The Legendary Hermits
Lersi is a hermit. In Thailand, people worship many Lersi spirits. People believe Lersi is very holy that can bring auspicious things, prosperity and safety to their lives, and moreover fulfill what they make a wish.
These are the 5 Holy Hermits whom many Thai highly respect.
1. Phra Lersi Ta Fai:
Phra Lersi Ta Fai has so much magical power that nothing dares disturb him. Phra Lersi Ta Fai has 3 eyes. Ta Fai means "a fire eye". He has the third eye on his forehead like Shiva's eye which is always closed, but when the third eye is open, anything which Lersi Ta Fai looks at will burn down.
Although Phra Lersi Ta Fai looks stern and speaks loud voice, he is very kind to everyone at the same time. If you want Phra Lersi Ta Fai to help for something, you have to prepare flowers, joss sticks and candles to worship. If that wish is not unrealistic and over karma, he will make your wish come true soon.
2. Phra Lersi Phromprasit:
Phra Lersi Phromprasit has much supernatural power. He teaches magic to humans, angels and holy spirits who really want to study. He has great kindness for every world especially the third world to be civilized with his merit.
People who have faith in Phra Lersi Phromprasit should worship him with flowers, joss sticks, candles and fragrance. And most of all with pure heart and appreciation to his favors. With that, Phra Lersi Phromprasit will grant us success in studying all fields of knowledge. Furthermore, he will protect us from dangers and bring peacefulness to our lives.
Importantly, people who make a wish to Phra Lersi Phromprasit must really keep their words to the hermit because he likes honest people. If you break your words to Phra Lersi Phromprasit, not only he doesn't bless, but also curses and penalizes you.
3. Phra Lersi Phromprathan:
In his story, his birth place is not mentioned, known only that Phra Lersi Phromprathan used to be a holy spirit in the heaven, but has strong determination to be a Lersi (hermit) in order to build up merit.
Phra Lersi Phromprathan likes to watch people. When he finds that someone is getting into trouble, he will go to help immediately. So when people had unhappiness or illness, they will think of and pray to Phra Lersi Phromprathan for help.
4. Phra Lersi Narod (also Phra Lersi Naratha):
Phra Lersi Narod is one of the 10 inventor hermits who invented Gourd Lute (Pin Namtow). He practiced as a hermit at Mount Solot, out of Longka City in "Ramayana" where Thodsakan (a foe of Rama with 10 faces and 10 arms) lives. At that time Hanuman (monkey god who loyally devotes to Rama) gave a ring to Nang Sida (a beloved lady of Rama) and flew farther than Longka City. Hanuman saw Phra Lersi Narod and had battle with him. Hanuman was lost to Phra Lersi Narod. And when Hanuman burnt Longka City, his tail got the fire that he couldn't extinguish. Hanuman went to Phra Lersi Narod to help and then fire disappeared.
Phra Lersi Narod is the teacher for all Lersi. He was born from the fifth head of Brahma. Dedicated himself to being a hermit and the first hermit in Traiphum (3 worlds: Sensuous World, Form World, Formless World). In every ritual ceremony, if not inviting Phra Lersi Narod, that event will not be fully complete.
Phra Lersi Narod is also the best doctor and the one who makes holy water most excellently. He has got a long beard and holds a lotus in his hand. In front of him is a bowl of holy water. He can cure people's illness efficaciously. That is why some people pray to Phra Lersi Narod for help when they are ill.
5. Phra Lersi Phromparamet:
Phra Lersi Phromparamet is another hermit who succeeded in practice, having much power not less than other hermits. He is full of mercy, but stern and speaks loud voice. He has got four faces and eight arms. His face is green and body is big.
Phra Lersi Phromparamet is full of magic. He can build anything he wants. One day he had an idea of making something fun, so he built a "prawn" by his magic that is food for humans.
Phra Lersi Phromparamet is not too stern like someone thinks. Actually, he is very kind and likes to help people. So if you would like him to help, try lighting a joss stick and making a wish to him. And then you may succeed in what you wish.