In 1580s, by the order of Dalai Lama first temple of Erdenezuu monastery was built
on the ruin of Mongolian ancient capital Karakorum. By 1792s, there
were 62 temples, over 500 buildings nearby. The monastery was registered in “Heritage of Mongolia” by
UNESCO. Today:
Dalai Lama temple exposes
13 “nagtan” images of Mahakala, six images of 12 Dalai Lama's emanations and
copper image of Under Gegeen Zanabazar, first leader of Mongolian Buddhism.
Shorgoogon Fence made
by larch without using an iron nail symbolizes to protect the monastery from
outer and inner enemies. Also it did not let many people and livestock come in
the temple during major religious festivals such as Tsam dance and Maitreya's
procession.
Tsamba temple
devoted to deity Tsamba, has three rooms. Four Lamas used to occupy each room
to recite certain sutras.
West Zuu Temple was
built by wish of Abtai Sain Khan, his son Ereehei Mergen's queen Suntaihu
and Holoch Darhan noyon's mother. Three Buddhas in the center of the temple are
Kasyapa, Shakyamuni, Maitreya.
Middle Zuu Temple was
built by Abtai Sain Khan on 15th of mid-month of the summer of fiery male
dog year in old Takhai place.
East Zuu Temple was
built in request of Tusheet Khan Gombodorj and his queen Khandjamts. There are
three statues and Janraiseg, Buddha Shakyamuni, Je Zonkhapa.
Ayush Temple was
dedicated to Amitayus Buddha, in the past monks would recite sutras in each
rooms. In general, Mongols used to create Buddha in many ways. There are
appliques, wall images dated to the 19th century.
Golden Stupa is
a type of Bodhi stupa and is located on one plate surrounded by eight smaller
stupas. The stupa was dedicated to the 4th Bogd. There is a Lamp
temple on the entry of the stupa, inside of which ceremony of offering of lamps
used to take place in four auspicious days of Buddha. Buddha image is inside
the shrine with its original consecration. This is the highest and biggest
stupa in Mongolia with a height of 13 meters.
Blue Temple is unique
construction of the temple roof without any nails can easily be seen from
inside the Blue temple and is considered one of the first temples of the
monastery.
Janraisag Temple contains
tankas, appliques, Tsam dance masks; brocaded images of Buddha.
Laviran
Temple built in 1969-1973 which is considered
as unique Tibetan styled temple in Mongolia. In here, Buddha’s
images, appliques, drum, bell, vachra and embroiders.
Ulzii Khutagt Ground is in
the heart of the monastery which was once a yurt of Abtai Sain Khan. 200 people
could stay in the yurt.