Mongolia︱Erdene Zuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Present Erdene Zuu Monastery was built on the remains of the historical capital of Great Mongolian Empire, Kharkhorum city by moving the remaining stone walls on the outskirts of Kharkhorum.
First, in 1580, Avtai Sain King along with his younger brother Tumenhen Noyon met with the III Dalai Lama and sought advice for their buddhist mission in Mongolia. And as per III Dalai Lama’s advice, they restored ruins of ancient Takhai temple of Kharkhorum city and laid the foundation of the Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Since then, the Three Zuu temples, Rigsum Gombo temple were built during 1586-1674. While Ochirdari temple, Arvid temple, Great Stupa and Great Tsogchin Dugan and Lavrin temples were built during 1701-1705 and 1771-1792, respectively.
Today, only 18 temples remain, whereas Three Zuu temples, Great Stupa and Seruun Lavrin temples are the only buildings remained from the original monastery including stone statues and monuments found from the remains of Kharkhorum city.