Overview:

Ivolginsky Datsan in Russia is the largest Buddhist center in Europe. It is located in the village of Ivolginsk in the Republic of Buryatia (Russian Federation). The Ivolginsky Datsan was built in 1945 and is now the seat of the Pandito Khambo Lama and the head of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. It is also home to many monks and other Buddhist practitioners who work to preserve and teach the Buddhist faith. The Datsan houses a number of spiritual and cultural buildings, including temples, shrines, monuments, and stupas. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

1. Located in the Buryatia region of Russia, the Ivolginsky Datsan is the largest Buddhist monastery and temple in Russia and one of the most prominent Buddhist centers in Eastern Siberia. 2. The Ivolginsky Datsan serves as the residence of the Buddhist hierarchy of Russia and it is the headquarters of the Russian Buddhist Church. 3. It houses a large stupa, several Buddhist sculptures, as well as a Buddhist school. 4. The main temple was established in 1945, and has been the central place of worship for Buddhist in Russia ever since. 5. On the monastery grounds, there is also the home of Russia's last living lama, Khambo Lama Itigilov, who passed away in 2002. 6. The Ivolginsky Datsan is believed to be the burial ground of the mythical Kingdom of Zanghara, as archaeological evidence suggests the presence of these descendants of Genghis Khan on and around the site. 7. Visitors can explore fascinating Buddhist monuments scattered around the monastery grounds, including a sculpture depicting the Tibetan Wheel of Life. 8. Ivolginsky Datsan is a popular site for pilgrims and travellers alike, as it is one of the most prominent Buddhist centers in Russia and Eastern Siberia. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

Ivolginsky Datsan is a monastery and one of the most important Buddhist spiritual and cultural sites in Russia. It is located in the Republic of Buryatia, about 80 km away from the city of Ulan-Ude. The monastery was founded in 1945 and dedicated to the Agvan Dorzhiev (1854 - 1938), a faithful disciple of the 13th Dalai Lama and a personal envoy of the Dalai Lama to the Tsar. The history of Buddhism in Russia can be traced back to ancient times, and the Ivolginsky Datsan has been an important site for Russian Buddhists since its inception. Initially, the monastery served as the center of Buddhism in Russia. It became the seat of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia and the center for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery also served as a major pilgrimage center for Buddhists from all over the world. In 1991, the government of the Russian Federation officially recognized the Ivolginsky Datsan as a spiritual and cultural center and granted it the status of Autonomous Religious Institution. Today, the Ivolginsky Datsan is a thriving center of Buddhist activity, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The monastery houses several Buddhist temples, a library, and various educational centers devoted to Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery also serves to promote harmony and understanding between different cultures and religions. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Ivolginsky Datsan (also known as Datsan Ivolginsky) is one of the most important spiritual and religious centers in Russia. It is the only Buddhist monastery in the country, and it is located in the village of Ivolga in the Buryatia Republic. 2. According to legend, Ivolginsky Datsan was founded in 1854 by Agvan Dorzhiev, a close friend and advisor of the 13th Dalai Lama. Dorzhiev was sent by the Dalai Lama to establish a Buddhist monastery and school in Russia. 3. The monastery has been home to numerous lamas, monks, and scholars over the years and is a vital spiritual center for the Buryat people. 4. Ivolginsky Datsan is the seat of Russian Buddhism, and it is home to the fourth incarnation of the Pandito Khambo Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism in Russia. 5. The monastery also houses a collection of ancient manuscripts and icons, as well as the mummified body of the 10th Pandito Khambo Lama. The mummy is said to still have soft skin and is considered a shaman by the Buryat people. 6. Ivolginsky Datsan is open to visitors, and it holds special cultural and spiritual events throughout the year. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era