Mongolian Temples

Not alot of temples servived the communist purges. Almost 30,000 monks were killed. Thousands more were sent to work camps in Siberia. Over 700 temples were destroyed in the purges. We went to the Museum for Victims of Political Persecution and saw photos of the mass graves and many skulls with bullet holes. It was a very sad time. Buddhism is being restored, but it is difficult after being an athiest nation for so long. Buddhism has an influence on Mongolian law including strict no hunting laws. Mongolia is the only UN sancationed nuclear free country.


This is part of Gandan Khid, which tranlates to great place of complete joy. It is one of Mongolias most important temples. The statues that were inside were melted down by the Russians for bullets in 1937. New statues were donated by Japan and Nepal in 1991. This monestary was saved when US vice president visited Mongolia and asked to see a temple. Prime Minister Choibalsan opened it up after ordering the destruction of hundreds of temples. It was used as a show temple until the 1990s. It is now an active temple with 600 monks.


Migjid Janraising Sum. Very Tibetian.


This is the door to the Migjid Janraising Sum.


Caves inside the Choijin Lama temple.


Vampire from the the Choijin Lama temple.


Skull mask from the Choijin Lama temple.



We got to use a band with throat singing at the Choijin Lama Temple. Throat singing is called, khoomii. It was really nice.