Main Point
Worshipping the Spirit of the Land (Jao Thi): 5 Incense Sticks for Indoors, 16 for Outdoors Worshipping the indoor Spirit of the Land uses 5 incense sticks, while outdoor worship typically uses 16 incense sticks to pay homage to the sacred entities of the 16 Heavens and 15 Earths. This is to request peace, happiness, the removal of negativity, and to enhance life's energy for smoothness. The most auspicious time for indoor worship is between 08:39 - 10:09 AM on Tuesdays or Saturdays. For general timing, 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM is popular. It should be performed every 3-6 months or as convenient for the individual.
Worshipping the "Jao Thi" (Spirit of the Land) is a ceremony that many households and businesses prioritize, based on the belief that it blesses life and work to be free of obstacles and smooth in all aspects. Bangkok CitiSmart will guide you through the details of how many incense sticks to use for indoor versus outdoor worship, what to prepare, and easy-to-follow procedures to ensure your home is filled with prosperity throughout the yea
What is Worshipping Jao Thi and Why is it Important?
Worshipping Jao Thi is a ritual of showing respect to the sacred spirits believed to protect our home or land. It is often performed when starting something new, such as moving in, opening a shop, starting a business, or can be done regularly. It is important for creating peace of mind for residents, fostering prosperity, opening paths for fortune, ensuring safety from danger, and enhancing auspiciousness for a smooth life.
How Many Incense Sticks to Use?
1. Worshipping Jao Thi Indoors / Center of the House: Use 5 Incense Sticks For worshipping inside the house or at the center of the house, it is popular to use 5 incense sticks and 2 candles. This is to worship the house spirit and ancestors who previously resided in that area, as well as to show respect and request auspiciousness for living there.
2. Worshipping Jao Thi Outdoors (Without a Shrine): Use 16 Incense Sticks For outdoor worship where there is no spirit house shrine, it is popular to use 16 incense sticks. This is to worship the sacred entities of the 16 Heavens and 15 Earths, asking them to protect and maintain peace, and to sweep away evil things from our home.
How to Worship Jao Thi Indoors / Center of the House
1. Auspicious Times for Indoor Worship The most auspicious times are 08:39 - 10:09 AM on Tuesdays or Saturdays. For general timing, 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM is popular. It is usually done every 3-6 months or depending on convenience.
2. Main Offerings for Indoor Worship
5 Incense sticks, 2 Candles, 9 Betel nuts and leaves (Kham Mak Plu), 1 piece of white cloth, and fresh flower garlands.
Savory Foods: Such as Pig's head, Boiled chicken, Pot-stewed duck (Pa-lo), Salt-baked prawns.
Desserts: Coconut jelly or auspicious Thai desserts like Foi Thong (Golden Threads), Med Khanun (Jackfruit Seeds), Thong Ek.
Auspicious Fruits: Fruits with good meanings like Oranges, Bananas, Red Grapes, Lychees, Asian Pears, Persimmons, Pomegranates, Dragon fruit.
Beverages: Tea, Water, Soft drinks, Red syrup drink.
3. Procedure for Indoor Worship You can perform the ritual yourself without needing to invite a monk or Brahmin priest by following these steps:
Prepare the offerings: The worshipper faces into the house. Find the most central point of the house. Spread the white cloth on the floor or a table, then arrange the offerings on containers placed neatly on the white cloth.
Chant and Pray: Light the incense and candles. Recite "Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa" 3 times, followed by the specific prayer and vows for Jao Thi.
4. Chants and Vows for Indoor Jao Thi Chant for Jao Thi (For Prosperity in Business): "Jao Thi Thewadanang Piyasutawa Mahalakho Prasitthilapha Prasannajitta Sridasutthi Phrawantume. I ask for the power of the Spirit of the Land. Now, I (Name-Surname) light these incense sticks to pay respect to the gods of the 16 Heavens and 15 Earths. May you open the way for wealth. Throughout this day, may I receive good news and have rich sales all day long."
Or Chant for Grandparents' Shrine (San Ta-Yai): "Ta-Yai Yasming Tisaphake Santi Tayai Theva Mahitthika Tepitummhe Anurakkhantu Arokayaena Sukhenaja" (3 Times) "Siromae Khor Decha Tayai Theva, Owner of the land. Please look after, protect, and maintain this house (Name of place) and myself, the resident of this place (Make your wish). Sotthi Chaiya Phawantu Me."
Spoken Vow to Jao Thi: "Oh Spirit of the Land, Owner of the place, Spirit of the House, House Number... This house. Today is a good day. I... (Name-Surname) bring offerings to present to you to ask for forgiveness. If there is anything I have done wrong, whether intentional or unintentional, known or unknown, I ask for your forgiveness. Please refrain from punishment and forgive me. And please help... (Make your wish)."
