Gandantegchinlen Monastery and Center for Buddhism in Mongolia, was established in 1838 by decree of the 5th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, simply as Gandan by locals, is still operating actively and everyone likes to visit, regardless of whether they are locals or foreigners. Every visitor is here to see the nation’s tallest indoor Buddha statue, the 27 meter/9 feet/ high Megjid Janraisig. This overwhelmingly glorious deity is a Bodhisattva of Compassion. It was crafted in 1911 by the order of Bogd Javzandamba the 8th, to celebrate independence and freedom, and to pacify and enlighten the vision of the state.But the sculpture was destroyed during the communist repression in the 1930s. Later, in 1996, Mongolians revived and dignified the relic. If you pay close attention, Gandan Monastery has a lot of fascinating stories to tell you. Gandantegchinlen Monastery is home to six fine Mongolian, Mongolian-Chinese, and Tibetan-Chinese temples and organizations, including the Institute of Buddhism and Institute of Urlakhui. American actress and traveler Michelle Rodriguez stated during her visit that ”The 26.5 meter-tall giant Buddha monument became a symbol of the future well-being, freedom, and independence of the Mongols, rather than a place to worship and pray. After the socialists’ regime demolished the Buddha, Mongols reconstructed this monument as a symbol of freedom. The monastery is actively managed, and as you can enter to worship the gods and join the pilgrimage among the crowd, the scent of cypress and khuj- incense will overtake your senses. It is the best to visit Gandan monastery early in the morning while there have various chanting available for visitors. Address- Central of Mongolian Budhhist Religious Center, 16^th community, Bayangol District, Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia Phone: 976-11-360-354 Fax: 976-11-360-354 E-mail: [email protected]