The office of the President of Mongolia, Public Relations & Communications Division

www.president.mn

2009-09-16

President Elbegdorj Visits Historic and Religious Sites

On the third day of his State Visit to Republic of India, President of Mongolia Elbegdorj Tsakhia and his wife, First lady Bolormaa Khajidsuren visit some historic sites and Buddhist monasteries.

After visiting one of world’s seven wonders, Taj Mahal, President and the accompanying company arrived at Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh gaya, which is considered to be one of Five Holy sites of Buddhist religion, for being the place of Gautama Shakyamuni's attainment of nirvana (enlightenment).

World’s oldest Buddhist School was also located here, where Mongolian monks have also studied, and even stayed as teachers, after their graduation.
Later on, President Elbegdorj went on to visit “Battsagaan” monastery, which is being built with the assistance of Mongolian monks. The construction work started four years ago, by the initiation of Buddhist monks from Gandantegchinlen Monastery of Mongolia, and is planned to be completed by next year said the Head of Gandantegchinlen monastery, Khamba Choijamts.

Currently there are over 200 Mongolian monks residing in India.