Gandantegchilen Monastery

Welcome to the majestic and enchanting Gandantegchilen Monastery, where ancient history, cultural heritage, and spiritual devotion come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. The monastery's Yellow Temple on the Dalkh terrace, established in 1809, was the first of many that would grace the sacred grounds. The temple has undergone many transformations over the years, including its transformation into Choir datsan, and the building of new temples like the Lamrim dugan, Ikhhotmandal temple, Dashchoynkhor, and Yagdachoilin in 1824 for V Bogd. Despite facing closure and destruction during the 1930s, Gandantegchilen Monastery persevered and resumed its activities in 1944 under the watchful eye of the state.

 

One of the most striking temples on the grounds is the Megjidjanraisag Temple, which towers at a height of 30 meters and was built in 1911. At that time, it was the tallest building in the capital and housed the main attraction, the 26-meter-high Megjidjanraisag God, a duplicate of the original statue created for the last Bogd Khan of Mongolia, Javzandamba. Sadly, the original statue was removed in 1938 and repurposed for the Soviet army's ammunition. For over 50 years, the Megjidjanraisag Temple stood empty until 1990 when a new Megjidjanraisag Great Idol was created from 19 tons of copper with public funds. This magnificent structure was opened to the public on October 27, 1996.

 

Gandantegchilen Monastery is a testament to the rich heritage and architectural prowess of Mongolia. The six temples that currently stand on the grounds exhibit an amalgamation of Mongolian, Mongolian-Chinese, and Sino-Tibetan styles, constructed from various materials such as wood, stone, brick, and blue-glazed pottery. As you wander through the complex, you'll be mesmerized by the intricate designs and attention to detail that went into crafting each temple.

 

Come, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and awe-inspiring beauty of Gandantegchilen Monastery, a travel destination that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.