Tövkhön Monastery

Tövkhön Monastery, located in Övörkhangai Province, Mongolia, is one of the nation's oldest Buddhist monastic complexes. It was initially established in 1648 by Zanabazar, who at the age of fourteen became the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu and the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism for the Khalkha people in Outer Mongolia. Zanabazar selected a site on the Shireet Ulaan Uul mountain, situated at an elevation of 2,600 meters, deeming it an auspicious location. The first physical structures were erected upon his return from studies in Tibet in 1653.

Originally named Bayasgalant Aglag Oron, meaning 'Happy Secluded Place,' the monastery served as Zanabazar's personal retreat for over three decades. During this period, he was highly productive, creating many of his renowned sculptures and paintings, and notably developing the unique Soyombo script. The monastery's existence has been marked by periods of upheaval. It was destroyed in 1688 during a military campaign by the Oirat Mongols. Following a restoration in 1773, it suffered significant damage in the late 1930s due to the Stalinist purges, an era when Mongolia's communist regime actively worked to dismantle Buddhist institutions.

Despite these historical setbacks, Tövkhön Monastery has seen a resurgence. Religious activities recommenced in 1992, and the monastery's grounds underwent restoration, concluding in 1997. Today, two original temples and two stupas from the 17th century remain, alongside temples constructed in the 18th century. Ceremonies have been held to reconsecrate the site, and a new statue of Gombo Makhagal (Mahakala) has been installed. Recognizing its profound historical and cultural value, Tövkhön Monastery was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. The monastery is now home to several monks who reside and practice there full-time.