In 1990 something incredible happened. The Zuun Khuree Dashchoilin Monastery was reborn. Right here before you stands a testament to resilience. This monastery in Ulaanbaatar is not just a building. It is a living story of faith and survival.
Dashchoilin Monastery’s history stretches back to the early 20th century. It was then part of the Great Khuree the sprawling monastic complex that once dominated Ulaanbaatar. The monastery originally called Vangai and Erkhemiin Dugan housed 1000 monks. It played a crucial role in Mongolian religious life. It was a center for scholars and monks from across the country.
The Great Khuree’s rise and fall are intertwined with Dashchoilin Monastery’s story. Founded in 1654 it was destroyed in 1680. It was rebuilt in 1706. It continued to expand over the centuries. By 1795 it comprised 27 aimags. Three more were added by the early 1900s. Dashchoilin Monastery was the last temple built within this grand complex. It was dedicated to Dondogdulam the eighth queen of the Bogd Gegeen.
Tragedy struck in 1937. The Great Repression saw the closure and destruction of many religious sites. Dashchoilin Monastery wasn’t spared. It was repurposed. It briefly served as a circus.
Yet hope remained. The Ulaanbaatar city government took over the monastery in 1971. Between 1981 and 1982 they restored its ger-shaped temples. Official state protection came in 1994. The Indian ambassador Bakula Renbuche gave it the name Dashchoilin.
Today Dashchoilin Monastery thrives. More than 100 monks call it home. Three temples Tsogchen Sakhius and Gandanchoinkhorlin stand as symbols of revival. These temples house rare statues and unique wall paintings. A 2.5 meter long life tree is a key feature. It’s adorned with over 100 mantras. The annual Khuree Tsam Dance is a spectacle. It revives traditional religious rituals. It’s a celebration of culture and faith. The Zuun Khuree College established in 1998 offers Buddhist teachings philosophy and language training.
Dashchoilin Monastery’s story is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a powerful story of perseverance. It is a story of faith in the face of adversity. It’s a vibrant part of Ulaanbaatar’s rich history. It continues to inspire and educate. It’s a place of spiritual solace and learning.