Introduction
One of Gandan’s most important historical symbols is the Migjid Janraisig statue of Avalokiteshvara, first erected in 1911–1912 to celebrate Mongolia’s declaration of independence from the Qing Dynasty. Standing over 26 meters tall, it became a national icon of compassion, unity, and freedom.
The original statue was dismantled in 1938 and taken to the Soviet Union. After Mongolia’s democratic revolution, a new statue was rebuilt with nationwide donations and officially inaugurated in 1996. Today, the 23-meter-high statue dominates the monastery skyline and serves as a focal point for pilgrims and visitors.
The roots of Gandan trace back to Undur Gegeen Zanabazar (1635–1723), the first spiritual leader of Mongolian Buddhism. In 1639, he was enthroned near Lake Shireet Tsagaan, marking the foundation of Ikh Khuree, the monastic settlement that eventually became Ulaanbaatar.
Tsogchen developed as the central administrative and ceremonial hall, overseeing religious education, monastic discipline, and state rituals. For centuries, it functioned as the heart of Mongolia’s Buddhist hierarchy.
Founded in 1956, the Gandan Library became the largest collection of Buddhist manuscripts in Mongolia, preserving rare sutras and scholarly works that survived the purges of the 1930s. Its collection includes texts in Tibetan, Soyombo, Lancha, Sanskrit, and classical Mongolian scripts.
Since 2007, the library has partnered with UNESCO to digitize and protect fragile manuscripts, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Originally established in Inner Mongolia, the college moved to Ikh Khuree in 1756. It became a major center for Buddhist philosophy and debate, following the classical Tibetan monastic university system. Closed in 1937, it reopened in 1991.
Founded by the Fourth Bogd Jevzundamba, this college specialized in the teachings of Panchen Sonam Drakpa and produced many of Mongolia’s leading Buddhist scholars. Reopened in 1992 after decades of closure.
Known for awarding Geshe degrees, the highest academic rank in Buddhist scholarship, this college once hosted assemblies of up to 10,000 monks. It reopened in 1991.
This college focuses on the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) teachings, a major tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama gave the Kalachakra Initiation at Gandan, marking a historic moment in modern Mongolian religious life.
Closely linked to the construction of the original Janraisig statue, this college symbolized the connection between Buddhism and Mongolian independence. It was revived in the 1990s along with the monastery’s restoration.
Founded in 1970, this Buddhist university has trained monks and scholars from Mongolia, Russia (Buryatia and Tuva), Inner Mongolia, Kalmykia, and Japan. It continues the academic traditions of the pre-communist monastic colleges and plays a major role in the modern revival of Buddhism in the region.
Established in 1739, Jud College is dedicated to the Tantric (Vajrayana) tradition of Buddhism. It awards the advanced Agramba degree to monks specializing in ritual and esoteric practice. Closed in 1938, it reopened in 1999 and remains an important center for ceremonial Buddhism today.
