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Monasteries and Temples

Spiritual places in Huvsgul Aimag

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

The Amarbayasgalant monastery is considered the second most important in Mongolia after Erdene Zuu Khiid in Kharkhorin and the most intact architectural complex in Mon­golia located in a valley 360 km from Ulaanbaatar. The monastery was built between 1727 and 1737 by the Man­chu emperor Yongzheng and dedi­cated to the great Mongolian Bud­dhist and sculptor, Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779. The valley is covered through­out its extent with Turkic-era graves of various geometric shapes dating to 3rd century. The area holds sacred associations for the people. In 1996 it was nominated by UNESCO as a Heri­tage Site. After 65years the lamas or­ganized “Tsam” religious dance for the first time in Amarbayasgalant monas­tery in 2002.

 

Uvgun Khiid monastery

Uvgun Khiid monastery located in the mountains of Khugnu-Khan was built by the medieval religious figure Zanabazar who dedicated the mon­astery to his teacher. The temple was one of his beloved sanctuaries. Dur­ing its peak, the monastery served up to 1,000 lamas. In the 18th cen­tury Ovgon-Khiid became a bone of contention between Galdan Boshigt (Western Mongolia) and Zanabazar (Cen­tral Mongolia). The former was against Zanabazar’s inten­tion to submit to the Manchus. The never-ending argument res­ulted in a war when Galdan Boshigt’s army destroyed Ovgon-Khiid.

 

Danzandarjaa Khiid Monastery

The Danzandarjaa Khiid Monastery in Murun was founded in the 19th century with 21 temples and over 200 priest and monks. During the soviet era, the monastery was closed and all monks were persecuted. After the soviet period the monastery was re-opened in 1990 with 30 monks. In 2000 the monastery was reconstructed.

The ceremony is performed daily between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. According to the lunar calendar the 8th, 15th and 29th day of each month are the best days to visit the monastery, 200-300 visitors can come at the same time.
The early history of the monastery is largely unknown, but there is an enchanting legend about its supposed origins.

 

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