Thai man who won the lottery shaves his head as promised

A young man won the lottery, cleared his debts, and promptly visited a temple to shave his head as promised. He vowed to donate half his winnings to the temple if he wins again.

Yesterday at Phra Borommathat Worawihan Temple in Chai Nat, 23 year old Aphimuk Pholkhong, a general labourer, brought offerings including red incense sticks, red garlands, red lanterns, and red thread, along with firecrackers to fulfil his vow to Thao Wessuwan, a deity depicted riding a mythical creature. Aphimuk had previously won a substantial lottery prize and cleared his debts. As part of his vow, he also shaved his head, a task performed by a senior monk.

After shaving his head, Aphimuk did not miss the opportunity to light firecrackers to seek lucky numbers for the upcoming lottery on July 1. He got the numbers 688 and 99, which he plans to use to purchase lottery tickets for another chance at winning.

Aphimuk explained that he initially prayed to Thao Wessuwan at the temple because he found the deity’s statue beautiful and awe-inspiring. He prayed for a big win to clear his debts, and when his wish was granted with a significant lottery prize, he used the money to pay off everything he owed. Sticking to his word, he shaved his head as promised. He also made a new vow that if he won again, he would donate half his winnings to the temple.

God of wealth

Thao Wessuwan, also known as Kuvera, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings and is revered as a guardian of Buddhism and Buddhist sites in the north direction. He is also the chief of the asuras, tasked with warding off evil spirits. In both Brahmin and Buddhist traditions, Thao Wessuwan is considered a god of wealth, residing in a land of great riches on Mount Kailash, surrounded by a fragrant lotus pond and accompanied by millions of yakshas and rakshasas. Many people worship Thao Wessuwan for prosperity and protection from harm.

The mythical creature ridden by Thao Wessuwan is Puri Sat, a half-lion, half-deity servant who acts as Thao Wessuwan’s right hand. Puri Sat holds the keys to treasure and oversees the karmic accounts of beings, often consuming evil spirits. In ancient times, it was common for people to worship both Thao Wessuwan and Puri Sat together, reported KhaoSod.

“Initially, I prayed to Thao Wessuwan because I was captivated by the statue’s beauty and grandeur. I asked for a big win to clear my debts, and when my wish came true, I kept my promise to shave my head. If I win again, I will donate half my winnings to the temple.”