How to Worship Jao Thi Outdoors (Without Shrine)
1. Auspicious Times for Outdoor Worship It is popular to worship in the morning, 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM. It is often done on Thursdays (considered Teacher's Day), on Flag Days (Wan Thong Chai) of each month, auspicious House Warming days, or at your convenience.
2. Main Offerings for Outdoor Worship
A table for placing offerings, 16 Incense sticks, 2 Candles, Water, and fresh flower garlands.
Savory Foods: Steamed chicken, Steamed fish, Pork belly, Roasted duck, Boiled prawns.
Desserts: Auspicious Thai desserts like Thong Yip, Thong Yod, Thong Ek, Foi Thong.
Auspicious Fruits: Oranges, Bananas, Grapes, Pineapples, Pomegranates.
3. Procedure for Outdoor Worship
Prepare the offerings. The worshipper turns to face into the house. Arrange offerings neatly on the table. Light 16 incense sticks and 2 candles.
Chant the prayer for outdoor Jao Thi, starting with "Namo Tassa..." 3 times, followed by the specific chant.
4. Chant for Outdoor Jao Thi "Pa To Mae Tang Pa Ra Chee Wi Nang Sukha To Juti Jitta Mae Ta Nipphanang Sukha To Juti" (3 Times) "May all beings in the 3 worlds be free from all disasters and bad karma. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu."
How to Withdraw Offerings (La Khong Wai)
For both indoor and outdoor worship, wait until the incense sticks have burned down completely. Then, touch the containers of the offerings and recite the chant to withdraw the sacrificial offerings:
"Ayangtu Phonto Itha Thanaseela Nekkhamma Panya Saha Wiriya Khanti Sajja Adhitthana Mettu Pekkhayuthayavo Thissa Winati Asesato"
Or another popular short chant is to recite "Namo" 3 times, then say: "Sesang Mangkalang Yachami" Meaning: "I ask for the remaining parts which are auspicious, for the benefit, happiness, and prosperity of myself."
Once the ceremony is finished, you can consume the offerings or share them with others to enhance auspiciousness and prosperity in life.
Popular Auspicious Fruits for Worshipping Jao Thi
Fruits used for worship often have auspicious names, believed to enhance prosperity and luck:
Cavendish Banana (Kluay Hom): Symbolizes growth and having good subordinates to support you.
Orange: Symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and wealth.
Pineapple: Symbolizes all-around knowledge and luck in work and finance.
Dragon Fruit: Symbolizes abundance and good luck for the whole family.
Pomegranate: Symbolizes unity and harmony, free from conflict.
Red Grapes: Symbolizes increase and growth in career duties.
Lychee: Symbolizes wealth, riches, and fortune.
Asian Pear (Sali): Symbolizes good luck and attracting good things into life.
Persimmon: Symbolizes diligence and overcoming obstacles smoothly.
Popular Auspicious Foods for Worshipping Jao Thi
Food offerings must be cooked meat only, believed to bring prosperity, career advancement, and wealth:
Chicken (Boiled/Steamed): Symbolizes diligence, prosperity, and honor.
Pork (Head/Belly): Symbolizes abundance and never lacking food or money.
Duck (Roasted/Pot-stewed): Symbolizes ability and being well-equipped in all things.
Fish (Steamed/Boiled): Symbolizes wealth, riches, and receiving fortune all year.
Prawns (Boiled/Salt-baked): Symbolizes high prestige, rank, and career advancement.
Popular Auspicious Desserts for Worshipping Jao Thi
Desserts usually have hidden good meanings and are popular in important ceremonies:
Khanom Kheng: Symbolizes wealth and having enough to eat and spend.
Khanom Thian: Symbolizes prosperity and a flourishing life.
Khanom Pui Fai (Cotton Wool Cupcake): Symbolizes growth and advancement.
Bua Loy: Symbolizes love, harmony, and unity.
Salapao (Steamed Buns): Symbolizes good luck and no obstacles (Horapao = wrapping luck).
Thong Yip (Pinched Gold): Symbolizes money flowing in, wealth.
Thong Yod (Gold Drops): Symbolizes prosperity and success in life.
Foi Thong (Golden Threads): Symbolizes a long life and lasting love.
Thong Ek: Symbolizes being number one in all aspects.
Med Khanun (Jackfruit Seeds): Symbolizes having people to support your life and work (Nun = support).
