Temple Of The Golden abode of Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista

Temple Of The Golden abode of Buddha Shakyamuni - this is the main attraction of Elista and Kalmykia in general, the most important Buddhist temple of the Republic of Kalmykia. It is also considered the largest in all of Europe, and inside is the largest in Europe nine-meter Buddha statue, covered with gold leaf. It is the second tallest statue of the Buddha in Russia among all such statues. Traditionally in Kalmykia Buddhist temples are called "hurul", so do not be surprised to read or hear this word.

The construction of the temple was started on the site of an old precast concrete plant with the blessing of the World Buddhist leader - the Dalai Lama XIV, who visited the city in November 2004, and it was opened at the end of 2005.

The temple is very beautiful, made in the traditional Buddhist style of seven tiers. On the territory of the temple in a circle there are 17 pagodas and prayer drums, the circumambulation and rotation of which should be done Clockwise. Putting coins next to the prayer reels you can make a wish.

On the territory of the temple you can freely move and take pictures, but inside the temple photos are prohibited. When entering inside, you should take off your shoes, leave shoes at the entrance on the racks. You can not go to the temple in too open clothes: short skirts, shorts, T-shirts. In general, the rules of behavior when visiting this temple are quite strict, and you can learn more about them on the information plate at the entrance.

On the ground floor of the building there is a library and a museum of the history of Buddhism, the entrance to which is paid – 50 rubles. Photography in the museum is also prohibited.

You can also visit the sights of Elista and Kalmykia with excursions that can be booked online here:

• 📷 search for excursions in Elista and Kalmykia on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 search for excursions in Elista and Kalmykia on Tripster.ru