Tuvkhen Monastery, Mongolia
The monastery of “E Van Gichillin” or “Duvhan” was established in 1653 by the renowned religious and political figure Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, direct descendant of Chinggis Khan and the first Bogd Javzundamba (religious leader of Mongolia). Tuvkhen monastery is a sacred sanctuary for contemplation and meditation. Located at the top of Shiveet-Ulaan mountain in the Khangai range. The various creative masterpieces produced by His Holiness Undur Gegeen Zanabazar include the Soyombo script and the Soyombo figure – invented in 1686 – which symbolized Mongolia’s independence, and which has become the national emblem of Mongolia. Recognized as one of the fathers of Mongolian Buddhist art, Undur Gegeen Zanabazar created a large number of philosophical works, sutras and Buddhist statuettes at Tuvkhen, including his famous series of figures representing the 21 Taras. Zanabazar’s renowned philosophical work “Janlavtsogzolma” was also composed here. Tuvkhen monastery is home to a variety of relics associated with the life of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar – including the sacred Bogd temple, constructed by Zanabazar’s own hands. Several further structures were constructed in Tuvkhen during the 18th century on the initiative of Tsorj Luvsandagvadarjaa, head lama of Erdene Zuu monastery. These include the Chongchin temple, a storage shed, a meditation ger, the Bodhi stupa, and a fence and entrance gate. Additionally, Sain Noyon Khan had a summer temple constructed here at the beginning of 19th century. Tuvkhen monastery was closed and destroyed in 1937. In 1971 monastery was taken under the protection of the local authorities. It was re-opened as its principal deity, using funds gathered from the Buddhist community. In 2004 monastery was inscribed in World Heritage List as a part of Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape site.
Size: 3400px × 5100px
Location: Tuvkhen Monastery, Mongolia
Photo credit: © Mikhail Yurenkov / Alamy / Afripics
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