Items That Should NOT Be Offered to Jao Thi
Offerings must be cooked food only; raw food is strictly prohibited. Avoid spoiled fruits or fruits with inauspicious names (often based on Thai phonetic meanings), such as:
Mangosteen (Mang-Khud): "Khud" sounds like stuck or stopping, implying that whatever you do will not stand out or yield good results.
Star Fruit (Ma-Fueang): "Fueang" sounds like "Fued-Kueang" (destitute/tight), implying a life of hardship and lack of smoothness.
Sugar Apple (Noina): "Noi" sounds like "Noi-Nua-Tam-Jai" (feeling slighted) or imply constant small obstacles and endless problems.
Salacca (Rakam): "Rakam" means suffering/sorrow, implying hardship and lack of success.
Peach (Luk-Tor): "Tor" means discouraged, implying hopelessness and lack of spirit.
Auspicious Dates for Worshipping Jao Thi in 2025 / 2026
Choosing an auspicious date often involves "Wan Thong Chai" (Flag of Victory Day - the best day of the month for success) or "Wan Athibodi" (Day of Authority/Power - for great work).
Auspicious Dates for 2025
November 2025: (Wan Thong Chai & Athibodi) Fri 7th, Fri 14th, Fri 21st, Fri 28th.
December 2025: (Wan Thong Chai & Athibodi) Fri 5th, Fri 12th, Fri 19th, Fri 26th.
Auspicious Dates for 2026
January 2026: (Wan Thong Chai & Athibodi) Fri 2nd, Fri 9th, Fri 16th, Fri 23rd, Fri 30th.
February 2026: (Wan Thong Chai & Athibodi) Fri 6th, Fri 13th, Fri 20th, Fri 27th.
March 2026: (Wan Thong Chai & Athibodi) Fri 6th, Fri 13th, Fri 20th, Fri 27th.
April 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Fri 3rd, Fri 10th, Mon 20th, Mon 27th.
Wan Athibodi: Fri 3rd, Fri 10th, Sat 18th, Sat 25th.
May 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 4th, Mon 11th, Mon 18th, Mon 25th.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 2nd, Sat 9th, Sat 16th, Sat 23rd, Sat 30th.
June 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 1st, Mon 8th, Mon 15th, Mon 22nd, Mon 29th.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 6th, Sat 13th, Sat 20th, Sat 27th.
July 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 6th, Mon 13th, Mon 20th, Mon 27th.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 4th, Sat 11th, Sat 18th, Sat 25th.
August 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 3rd, Mon 10th, Mon 17th, Mon 24th, Mon 31st.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 1st, Sat 8th, Sat 15th, Sat 22nd, Sat 29th.
September 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 7th, Mon 14th, Mon 21st, Mon 28th.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 5th, Sat 12th, Sat 19th, Sat 26th.
October 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 5th, Mon 12th, Mon 19th, Mon 26th.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 3rd, Sat 10th, Sat 17th, Sat 24th, Sat 31st.
November 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 2nd, Mon 9th, Mon 16th, Mon 23rd, Mon 30th.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 7th, Sat 14th, Sat 21st, Sat 28th.
December 2026:
Wan Thong Chai: Mon 7th, Mon 14th, Mon 21st, Mon 28th.
Wan Athibodi: Sat 5th, Sat 12th, Sat 19th, Sat 26th.
FAQs: Things to Know About Worshipping Jao Thi
What is the difference between worshipping Jao Thi indoors vs. outdoors? Worshipping Jao Thi indoors typically uses 5 incense sticks to show respect to ancestors or the original spirits protecting the area. Worshipping Jao Thi outdoors uses 16 incense sticks to pay homage to the gods of the 16 Heavens and 15 Earths to enhance auspiciousness for living.
Is worshipping Jao Thi different from worshipping the Spirit House (Phra Phum)? Yes, they are different. Worshipping Jao Thi uses 5 sticks (indoors) or 16 sticks (outdoors) to respect the original ancestors and sacred entities. Worshipping the Spirit House (San Phra Phum)—the shrine on the single post—usually uses 9 incense sticks to worship the deity specifically protecting the household members. The method differs, but the goal of seeking protection and auspiciousness is similar.
What is the meaning of the number of incense sticks?
5 Sticks: Worshipping the Triple Gem, Parents, Teachers, and the Indoor Spirit (Jao Thi).
9 Sticks: Worshipping great deities and the Spirit House (Phra Phum).
16 Sticks: Worshipping the sacred entities of the 16 Heavens and 15 Earths, asking for forgiveness from karma, and asking for a better life.
How often should we worship Jao Thi? The frequency depends on individual convenience. If you wish to worship consistently for auspiciousness, you can do it on the auspicious days of each month, or every 3-6 months.
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