Gandan Monastery

One of the biggest landmarks of Ulaanbaatar, Gandan Monastery or Gandan Khiid, is an important tourist landmark. Also known as Gandantegchinlen Monastery, it was home of thousands Buddhist scholars and monks. However, during the era of national purge it saw the massive massacre of the religious residents. In the later part of 20th century, the people of the country got their freedom to practice Buddhism freely and its temple were open to people.

Founded in 1727, this monastery was affiliated to the Tibetan Buddhism. Here visitors can find multiple examples of Tibetan influences on the culture and architecture of the temple.
 The shrine, also referred to as Gandantegchinlen Monastery, means Great Place of Complete Joy in Tibetan. It is believed that the temple was commissioned by either 4th or 5th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu (spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia). During its heydays, the temple was home to several monks who studied and practiced Buddhism. Everything was going on well till 1937, when the impact of communist regime under the leadership of Khorloogiin Choibalsan fell on the region.

The then prime minister, Choibalsan, ordered national purge by destroying the Buddhist monasteries and putting a ban on practicing religion. The Gandan Monastery, although suffered heavily during the purge, but was saved to portray the cultural heritage of the country. It remained a show monastery for more five decades. In 1990, after the fall of Marxist rule in Mongolia, the temple was opened to the devotees.
 Some of the prime attractions of Gandan Khiid are Ochidara Temple (Gandan Süm) and Didan-Lavran Temple. The visitors entering the temple from the south gate, first come across the Gandan Khiid overlooking the pilgrim path or kora. Most devotees after completing a round of Kora, run their hands over the prayer wheels in the courtyard for good luck.

Some of the important religious ceremonies are held here, in the presence of large statue of Tsongkhapa. The statue belongs to an important religious figure of Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, also known by the ordained name of Losang Drakpa.

The Didan-Lavran temple was the official residence of the 13th Dalai Lama during his stay in Ulaanbaatar during his escape from Tibet. Devotees, often, can be found mediating or taking part in the ceremonies. The entire process can fill the air with a sense of purity and tranquility.   

The biggest attraction of the monastery, Migjid Janraisig Süm, is a treat to the eyes. Walls of the temples are decorated with numerous wall paintings of Buddhist deity, Ayush. The huge statue of Avalokiteśvara was originally commissioned by Bogd Khan. According to local legends, this deity can heal ailment. The ruler after losing his eyesight installed the huge statue to appease the lord and bring back his eyesight.  However, during the Russian regime the statue was dismantled.

Later on, in 1996 a new statue (Migjid-Janraisig Statue) was commissioned with the help of international and domestic donations. The 26.5-meter statue is one of the tallest indoor statues in the world, and contains more than 2000 precious stones and covered in gilded gold leaf.

Weighting close to 22 tones, the statue on the inside contains more than 25 tons of medicinal herbs, piles of 2 million mantras, scriptures containing 334 sutras, and surprisingly an entire yurt tent! Locals believe that the Avalokiteśvara is the god of good health. You can find many people praying diligently before the statue for good health on special occasions. 
 1.  Explore the stunning heritage of the Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia
2.  Interact with the Buddhist monks
3.  Mediate in the great halls
4.  Witness the ceremonies
 •  Timing - 8.30am-7pm (in the evening most of the temples are closed).
•  Entry fee: T4000 (US$ 1.5) + extra for photography.
•  The monastery compound is free to entry, but for certain areas inside the temple complex entry pass is required.
•  Morning services are a big attraction, and must not be missed.
•  During the special occasions, the temple is heavily crowded – try to visit it on early mornings to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the surrounding.  
 From the main city center, the Gandan Monastery is hardly 16 mins ride on a cab. Cab fare ranges from US$12 to US$15. Tourists can board busses from the Dragon Bus Terminal to the monastery. One-way ticket could cost around US$12.28.  Bus numbers are posted on a notice board of the bus stand. Travelers can consult it before boarding. But the bus timings and ticket costs are subjected to change. It is advisable to enquire at the bus kiosk for the updated information.
 Before heading to the Gandan Monastery, here are few of the thing’s visitors should remember:

1. Since the abbey is an active place of worship, visitors should maintain the sanctity of place.
2. It is important to wear clothes that do not offend the residents of the monastery.
3. Donations for maintenance of the monastery are appreciated.
4. Visitors will require separate photo permits to shoot in the certain sections of the temple.
5. Visitors can talk to the monks and learn interesting facts about the temple, but friendly and respectful attitude can help in striking a warm conversation.

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