Zankhang Temple - Choijin Lama Temple Museum - Ulaanbaatar - Mongolia

 

In the annex of the Main Temple, is the smaller and yet stunning Zankhang Temple. A gilt brass Sita Cakrasamvara statue, created in the 17th Century by Undur gegeen Zanabazar (1635-1723) is the centre piece of this Temple.

In his lifetime of 88 years, Zanabazar created some of the most iconic and enduring works of Buddhist art ever seen. His ingenious talent and ability to express the human and divine qualities of the Buddha later defined him as one of the founders of the Mongolian Buddhist cultural renaissance.  Zanabazar is the most significant artist and intellectual leader of 17th-century Mongolian culture and beyond. 

The walls and ceiling are elaborately decorated, paper mâché, copper, and wooden figurines line the interior walls.

The south wall was covered in an exquisite embroidery.

Detail of the painted ceiling.

Detail of the painted east wall.

"Powerful Thunderbolt" Gilt copper 19th Century

"King of Demons (19th gilt copper)

& 

Auspicious Mistress of Long Life (paper mâché)

Dragons carved on the pillars.

  

White One with Highest Happiness - Sita Cakrasamvara. 

The statue represents the youthful and perfect body of Heruka sitting in vajra position on a lotus disc. Holding the vases of jewels in his two hands, he embraces his tantric partner, Vajravarhi.  He wears a five-pointed diadem wiht jewels, earrings with six poles, and other ornaments and bracelets. He has a topknot and his hair is resting on his shoulders.  According to Buddhism, if someone develops deep faith in Henuka, recites his mantra and meditates on him, he will purify all negative thoughts, and consequently enjoy great peace of mind and greatest happiness.

The Great Dharma King

Offering Wealth to the Glorious Goddess Shri Devi.

Silk embroidery and applique. 165 x 292 cm

"Offering wealth to Shri Devi" depicts all necessary wealth for Shri Devi, such as weapons, instruments, clothes, jewels, substances etc for the sake of fulfilment so that she can perform her activities. this symbolises that we are well prepared to invite and receive this deity.

Siri Devi protects sentient beings from all harm causes by malignant demons, and promotes all virtuous actions.

The ceiling is painted with decapitated body parts.