Devotees flock to restored twin shrines in Ratchaburi following mysterious fire

A mysterious fire at the revered twin shrines of Yaay Niam and Yaay Nom in Ratchaburi province has not deterred devotees, who continue to flock to the site for blessings. The shrines, believed to be nearly 100 years old, were restored after being burnt down on November 2 under unexplained circumstances.

Devotees from across the province and beyond are known to have been blessed with good fortune from the two sister spirits, who tragically lost their lives in an accident. Following the fire, many locals were heartbroken. Some have even pledged to contribute towards the reconstruction of a new shrine if they are again blessed with good fortune.

Just a few days after the fire, a new orange-roofed shrine has already been erected at the site. Numerous Thai traditional dresses, brought by the fortunate ones to pay their respects, are hanging on the side.

One couple, who had good fortune recently, hired a group of nine folk dancers from Jed Samian village to perform nine songs by the shrine.

A 49 year old woman named Monthira, from Photharam, Ratchaburi, said she brought a dance group to perform because her husband got a new job and she also won the government lottery.

“If we win again, we will come back to perform for Yaay.”

The new shrine is expected to be inaugurated on December 10, with residents planning a merit-making ceremony. Those unable to hire a dance group can contact Nuntiworn Surintha, the head of the Jed Samian folk dance group, reported Sanook.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere around the shrine continues to be lively. Motorists passing the shrine beep their horns as a greeting to the spirits. Locals who recently won the lottery have brought Thai traditional dresses and children’s dresses to leave at the shrine, as well as asking for more blessings from Yaay Niam and Yaay Nom.

It is necessary to ask for good luck the night before the lottery draw, as there may not be enough time to buy the required number on the day of the draw. The numbers could be popular and may run out. Therefore, many people come to ask for blessings consistently.

From observations, locals bring Thai traditional dresses, betel nuts, red drinks, shoes, and beautiful food, including makeup sets, lipsticks, and two pieces of red cloth with numbers written on them. They are placed next to a doll wrapped in a white cloth and betel nuts.

The numbers written on the red cloth are 70 and 558, and on the other cloth, the words rich and the numbers 625 and 97 are written. Many people have taken pictures on their phones, hoping to win the lottery on December 1.