Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Gandantegchinlen Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaatar with a bronze Buddha statue rising about 26.5 meters (87 feet) in its main temple. The figure is adorned with precious stones and traditional decorative elements throughout.
Founded in 1838, the monastery survived Soviet-era restrictions to become the only active Buddhist institution in the region during that period. This singular role allowed it to maintain religious functions while many other temples were closed.
The monastery holds a large collection of Buddhist manuscripts and prints in Mongolian, Tibetan, and Sanskrit that visitors can see in its halls. These texts represent the spiritual knowledge that monks continue to study and teach here today.
The complex welcomes visitors daily and offers guided tours while maintaining active religious services led by resident monks. When visiting, dress respectfully and follow the guidance of staff to help preserve the sanctity of the space.
Resident monks live in traditional yurts on the monastery grounds, preserving ancestral housing practices within a rapidly modernizing city. This custom keeps the community connected to Mongolia's pastoral heritage.
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