Bogd Khaan: Mongolia's Spiritual Leader
Discover the life and legacy of the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, a revered spiritual leader who led Mongolia to independence
Tap to explore
Step inside the Bogd Khan Palace, the only remaining residence from his original four. Explore the palace to uncover the grandeur of the past and gain a deeper understanding of Mongolian history.
The 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu Agwaanluvsanchoijinyamdanzanwanchigbalsambuu (Early XX century)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu was born in the family of a Tibetan official, father Gonchigtseren, an accountant at the 12th Dalai Lama's court, near Lhasa in 1869. In 1871, he was recognized as the incarnation of the 7th Bogd Jebtsundamba.
In 1874, at the age of 5, he was proclaimed as Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, the spiritual leader of Khalkha Mongolia. The 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu led the revolution to abolish the oppression of the Qing Dynasty and restored the independence and sovereignty of Mongolia.
As a result, on December 29, 1911, the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu was proclaimed as the theocratic monarch, Sun-Radiant, Myriad-Aged Bogd Khaan of Mongolia. After the People’s Revolution in 1921, he served as the Khaan with a limited monarchy in charge of religious affairs.
The coronation crown of Bogd Khaan
The coronation crown of Bogd Khaan, with a fur brim of five sides, a domed cap covered with gyasar golden brocade.
The coronation crown of Bogd Khaan (Early XX century) by The craftsmen of Bogd Khaan PalaceThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The crown with embossed images of Five Dhyani Buddhas led by the god of Amitabha and the base of the vajra is inlaid with 15 small turquoises through the side of pure golden vajra.
At the top of the crown, 1180 small pearls ornamented all around on the blue velvet five-sided curlicue pattern which are affixed with a medium pearl flower its has 30 golden petals. This crown is made of gyasar brocade out.
It was worn by the VIII Bogd Jetsundamba during the ceremony of coronation as the Bogd Khaan, Sun Radiant, Myriad-Age and Theocratic King of Religion and State with Absolute Power of Mongolia elevated by his folks held on December 29, 1911.
Beaver fur hat
The hat with a satin-stitched domed yellow cap encircled with beaver fur wide-brimmed brim and double yellow silk badge ribbons is called as the beaver fur hat of Bogd Khaan.
Beaver fur hat (18th-19th Century)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
This hat has a yellow satin cap with a red silk lining with five-sided embroidered curlicue pattern on top, wide-brim of black beaver fur, yellow patterned silk double ribbons of royalty and yellow silk chin strips.
Robe of bogd khaan (Early XX century) by The craftsmen of Bogd Khaan PalaceThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Robe of Bogd Khaan
Each of the circular patterns includes 21700 pearls, making 412300 pearls in total. This robe was worn by 8th Bogd Jevzundamba, the Bogd Khaan, Sun Radiant, Myriad-Aged and Theocratic King of Religion and State of Mongolia elevated by his folks during ceremonies.
Rosary (Early XX century) by Anonymous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Rosary
Coral rosary with 108 coral beads with turquoise bars and brass “four-barley” links.
Knife set (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Knife set
These knives were part of the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba's regalia, worn during his coronation as the Bogd Khaan on December 29, 1911, showcasing his elevated status.
A gilt knife set with steel carved and equipment. The knife has two bone chopsticks and yellow yarn tassels. And the firelighter has a brown agalmatolite button and green bone beads.
Golden boots of Bogd Khaan (Early XX century) by Anonymous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Golden boots of Bogd Khaan
Gilt leather boots with processed hide sole and boot tree.
Robe of Bogd khaan (Early XX century) by The craftsmen of Bogd Khaan Palace Early XX centuryThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Robe of Bogd khaan
A gold brocade robe worn by the Bogd Khaan during state ceremonies features blue chiffon silk lining, sun and moon embroideries on the shoulders, a golden Dharmachakra rank badge on the chest, Soyombo script embroidery on the back, and traditional Mongolian patterns.
Chariot (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous creater made in London.The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Chariot
During the Naadam Festival, these were used for King and Queen's caravan.
