The shrine was built in 1782 in the reign of Rama I, with the wooden pole marking the centre of the new capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The original shrine has undergone restorations over time and was relocated to its current position in 1986. The historical importance of the City Pillar is matched by its cultural significance for Thai people. Several different shrines are situated at this site, each accompanied by a step-by-step guide of how to pray, which prayer to choose, where to offer garlands, where to tie a silk scarf round a replica pillar and which one to burn oil at. The quest is to achieve stability in life, lift one’s spirits and cast away bad fortune. It is said that a visit at the beginning of the new year is particularly important if one wishes to set a positive pathway for the next twelve months. Most cities in Thailand have a city pillar (Lak Mueang) in a shrine similar to a foundation stone. Such shrines are believed to house the city spirit deity.