The main pillar (Sao Ek) is the structural post that bears the weight of the house or building. Therefore, it must be strong and durable. It symbolizes the stability of the home, bringing peace, safety, and protection from harm to its inhabitants. In Thailand, the Main Pillar Ceremony is an essential ritual that cannot be overlooked, as it is believed to bring auspiciousness to the house and its residents. It also serves as a formal request for forgiveness and permission from Mother Earth and the guardian spirits for disturbing the land, and to pray for the construction to proceed smoothly and be completed successfully. At 999 Developments, we perform this sacred ceremony before starting construction on every project.
What is the Main Pillar Ceremony?
1. Choosing the Auspicious Date and Time
The first step is to select an auspicious date and time for the ceremony. This is often determined based on the homeowner’s date of birth, and the proper location of the main pillar. A priest, monk, or expert in astrology is typically invited to lead the ritual. If that is not possible, a respected elder or the homeowner themselves may perform it.
Most ceremonies take place at 09:00 or 09:09 AM—numbers associated with prosperity, as the Thai word for nine (“เก้า”) sounds like “to progress.”
2. Preparing the Main Pillar
Traditionally, wooden posts were used, but today most structures use reinforced concrete. The ceremony may then coincide with driving the first pile, pouring the foundation, or erecting the first column. The contractor usually assists in digging the pit, preparing the steel reinforcement, and leveling the ground at least one day in advance.
3. Sacred Items for the Ceremony
While customs may vary slightly by region, the following items are generally required:
- An altar table and offerings
- Monks’ offering set, if monks are invited for blessings
- Offerings for celestial spirits—usually fruits, sweets, grains, betel nuts, fresh milk, and water (no meat)
- Nine gold and silver coins
- Gold, silver, and copper sheets (may be inscribed with blessings)
- Three gold leaves
- One bowl of consecrated sand
- One bowl of holy water and a bunch of cogon grass
- One roll of sacred thread
- Tri-color cloth or a traditional Thai cloth for wrapping the pillar
- Banana and sugarcane shoots
- One bowl of flower petals mixed with popped rice for sprinkling
- Nine auspicious woods (if available): Cassia, Jackfruit, Siamese Cassia, Coral Tree, Bamboo, Bauhinia, Teak, Rosewood, and Anogeissus
4. Ceremony Procedure
- Attach the banana and sugarcane shoots, along with the tri-color cloth, to the main pillar before the auspicious time.
- Stretch the sacred thread from the altar to the main pillar.
- The homeowner lights incense and candles, recites blessings, and invites guests to place incense on the offerings.
- Place the sacred items into the pillar pit.
- Invite monks to bless the site with holy water and sand. If no monks are present, the homeowner may perform this instead.
- Everyone lifts the main pillar together while holding the sacred thread.
- Sprinkle rice flowers and holy water around the site. Tossing coins may also be done to bring prosperity.
Additional steps may be included depending on the spiritual leader guiding the ceremony. Consult with them beforehand to ensure everything is properly prepared.
999 Developments is committed to delivering homes of the highest quality. We pay close attention to every detail, from the selection of premium materials to construction standards and ceremonial blessings, so that every home brings peace and prosperity to its residents.