Gandan monastery

Oldest monastery in UB. Tibetan Buddhist. Something in excess of half the population of Mongolia are Tibetan Buddhist. The first picture is the main temple. Inside are thousands of small statues that surround the main one that is 26.5 meters tall and is of Ganraisag, the main God in Tibetan Buddhism. The 3rd pic is the only female protector (kinda like a demigod) in Tibetan Buddhism, whose role is to decide who goes to heaven and who to hell. Next is a school for young initiates learning to be monks. Next is what would be equivalent to the cloister in a western monastery. This is where the monks live and chant prayers. The buildings are traditional and survived some attempts to destroy the monastery. Last is the main gate to the old monastery.Read more