Add a review about the Buddhist temple of Cechenling

For more than a decade now Tuvinian Buddhism personifies the Cechenling temple - one of the most striking sights of Kyzyl .The name of the temple in translation means "the abode of boundless compassion", which fits perfectly into the framework of the Buddhist concept .The temple is rather small and modest, but that's why it is no less popular among the residents of the capital and guests of the city .There is a tradition that before visiting the temple it is necessary to go around it three times clockwise, touching all corners .So, all the corners of the datsan have already decayed, and this proves once again that the Cechenling temple exists not only for the sake of beauty .

At the temple there are classes in Tibetan language, yoga, meditation and philosophy of Buddhism. Everyone can communicate with lamas, and also freely join practical classes.

In the 30-ies. almost all Buddhist temples of Tyva were destroyed. Yes, and in all of Russia there are only a few of them preserved: in Ulan-Ude and St. Petersburg. When the freedom of religion finally triumphed, the Tuvan traditions took their toll. Temples and other traditional Buddhist structures were re-erected in the republic.

The Cechenling Temple was built fairly quickly, in just one and a half years. In 1998, the first stone was laid down by the president of Tyva, and the next year the ready building was consecrated by the lama Bogdo-Gagen IX. It is worth noting that this event would not have taken place without the kind sponsorship assistance. So, for example, one respectable Tuva-dweller donated $ 15,000 of personal funds for the construction, and the Vodokanal organization provided all necessary communications for the temple free of charge. As they say, with the world on a thread - tyvintsam temple.

On the first floor of the datsan, the residence of representatives of the Dalai Lama is arranged, and on the second floor there is a prayer hall with a magnificent altar. The floors are joined by a massive marble staircase. At the temple there are classes in Tibetan language, yoga, meditation and philosophy of Buddhism. Everyone can communicate with lamas, as well as freely join practical classes. No fee is charged for this, but there is a special box for voluntary donations in the courtyard of the church.

Eight stupas are built on the territory of the Cechenling temple, each of which corresponds to the events in the life of the Buddha: birth, enlightenment, turning of the wheel of teaching, miraculous acts, Tushita descending to earth from heaven, reconciliation in the Sangha, perfect victory and departure to nirvana.

The temple of Cechenling combines ancient traditions of Buddhist architecture and modern building technologies. Datsan was built according to the project of the famous architect Fang Che Ira. Outwardly the building looks simple and cute: white walls, a traditional eastern roof with corners bent upward, a wide front staircase at the entrance and a discreetly decorated pediment. The interior of the temple is also modest. There is only a magnificently decorated altar, decorated in Tibetan style.

Cechenling is located in the heart of Kyzyl near the embankment and the central square. By the way, there is another Buddhist shrine in the city square near the Muzdramt Theater - a prayer drum. If you were impressed by the temple, then the drum certainly will not leave you indifferent.

Practical information

Address: Kyzyl, Shchetinkin-Kravchenko, 1.

Tel .: +7 (394) 223-47-97.

Working hours: daily from 8:00 to 17:00.