Gandantegchinlen

Gandantegchinlen Khiid, also known as Gandantegchenlin Monastery, is the largest Buddhist monastic complex in Mongolia and serves as a major spiritual center for Mongolian Buddhism. It is located in central Ulaanbaatar and has long been associated with the Gelug tradition within Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery was established in the 19th century, with a founding date widely cited around 1838, and grew into a key center of Buddhist learning, ritual, and monastic life in Outer Mongolia. It endured significant disruption during the anti-religious campaigns of the 1930s, when many temples were closed or destroyed. After Mongolia’s transition to democracy in the 1990s, Gandantegchinlen Khiid reopened as a functioning monastery and continues to operate as a living religious institution.

The complex comprises multiple temples, prayer halls, and monastic residences arranged around courtyards. The main temple houses a prominent statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) and contains traditional Buddhist art, murals, and scriptures. The architecture reflects a blend of Mongolian temple forms with Tibetan Buddhist influences, and the site remains a focal point for ceremonies, teaching, and pilgrimage.

Today, Gandantegchinlen Khiid functions as an active place of worship and study. It hosts religious ceremonies, provides monastic education, and serves lay Buddhists seeking guidance and participation in rituals. The monastery is also a major cultural and tourist destination in Ulaanbaatar, offering insight into the practice and history of Buddhism in Mongolia while preserving the traditions of the Gelug lineage.