Khamar Monastery (Khamaryin Khiid)
Khamar Monastery stands in the heart of Dornogovi Province, 45 km south of Sainshand. Danzanravjaa, a renowned 19th-century poet and enlightener, founded it in 1820 when he was only 17. His teacher advised him to build the monastery in a place with hills and trees to the northeast, and after exploring the area, he chose the location where Khamar Monastery now sits.
A local legend tells of a kind man found resting on that very spot. He was later arrested for redistributing goods to poor families, and people believed his presence marked the land as sacred.
Historical Background
Before its destruction in 1938, Khamar Monastery had four main sections: the Eastern Range, the Western Range, Tsokhon, and Duinkhor. More than 80 temples operated there, home to over 500 monks. The monastery followed the Red Stream tradition and became a major religious, cultural, and educational center.
When the monastery faced repression, Reverend G. Tudev hid 64 chests of Danzanravjaa’s relics by burying them underground and hiding them in caves for 52 years. All of these treasures returned after 1990, and the monastery resumed its religious activities. Today, it receives around 40,000 pilgrims each year. Every September 10, monks write a book in memory of those who suffered during the repression.
Danzanravjaa’s Cultural Legacy
Danzanravjaa believed the Red Sect suited the Mongolian character and mindset. He dedicated his life to reforming society. At Khamar Monastery, he founded Mongolia’s first theater, the Biography Singing Temple, and the Children’s Temple, where women and children received education.
Researchers later discovered significant paleontological remains near the monastery. In a site called Luut Tsav, scientists found fossils of a giant herbivorous dinosaur called Yogundanth, as well as shells and other ancient plant and animal remains. The landscape features colorful mounds of red, yellow, and blue clay.
Energy Center and the Land of Shambhala
A Sacred Place of Enlightenment
The surrounding area is believed to hold strong natural energy, with a spiritual “vein” running beneath the ground. Many consider this the earthly gateway to Shambhala—the mystical land of enlightenment where one can release ignorance and selfishness.
In 2007, the site was restored. Monks built 108 stupas, arranged 77 volumes of Gaadamba scriptures, and established a meditation area. Pilgrims often visit at sunrise when the energy is believed to be strongest.
Rituals and Practices
Visitors begin at the “Gateway to Shambhala,” a wall painted with the eye of a deity. People meditate here to cleanse their body, speech, and mind of negative actions. Some report seeing flashes of light or movement while focusing on the eyes, which they interpret as signs of positive energy.
Nearby lies the “Monster’s Stomach,” a stone mound where visitors write their sins on paper and burn them to symbolically release negativity.
Pilgrims then offer milk, rice, or alcohol at three stone circles pointing toward Khusliin Khar Mountain. After prayers, offerings, and chanting the song “Ulemjiin Chanar,” visitors exit through the Silver Gate to complete their spiritual journey.
Duinkhor Tradition
In 1851, Danzanravjaa and his disciples held a major Duinkhor ceremony here. They performed the Tsam dance and opened a symbolic path to Shambhala. Today, the monastery still holds yearly rituals dedicated to the 35 Duinkhor kings and the Lord of Shambhala, Suchandra.
Sakura Valley
Sakura Valley is known for its connection to Danzanravjaa’s travels through Manchuria, Tibet, and Mongolia. According to legend, he mastered the use of star-shaped throwing weapons. A samurai once met him, witnessed his skill—he sliced a tree branch with a single throw—and became his disciple.
Before leaving, the samurai gifted Danzanravjaa a sakura tree. His sword is preserved today in a museum.
Uterus Rock
Two kilometers northeast of the monastery lies Uterus Rock, a place associated with rebirth and healing. Monks once meditated in the surrounding caves. Visitors crawl through the “mother’s womb” rock to symbolically experience rebirth and purification.
Another nearby rock is believed to heal illnesses when visitors rub the affected part of their body against it.
Khusliin Khar Mountain
A Sacred Mountain of Wishes
Khusliin Khar Mountain, also known as Sharil Mountain, has been worshipped by the Gobi people for generations. A path leads to the peak, with two resting points along the way. At the base stands a 4-meter granite Buddha statue estimated to be 300,000 years old.
Women, children, and elders usually climb to a halfway shrine for rituals related to love and harmony. Men climb to the sacred peak, circle the summit, and whisper their wishes while offering alcohol. Everyone writes their wish on paper and burns it as a prayer.
Legends of the Mountain
One tale tells of a poor man who lived at the mountain’s foot. When a wild animal killed his only horse, he prayed to the mountain for help. The next morning, a horse appeared. Locals say seven sacred goats still roam the mountain.
Another legend describes a saintly figure whose soul vowed to grant the wishes of all beings and fused with the mountain itself. A nobleman was also buried at its foot, giving the mountain its name “Sharil Uul,” or “Burial Mountain.”
