Religious, Spiritual sights in Ulaanbaatar
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Gandan Khiid
The Gandan Khiid is one of Mongolia's most important monasteries, and also one of its biggest tourist attractions. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates roughly as 'the great place of complete joy'.
Building was started in 1838 by the fourth Bogd Gegeen, but like most monasteries in Mongolia the purges of 1937 fell heavily on Gandan. When US Vice President Henry Wallace asked to see a monastery during his visit to Mongolia in 1944, then prime minister Choibalsan guiltily scrambled to open this one to cover up the fact that he had recently laid waste to Mongolia's religious heritage. The khiid remained a 'show monastery' for other foreign visitors until 1990 when ful…
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Choijin Lama Temple Museum
This temple-museum is a hidden gem of architecture and history, smack in the middle of downtown Ulaanbaatar. Sadly, it's under threat of losing its quaint character, as shoddily constructed buildings are thrown up all around it. Already the view of the complex is hindered by ugly buildings that now form its backdrop.
Still, Choijin Lama is well-worth a visit. It was the home of Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama ('Choijin' is an honorary title given to some monks), the state oracle and brother of the Bogd Khan. The construction of the monastery commenced in 1904 and was completed four years later. It was closed in 1938 and probably would have been demolished but it was saved as …
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Centre of Shaman Eternal Heavenly Sophistication
Ulaanbaatar's official Shaman Centre is a ramshackle collection of squalid gers teetering on the slope that leads to Gandan Monastery. While not particularly mystifying at first sight, this is the real deal, with a bona fide shaman at its helm, holding daily court. The resident shaman, Zorigtbaatar, is known for his fiery orations that rile up the faithful into a frenzy. There are two gers: one that honours the shamanic spirits and another that replicates nature, complete with a small lake, trees and stuffed animals. It is in the nature ger where the shaman performs his dance. If there is a ceremony going on, and you want your fortune told, you'll need to make a small don…
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Bakula Rinpoche Süm
The Bakula Rinpoche Süm, also known as the Pethub Stangey Choskhor Ling Khiid, was founded in 1999 by the late Indian ambassador, himself a reincarnate lama from Ladakh. The Rinpoche's ashes were interred inside a golden stupa inside the temple in July 2004. The monastery, used mainly as a centre for Buddhist teaching, also has a Centre for Buddhist Medicine. The monastery is not a must-see unless you are interested in learning about traditional medicine. The complex is located where Ikh Toiruu meets Sambugiin Örgön Chölöö, behind the Container Market.
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Gesar Süm
Belonging to Gandan Khiid, Gesar Süm is named after the mythical Tibetan king. The lovely temple is a fine example of Chinese-influenced architecture. It is a popular place for locals to request, and pay for, puja (a blessing ceremony). Allegedly, the temple was placed here to stop the movement of the hill behind it, which was slowly creeping towards the centre of the city. It's easy to visit the temple as it lies between Gandan and the city centre.
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Buddha Park
Buddha Park features a 16m-tall standing Sakyamuni image. The funds to build the park were donated by a 99-year-old Mongolian monk named Guru Dev. Below the statue is a small room containing thangkas, sutras and images of the Buddha and his disciples.
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Didan-Lavran Temple
The two-storey Didan-Lavran Temple in the courtyard near Gandan Khiid was home to the 13th Dalai Lama during his stay here in 1904.
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Centre for Buddhist Medicine
Bakula Rinpoche Süm is used mainly as a centre for Buddhist teaching; it has a Centre for Buddhist Medicine.
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Tasgany Ovoo
Tasgany Ovoo is worth a look if you haven't seen an ovoo, a sacred pyramid-shaped collection of stones.
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Ochidara Temple
The building northeast of Gandan Khiid is the Ochidara Temple where the most significant ceremonies are held.
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