On February 24, an extended ritual "Neden Chakchod (Prayers to the 16 Arhats)" is being held in the Central Khurul of the Republic of Kalmykia "The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”.
As you are aware, on July 6, the Buddhist world celebrated the 85th birthday of the Nobel laureate, spiritual leader of the Tibetan and Mongolian peoples, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. Festive events are also held in a number of Russian regions traditionally professing Buddhism (Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tyva).
This ritual "Neden Chakchod (Prayers to the 16 Arhats)" will be held on the first Wednesday of each month until July 6, 2021. During the ritual, monks turn to Buddha Shakyamuni and the 16 Arhats, relying on the qualities and merits of a long life of holy beings, with a request to pacify diseases, eliminate harm done by spirits and other obstructing forces and to extend the life span as well as increase good merits.
The ritual is dedicated to the health, long life and well-being of the Spiritual Leader of the Buddhists of the world, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.
In addition, from February 25 to 27, Ik Yurul - the Great Prayer Meeting (Monlam Chenmo), established in 1409 by Lama Tsongkhapa in honour of the miracles performed by Buddha Shakyamuni, will take place in the Central Khurul of Kalmykia "The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni".
Editor’s note: Temple "Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni" is known as the largest in Europe, with the largest statue of Buddha and the only sculptural composition in the world of 17 pandit scholars of the ancient Indian University of Nalanda.
The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni was built with the blessing of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (during a visit in 2004, the Dalai Lama consecrated the site for construction). The khurul was built in record time, in just nine months.
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov contributed personal funds to its construction, and made many efforts to attract additional funds. Residents of all districts of Kalmykia, regardless of religious affiliation and beliefs, made donations for the construction of the shrine.
