Important Tourism Landmark Road to Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Amarbayasgalant monastery

Tragedy and Restoration

During the political purges of 1937–1938, hundreds of monks were persecuted, and sacred scriptures, relics, and artifacts — collected over two centuries were destroyed beyond recovery. In 1943, the monastery was placed under state protection, and restoration efforts began. Today, visitors can admire Yanpai Gate, Maharanza Temple, History Temple, Treasury Hall, and the Tsogchin Temple, a masterpiece of traditional Mongolian architecture. Other notable buildings include Lavrin Temple and the Shar Urgoo, known as the spiritual heart of Mongolia. Amarbayasgalant is also believed to have housed the remains of Zanabazar and the 3rd and 4th Bogds.

Cultural Heritage: The Sacred Ganjuur and Danjuur

A priceless literary treasure of the monastery is its collection of sacred scriptures — the 108-volume Ganjuur and 226-volume Danjuur, preserved in their original Mongolian script. These texts, dating back to 1628, contain over 1,260 chapters on ancient philosophy, medicine, geography, art, music, and astronomy.

Architectural Marvel: The Tsogchin Temple

The Tsogchin Temple is a 32x32 meter, two-story structure, renowned for its exquisite design and ornamentation — a rare example of Mongolian architecture unmatched even in Asia. Its four main interior columns are uniquely grooved to channel rain and snow from the roof — an engineering marvel. In recognition of their craftsmanship, artisans who worked on the monastery were granted honorific titles such as “Wise Craftsman,” “Valiant Artisan,” “Diligent Carpenter,” “Master Sculptor,” and were rewarded with silver and livestock by order of Emperor Enkh-Amgalan.

Ritual Tradition: The “Bumba of Gongor”

A significant spiritual practice at Amarbayasgalant is the ritual of the Gongor’s Bumba, held regularly in spring and autumn. The bumba, a sacred offering vessel, is crafted exclusively at the monastery following precise ceremonial procedures. It includes nine precious elements, rare medicinal herbs, incense, and tea.

People who commission a bumba must handle it with extreme care, keeping it clean and undisturbed, and return to the monastery annually for its renewal. As Gongor is considered a deity of wealth and purity, the bumba is often made of pure white silver. This “Bumba of Prosperity” is believed to bring abundance, blessings, and material fortune to its owner.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Amarbayasgalant Monastery is located in Baruunburen soum of Selenge Province, nestled at the foot of Burengiin Khan Mountain, near the source of the Iven River. It was established in 1725 by the decree of the Qing Emperor Enkh-Amgalan (Kangxi), to honor the life and legacy of Zanabazar, the first Bogd (spiritual leader) of Mongolia. The imperial treasury financed the construction with a sum of 100,000 taels of silver.

Construction began in 1726, involving many of Mongolia’s finest craftsmen and artisans. Built with bricks and timber, the monastery was completed in 1737. The name “Amarbayasgalant” meaning “Peace and Bliss” has an endearing origin. According to legend, while scouting for the monastery’s location, monks came across two children, a boy and a girl named Amar and Bayasgalant, playing with stones in the shape of a ger (yurt) at this very site.

At its peak, the monastery had 10 academic divisions (datsans), more than 50 temples, and was home to over 6,000 monks, making it one of the most significant religious centers in Mongolia. Within a 175 x 207-meter walled compound, 40 temples once stood — including shrines to Buddha, Ayush, Mahakala, Maitreya, and others — along with the palaces and mausoleums of the Bogd and Undur Gegeen. Today, only 28 structures remain.

One of the key tourist attractions in Selenge Province is the renowned Amarbayasgalant Monastery, and a major infrastructure project is now underway to enhance accessibility to this spiritual and historical site. Construction of a new 33.4-kilometer paved road connecting the monastery to the main Darkhan-Erdenet highway has officially commenced, with completion and public use planned for 2026, funded by the state budget.

With the construction of the new road, Amarbayasgalant Monastery will become more accessible to both domestic and international visitors, helping to preserve and promote Mongolia’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This project marks a major step forward in unlocking the tourism potential of Selenge Province.