Danzandarjaa Monastery

Danzandarjaa Monastery, also known as Gandandarjaalin Khiid, is a Buddhist monastic complex situated in Mörön, the capital of Khövsgöl Province in Mongolia. It was constructed in the 1990s, specifically reopening in June 1990, to serve as a successor to the original Mörön Monastery. The original monastic complex, founded between 1809 and 1811 on the banks of the Delgermörön river, was a significant religious center that, at its peak in the early 20th century, was home to approximately 2,000 monks.

Historical Context and Destruction

The history of the original Mörön Monastery is intertwined with the turbulent political landscape of Mongolia. Dorjjavyn Luvsansharav, a prominent figure in the Mongolia People's Revolutionary Party, studied at the monastery between 1910 and 1921. Later, as a leader of the party during the Stalinist repressions in Mongolia, Luvsansharav played a role in the violent persecution of the Buddhist Church. This campaign led to the closure and destruction of over 700 monasteries, including the Mörön Monastery, which was demolished in 1937.

Rebuilding and Current Function

Following the Democratic Revolution in Mongolia in 1990, there was a resurgence of religious institutions. Danzandarjaa Monastery was rebuilt on the western edge of Mörön to fill the void left by the destroyed original. The reconstructed monastery is now a functioning religious site, housing up to 40 monks of all ages. It is also recognized for its collection of thangka, traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings on scroll, which are described as impressive.