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[Alexandr Korol]

“Erawan Altar, Bangkok, Thailand. It is located at one of the busiest intersections of Bangkok. This place is quite easy to find among the skyscrapers and expensive shop windows. It is always visible from afar thanks to the bright flower garlands, and the smell of incense can be felt from several dozen steps away. The altar was built more than half a century ago in honor of the god Indra and his elephant Airavata. In the center of the altar stands a gilded bronze figure of the four-headed deity.” Oh, even I am there. Just kidding. “The altar is located opposite the hotel of the same name, the construction of which was accompanied by endless misfortunes. The ship with marble for decorating the hotel lobby sank. Then, for unclear reasons, several workers died...” Fine... “...then for unclear reasons several workers died, and the restless Thais decided to turn to Brahmin priests, who advised them to erect an altar next to the hotel. After that, the strange events stopped. The grateful inhabitants of the Thai capital began to come to this place and bring offerings to the deity. Tourists from all over the world followed them. As the locals believe, if one sincerely asks the spirits for something, the wish will surely come true. It is customary in Indra to offer figurines of elephants, aromatic candles, and flower garlands. And sometimes near the burning altar one can see boiled eggs and other food supplies. Opposite this Erawan there is a small stage. People whose wishes have come true can thank the deity by paying the dancers, who perform a dance in honor of Indra in the evening. Thai dance shows are often held here.”

Oh, “Al-Kutubiya Mosque, Marrakech, Morocco. In Morocco, dreams come true almost at every step. If in the street of a Moroccan city you meet a water carrier — boldly make a wish. But in Marrakech there is another custom: here wishes are made at the ancient Al-Kutubiya Mosque, one of the main attractions of the city.

Al-Kutubiya was built in the 12th century. During the construction it turned out that the mihrab of the mosque was not directed towards Mecca. The enraged Sultan Abd al-Mu’min, under whom this monumental structure was erected, ordered the execution of the architect.

There also exists a legend about the golden spheres crowning the minaret of the mosque. They say that one of the Sultan’s wives broke the fast in the holy month