Gandan Monastery
Ulaanbaatar
Gandan Monastery, officially known as Gandantegchinlen Monastery, is a prominent Buddhist monastery located in the Bayangol District of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Founded in 1809, it has served as the spiritual center of Mongolian Buddhism, especially after surviving Soviet-era religious persecutions that led to the closure of many other monasteries. The complex features traditional Mongolian Buddhist architecture with several notable temples, including the Megzed Janraiseg Temple, which houses a magnificent 26.5-meter gilded bronze statue of Avalokiteśvara adorned with precious stones. Gandan Monastery has more than 100 resident monks and preserves an extensive collection of Buddhist manuscripts and treasures, including rare texts written in precious materials such as gold and lapis lazuli. Despite urban development around it, the monastery grounds retain a traditional atmosphere, with monks living in yurts nearby. It remains a vital religious, cultural, and historical landmark, attracting both pilgrims and tourists seeking to experience Mongolia's Buddhist heritage.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit Gandan Monastery during the morning hours to observe monks' prayers and rituals. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Modest dress is appreciated out of respect for religious customs. Photography is generally allowed but should be done discreetly, especially inside temples. The monastery offers cultural insight and peaceful surroundings, making it ideal for contemplative visits. Discounts may be available for students or groups; check locally before arrival.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery's name means 'complete rejoicing' and is derived from the Ganden Monastery in Tibet.
- •The Avalokiteśvara statue at Gandan is 26.5 meters tall and made of gilded bronze with over 2,100 precious stones.
- •Gandan Monastery was the only active monastery in Mongolia during the Soviet era from 1944 to 1989.
- •The monastery holds over 70,000 Buddhist manuscripts and woodblock prints, including texts written with nine precious materials such as gold and lapis lazuli.
- •The original Avalokiteśvara statue was destroyed during Soviet anti-religious campaigns and is believed to have been melted down in Moscow.
History
Gandan Monastery was established in 1809, initially as part of a Buddhist education center initiated by the second Jebtsundamba Khutuktu in the early 18th century.
It expanded with several temples built throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the prominent Megzed Janraiseg Temple completed in 1913.
The monastery was closed in 1939 during Stalinist anti-religious purges, with many of its buildings destroyed and the iconic Avalokiteśvara statue dismantled.
It was reopened in 1944 as Mongolia's sole active monastery under Soviet influence.
Following Mongolia's democratic transition in 1990, Gandan underwent renovation and expansion, restoring its cultural and religious prominence.
Place Guide
Megzed Janraiseg Temple1913
This temple is the tallest monastery building in Mongolia, completed in 1913. It houses the impressive 26.5-meter statue of Avalokiteśvara, symbolizing compassion and mercy, made of gilded bronze and adorned with precious stones.
Avalokiteśvara Statue1996
The 26.5-meter gilded bronze statue represents the bodhisattva of compassion and is a central religious icon at Gandan. The current statue was dedicated in 1996, modeled after the original destroyed statue.
Monastic Grounds and Yurts
Despite the urban environment, the monastery's vicinity retains traditional yurts occupied by monks, preserving a unique blend of Mongolian nomadic culture and Buddhism.
Contact
Phone: 011 36 0354