Bridle, breast collars and cruppers (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Bridle, breast collars and cruppers, caparison
Two yellow silk breast collars with gilt silver embossed plaques, butterfly-shaped discs, and cruppers with brass knob-shaped jewels on yellow silk straps. Also, two yellow silk caparisons with tasselled ribbons, shoulder cover, and hindcover.
Bridle, breast collars and cruppers (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
These are, preferably, ornaments for the two horses, which are ‘Precious Horse’ one of the seven auspicious symbols of the state, whereas the elephant is also included.
Bridle, breast collars and cruppers (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The bigger-sized ornaments with the same design and knob-topped symbol of the elephant of Bogd Khaan is kept at the museum.
Mongol Ger (Early XX century) by Anonymous Mongolian artist 1893The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Ger
A Mongolian ger with a “toono“ roof opening with carved patterns of embossed coiling dragon and swastika, double doors with “myriad-aged“ pattern, decorative roof strips and embroidered lower closing and a covering of 150 snow leopard skins.
Mongol Ger (Early XX century) by Anonymous Mongolian artist 1893The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
This ger was presented to the VIII Bogd Jetsundamba by his friend Beis Tsanligdorj of Setsen Khan province, on his 25th birthday in 1893.
Snuff bottle (Early XX century) by Anonymous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Snuff bottle
A green mocha stone snuff bottle with a silver base, a small turquoise spoon and a coral stopper.
Snuff bottle pouch (Early XX century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Snuff bottle pouch
A beautifully crafted pouch made of yellow silk, featuring an intricate dragon pattern.
Snuff bottle pouch (Early XX century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The pouch is adorned with a luxurious blue satin lining and delicate satin-stitch embroidery, depicting figures of animals that symbolize longevity on each of its four corners.
A banquet plate (18th-19th Century) by Anonimous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
A banquet plate
It has beautiful dragon and peacock patterns at the center, and circled by eight auspicious symbols along with its inner frame.
It is decorated by swastika patterns for eternity and lanza scripts on its outer part.
A banquet plate (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Banquet plate
This elegant banquet plate showcases five dragons in vibrant blue, grey, brown, and pink colors. The dragons are arranged in a striking circular pattern, adding a touch of majesty to the plate's design.
A banquet plate (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
It is used during the special banquets. Made by anonymous Mongolian artist.
Vases (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Vases
Admire the delicate artistry of these white porcelain vases, each featuring elegant patterns of peacocks and flowers.
Ritual hat of Buddhist exorcism
This hat of exorcism has Soyombo script, coral and turquoise strings, silver brim and lace.
Ritual hat of buddhist exorcism (Early XX century) by The craftsmen of Bogd Khaan PalaceThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The VIII Bogd Jetsundamba used to wear it during the Jakhar Cham dance where it used to be held at the Bogd Khaan Palace. The VIII Bogd Jetsundamba composed a volume for Tsam Dance.
Rosary (Early 20th century) by Anonimous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Rosary
An ivory rosary with beads carved in the shape of human skulls.
Skull Cup (18th-19th Century) by Anonymous Mongolian artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Skull Cup
A human skull cup plated with silver sheet and a vajra-topped silver lid.
Phurbu (Early 20th century)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Phurbu
A three-bladed steel phurbu, ritual instrument of Buddhist exorcism, with a handle whit embossed depictions of human heads. The 8th Bogd Jevzundamba used this phurbu during the religious Tsam dance.
Butter lamp (18th-19th Century)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Oil lamp
This oil lamp, with its embossed yajra patterns on the bowl and base, and flower motifs on the stem, embodies both spiritual significance and artistic skill.
Bed of Bogd Khaan (Late XIX century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Bed of Bogd Khaan
An ebony wood bed cabinet with carvings, painted glass window, gray marble inlays, backed with drawers and mirror on the ceiling.
Sword (Early XX century) by Anonymous artistThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Sword
This wrapped black iron sword belonged to the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba, who was said to have knotted it by the power of his thoughts.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.