarded as sacred. The white elephants lead a life of luxury and are the most respected of all animals in Thailand. These sacred animals symbolize royal power and all white elephants belong to the king of Thailand.
The white elephant is a very rare cousin of the ordinary Indian elephant and due to their unique characteristics they are considered holy and auspicious, especially amongst the Buddhists of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Burma. Compared to the ordinary elephant dark grey skin tone the white elephants feature a light grey skin colour with a pinkish hue.
Visitors to Bangkok can take a trip back in time at the Royal Elephant Museum. Located close to the east entrance of the Dusit Garden, the property previously was the home of the royal white elephants the Royal Elephant Stables of King Rama V. The current museum was established in August 1992 as the royal stables were officially converted to a museum to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikits 60th birth anniversary.
The Royal Elephant Museum consists of two buildings and the first building takes you through the origins of these holy animals with emphasis on their four classes Brahma, Siva, Vishnu and Agni the four Hindu gods believed to have brought them forth.
The second building of the Museum houses the alter room and the shrine used in the formal ritual of awarding the greatest award presented by the seat of Thailand the, Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant the highest award of honour for individuals in Thailand for duties rendered to the nation.
Visitors to Bangkok who are keen on exploring Thailands glamorous history will find that the city if full of similar interesting sights. As for accommodation, luxury hotels, budget hotels and
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