Once again, amazing Mongolia. So much uniqueness
Unique Mongolia continues to amaze us. We’ve traveled to many iconic sites and this time visited Aryaabalyin-khiid. Aryaabalyin-Khid is located in the part of Horhi-Terelj National Park that administratively belongs to the Nalaikh District of the capital. The monastery is often mistaken for Gungjiin-Sum, which is actually located 30 km to the northeast in the Erdene Somon of Tuv Province.
The temple was built in 2004. It is dedicated to the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara; Aryabala is one of his epithets. The temple is affiliated with Lamrin Datsan; no regular services are held there. During the summer, it functions as a meditation center for targeted visits by believers and is one of the attractions for tourists visiting the park. There is an admission fee to enter the complex.
A path leads from the temple complex’s gate, lined with stands displaying Buddhist quotations, and leads to the suspension “Bridge of Transcendent Wisdom.” A staircase of 108 steps, shaped like an elephant’s trunk, leads up to the temple itself—a design intended to evoke the white elephant ridden by the Buddha. The complex features two large stupas, as well as 108 small wooden stupas adorning the railing around the temple. The three-story structure of the temple building symbolizes hell, the human world, and the world of the gods. To the left of the main building is the so-called “Milarepa Cave.”
Be sure to visit this temple if you ever have the chance to travel through Mongolia.
As for the world of draughts in Mongolia, a unique surprise awaits you here as well. A total of 144 participants gathered for the Ulaanbaatar Open Tournament. With the upcoming European Championships for adults and the World Championships for boys and girls on the horizon, it’s interesting to get a look at the future competitors.