Mongolia: Ongiin Khiid Ruined Monastery
Ongiin Monastery is actually two monasteries that face each other across the Ongi River in south central Mongolia. These two monasteries were the oldest and biggest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia, established in 1660 and housing over 1000 monks. The southern part had 11 temples and the northern 17 temples. Sadly, in 1939 the communist leader Choibalsan ordered complete destruction of this and many other religious centers in the country and thousands of monks were killed or sent to labor camps in the USSR. Roaming around the ruins today, one can only imagine the grandeur of this complex. Several monks now livd on premises and the decision has been made to restore but it’s a daunting task.
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