If you think India is home to the largest statue of Lord Ganesha, you need to brush up your general knowledge. Not India but Thailand houses the world’s tallest standing Ganesha statue which is located at Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park in Chachoengsao province. This is a day trip east of Bangkok. The Ganesha figure, about 30-metre-tall, with its pedestal, touches 39 metres (almost a 12 -storey building). That makes it the tallest standing Ganesha statue in the world. Let’s find out more about this idol:Made of 854 bronze segmentsSo this is a permanent idol in Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park. One of the most interesting facts about the statue is that it is assembled from 854 bronze segments! These are installed on foundations which can carry hundreds of tonnes. This park, spreads across 40,000 sq m, is among the most famous parks in Thailand. The standing statue with four handsThe artists are Thai and they chose to construct the idol in Ganesha’s “success-granting” standing form. The statue shows taking a step forward which means progress. In Thailand, Ganesha is also known as Phra Phikanet/Phra Phikanesuan. The Elephant God is revered as a patron of good fortune. In the statue, we can see the four hands of the idol carrying mango, jackfruit, banana and sugarcane which are agricultural emblems of abundance. A mouse at his feet can be seen with a modak, the sweet associated with the deity. How to reach
If you are planning to witness the world’s tallest Ganesha idol, you need to book a train to Chachoengsao from Bangkok. Chachoengsao is about a 1.5 to 2 hours train journey from Hua lamphong train station. Visitors can easily get local taxis or tuk-tuks from outside Chachoengsao Junction. It’s a day or a half-day trip from central Bangkok. Regular buses are also available from Ekkamai and Mo Chit. These take some 1.5 hours, and driving usually takes 1.5–2 hours. Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6 PM (do check local holidays). Chachoengsao, a Ganesha country
Calling Chachoengsao a Ganesha country won’t be incorrect. There are two other beautiful and big Ganesha idols: the reclining Ganesha at Wat Saman Rattanaram (about 16 m high and 22 m long), and the seated Ganesha at Wat Phrong Akat (about 49 m high). These statues only show how people of Thailand are deeply included towards Lord Ganesha in their everyday life. So, now you can add this beautiful park to your itinerary when planning a trip to Bangkok. It’s a beautiful sight!