The Ivolginsky Datsan
Avatar

The Ivolginsky Datsan

by Dmitry Vlasov, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography, Moscow, Russian Federation

Ivolginsky Datsan is situated near Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, Russian Federation. It's the center of Buddhism in Russia. This is a residence of Pandido Khambo lama, the leader of all Russian Lamas. Within the Datsan complex is Etigel Khambin temple which honors the 12th Khambo Lama. His imperishable body was recently exhumed in 2002. Also in the Datsan area The Buddhist university «Dashi Choinkhorling» was opened.