Meaning "the great place of complete joy" is the largest monastery in Mongolia. And not only it's beautiful on a sunny day like that, but it has such an interesting history. It was first started in !*£* but like most monasteries in Mongolia the purges of 1937 felt heavily. It's only in 1944 when a US vice-president (Wallace) asked the Prime minster (Choilbasan) to see the place, that they reopen it, and the place became a sort of show monastery. This until 1990, when full religious ceremony started.
The main building is Migjid Janraising Sum, with the new statue "Migjid Janraisig", build in 1996 (as the Russians remove the ancient one (some people believe they melted to make bullets)) and consecrated by the Dalai Lama on the same date.
The "kora" (I think) praying paths
Details, there were so many things, I want to go back with someone who has a wider knowledge of Buddhism to get some of it!
The monk and the praying old person! I couldn't help it but to take a photo hiding the camera! There was a better one but this blog does not like portrait format! in front of the Library of the monastery by the way!
The Ochidara Temple or Gandan Sum, where the most important ceremonies are held. inside that building there's a large statue of Tsongkhapa the founder of the Gelupa sect (Couldn't take photos). You can also see what I call the praying barrels, also known as the Kora, the pilgrim path.
That temple on the background is where the 13th Dalai Lama stayed in 1904.
I couldn't get away with the discreet photograph!!!! they spot me!
They sale grains for the pigeons.
Once again some praying spots, but I'd like to read more about it or bring someone with me to explain. They turn 3 times, sacred number, all I could spot!
With Gecca, my fellow tourist buddy!
1 comment:
wow... looks like quite the experience ahead of you, Soph! ...already some pretty awesome ones behind you! enjoy every minute... lots and lots of love and kisses,
Mel x
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