Amarbayasgalant Monastery, located at the beginning of the Iven River in Selenge province, is a significant religious and cultural center in Mongolia. Established in 1726, the construction of the Monastery was initiated by Mongolian craftsmen and completed in 1737. The site was named Amarbayasgalant after two kids named Amar and Bayasgalant, whom the builders met while looking for a place to build the monastery. This spiritual hub was once home to as many as 6,000 monks, and with over 40 temples within its 175m x 207m fence, it was one of the largest religious centers in the country.
Sadly, during the 1937-38 purges, many monks of the monastery were killed, and most of the temples were destroyed. However, in 1943, Amarbayasgalant Monastery was rebuilt and protected by the government. The restoration work continued over the years, and in 1990, UNESCO contributed to the extensive restoration of the site. Today, around 50 monks reside in the monastery.
The Monastery is the second most important religious center in Mongolia, after Erdene Zuu in Kharkhorin. If you are traveling from Erdenet, you can reach the Monastery by driving off the asphalt road at Baruunburen and following the piste to the north and later to the east for about 24 kilometers. Alternatively, you can take various other routes available to reach the Monastery. Local drivers are familiar with the routes, making it easy to get to the site.
Architecture
The Monastery’s architecture features Mongolian and Chinese elements, reflecting the Manchurian state’s politics, which aimed to spread Lamaism among the Mongols. The symmetrical layout of the Monastery showcases the Chinese style. The main temple, Tsogchin Dugan, has high, red wooden pillars and a large hall, surrounded by a gallery.
Despite the destruction of many temples and valuable art treasures during the 1930s, the Monastery still holds important cultural creations, including 226 volumes of Ganjuur and Danjuur. The mummified body of the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor Zanabazar was brought to the Monastery from Beijing in 1789 and is still present at the site.
Overall, Amarbayasgalant Monastery stands as a remarkable religious and cultural site, showcasing the rich history and traditions of Mongolia.
