An aerial view of Amarbayasgalant Monastery, showcasing its traditional structures within vast grasslands, under the golden light of a setting sun.

About this experience

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Selenge Province, Mongolia

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English Монгол

Published: 2024 (v1)

Story outline

  • Amarbayasgalant Monastery

    Welcome to Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Amid the vastness of the Mongolian steppe, it stands as a beacon of Buddhist resilience, preserving traditions and training monks despite historical challenges.

  • Stop 1. Buddhism in Mongolia

    This revered site is one of only two Yellow sect monasteries remaining in Mongolia after the destructions caused by the Great Repression. Mongolian Buddhism has its own characteristics and this monastery is alive with active cultural traditions.

  • Stop 2. A Place of Legends

    This place is rich in myths, with many stories about how it was founded and got its name. It is said to be named after two children, Amar and Bayasgalan, found playing at its site, the location was chosen by Qing Dynasty geologists to honor Zanabazar, the emperor's mentor.

  • Stop 3. Unique Architecture

    The Tsogchin Temple at Amarbayasgalant showcases unique architecture with a W-shaped roof designed for rainwater collection. Inside, it serves as a prayer hall, while its second-floor veranda offers panoramic views of the valley.

  • Stop 4. Repression Period

    Behind Amarbayasgalant's main temple lie smaller structures housing sacred texts and deities. The site was damaged during the communist repression, which targeted religious institutions and practices but has experienced a revival since Mongolia's 1990 democratic revolution.

  • Stop 5. The Bogd’s Ger

    The Bogd is the most significant spiritual leader in Mongolia and this location features a traditional ger built for the Bogds of every generation. As the Bogds are believed to be eternally reborn, this ger holds special reverence, ready to welcome the 10th Bogd.

  • Stop 6. A Dream for the Future

    Amidst the challenges of adapting and doing research on restoration techniques to Mongolia's climate, there's a shared vision among monks and locals to build a new temple that honors tradition and embraces progress.

Voices

  • A Mongolian man with close-cropped hair dressed in red Buddhist robes stands in front of an ornate temple drapery.

    Molom Abbot

    Abbot of Amarbayasgalant

    A native of Selenge province’s Baruunburen, Molom Abbot serves as the leader of the Amarbayasgalant Monastery. He has held this position since 2013, taking over the responsibility from his grandfather, Jamiyandagva.
  • A young Mongolian man dressed in red monk robes is set against a backdrop of temple rooftops and surrounding grassland landscape.

    Ochirkhuu Lama

    Lama at Amarbayasgalant

    Orchirkhuu Lama first joined the monastery in 2010 as a novice. His journey which started as a three-month break from school at the monastery became a new passion and has resulted in over 13 years of study at the monastery.
  • A Mongolian woman with short, dark hair and dressed in a blue zip-up sweater stands against the Mongolian landscape.

    Narantsetseg

    Local Resident

    Narantsetseg is connected to Amarbayasgalant through her family ties to the region. The area was the birthplace of her parents and now her son is a manager at the Monastery.
  • A Mongolian woman wearing round glasses stands with a cityscape and blue sky in the background.

    Bayanmunkh

    Heritage management and conservation expert

    Bayanmunkh served as director of the Preserving Amarbayasgalant Monastery project for the Mongolian Arts Council cultural heritage program. This program was supported by the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and focused on renewing the electrical system of the monastery to reduce fire risks.

Partners

About the Project

Amarbayasgalant Monastery is a symbol of Mongolia's spiritual history and resilience. Established in the early 18th century, this site was constructed in the sacred memory of Saint Zanabazar, the first Bogd or supreme spiritual authority of Buddhism in Mongolia. Amid the vastness of the Mongolian steppe, the monastery's intricate architecture and glazed roof tiles offer a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the landscape. Once a bustling spiritual community with over six thousand monks, Amarbayasgalant withstood the trials of communist repression, preserving its rich cultural practices and legacy of training new monks.

Credits

This Tapestry experience was created as part of the Community Heritage Exchange Initiative with support from the U.S. State Department. This project was led by Ikhbayar Urchuud and Zulaa Urchuud of the Mongolian Film Institute who identified and coordinated the following trainees and participants in producing the resulting experience. 3D Capture Team: Otgon-Erdene Erdene-Ochir, Byamba Batkhuyag, Saruul Batsaikhan, Bat-Erdene Doljin, and Taichar Enkhbat. Storytelling Team: Bilguuntuguldur Sharkhuu, Ankhbayar Nyamdavaa, Nyamdulam Tsedevsuren, Bolorchimeg Ochirbat, and Layla Batchuluun. Team Translator: Jargalt Odgerel

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