Located 92 km northwest of Ulaanbaatar on paved roads and a further 7 km on dirt roads, the Agalag Creation Monastery stands in a place called “Daliin Am” situated in Nart bagh of Bornuur soum, Tuv province. This area was once home to a spring known as “Dalan Khar” and was abundant in a flower called “Daliin Yagaan” hence the origin of the name. The mountain where the monastery resides is known as Garid Uul, a place of majestic beauty covered in rocks and forests. Capitalizing on this picturesque landscape, a sacred Buddhist monastery and museum of worship and pilgrimage was established.

The founder of the monastery is G. Purevbat, a monk revered by the public as the “Monk of the Gods.” He prophesied that this monastery would be known as the “Temple of Auspicious Enlightenment.”

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the “Grand Gate,” atop which stand the “Stupas of the Three Root Buddhas.” These stupas are colored blue, white, and orange. The blue represents Vajrapani, the protector deity of Mongolians; the white symbolizes Avalokiteshvara, the savior from all harm; and the orange signifies Manjushri, the embodiment of wisdom. In some instances, stupas in red, yellow, and white are installed to represent the “Three Deities of Longevity”: Amitayus, Namgyalma, and White Tara.

Visitors can explore various sacred and symbolic sites such as:

• The Spring of the Nagas Stupa
• The Inscribed Tree
• The White Lotus Wheel
• Agalag Monastery
• The Museum of Curiosities
• The Tortoise Rock of Earth Binding
• The Golden Egg
• The Eight-Legged Lion
• The Hairy Fish
• Sacred Tree
• Entrance Rock
• Spiral Gorge
• Symbol of Yin and Yang
• Mother’s Womb Rock
• Gate of Life Tree
• Elephant Rock
• Emboo Rock
• Lama Rock
• Fist of Heaven Rock
• Footprint Rock
• Throne Rock
• Spinning Limb Tree
• Sliding Tunnel
• Farewell Seat Rock
• Portrait of Vajrapani Buddha

To enter the main gate, adults must pay an entrance fee of 5,000 MNT, and children 2,000 MNT. Vehicles can reach the base of the temple, after which visitors proceed on foot along the trail. The climb up Garid Uul is steep and may be challenging for the elderly or those with limited mobility. Along the trail is a spring, believed to help with digestive ailments. A small shrine has been built over it, with a spout for drinking the water on hot days.

One unique artwork along the trail is the “Eight-Legged Lion,” sculpted to resemble a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a garuda—both considered protectors in Buddhist mythology. The “Tortoise of Earth Binding” symbolizes longevity and peace, while the “Hairy Fish,” with the head of a fish and body of an otter, is believed to signify unity of opposites, according to the monk.

In front of the temple, a variety of rose bushes have been planted. Within the monastery, there is a large natural stone referred to as the “Naturally Formed Table.” During the initial construction, attempts to move this rock were thwarted by an unexpected wildfire. Later, the monk dreamt vividly of the rock and understood it should not be disturbed. The sacred mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” was inscribed on it, and it was preserved within the temple.

The central altar of the temple features a depiction of “Shambhala,” the mythical land of enlightened wisdom, surrounded by statues of the historical Buddha, the Five Primordial Buddhas, White Tara, and other compassionate deities, adorned with colorful offerings. On the right wall hangs an image of Green Tara, the savior of women and children, while the left wall displays representations of Baldanlham, the guardian of virtue, and Lord Yama (Damdinschoijoo), the judge of karmic deeds.

The temple also houses the canonical Buddhist texts—the Kangyur (condensed teachings) and Tengyur (expanded commentaries). The representations of the Buddhas are crafted using all traditional Buddhist artistic methods, including thangka painting (earth pigments), applique embroidery, cast-bronze gilding, and papier-mâché sculpture.

There are also depictions of fantastical beings such as dragons, nagas, spirits, and hybrid creatures—designed by Purevbat and his disciples, inspired by meditation visions. Using curious natural forms of wood, roots, and stones found across Mongolia, the monastery has been artistically embellished with mythic and dream-like entities.

From the eastern side, one can ascend to the second floor of the monastery. In the central hall, portraits of Mongolia’s last king, the Eighth Bogd Khan, and his queen Dondogdulam, as well as the two great teachers of Purevbat’s artistic lineage, are enshrined. Another unique sculpture portrays the “Protector Spirit of Garid Uul,” depicted with bird wings, a human body, and surreal anatomy. Purevbat claims that during long meditation retreats at this location, he saw the surrounding spirits and their emissaries in his visions.

The final room on the second floor contains the “Museum of Curiosities,” featuring “real” exhibits collected by Purevbat, including the skin of an anaconda, crocodile hide, the skull of a unicorn-like horse, a four-horned ram, a six-horned deer, a one-horned ibex, a six-tusked boar, a horned rabbit, a deer with floral antlers, and even a five-headed fish—each accompanied by its geographic origin.

The “Adventurous Walking Tour” at the Agalag Creation Monastery begins behind the temple at the site of the “Sacred Tree.” This withered tree has a single branch that miraculously sprouted into lush greenery. Because of this, visitors pray to the tree for longevity and good health.

A designated trail guides pilgrims through the monastery grounds, marked with ropes that are tied and secured for navigation. It’s important to follow these ropes during the hike. The trail has a soft earthen path, which may become slippery in rain or snow, and dusty during windy days.

After the Sacred Tree, visitors pass through several natural formations imbued with symbolic and spiritual meanings, including:

• The Temporary Existence Gorge (Zuurdyn Khavtsgai)
• The Symbol of Yin and Yang (Arga Bilgiin Shutseen)
• The Spiral Gorge (Ergekh Khavtsal)

These rock formations must be circled, crawled through, or even climbed. The “Symbol of Yin and Yang” is a rock formation that, from a distance, resembles the female clitoris. Within the central crevice, the monk artistically placed a male genital symbol, hence the name. According to the lama, this site represents the union of masculine and feminine energies, and one should pray here to be reborn into a higher state of existence in the next life.

Next comes “The Mother’s Womb” — a cave-like rock formation. Visitors are meant to crawl in from the eastern opening and emerge through the hole on the western side. This symbolic rebirth cleanses one of sins, ignorance, and negative karma. Once entered, turning back is not allowed—crawling all the way through is required.

At “Yembuu Rock,” pilgrims walk clockwise three times while making wishes for prosperity and good fortune. The “Lama Rock” resembles a monk seated in a meditative posture. Pilgrims are encouraged to bow as if paying homage to a spiritual teacher and to whisper their wish for the flourishing of Buddhism.

The “Heaven’s Fist Rock” bears a mark resembling a clenched fist striking stone. It is considered a symbol of strength and vitality, and visitors meditate here to draw energy.

At “Footprint Rock,” one places a foot to symbolize a wish for safety and stability on their life’s path.

When visiting the Agalag Monastery, offerings like khadag (ceremonial scarves), alcohol, milk, incense, or food are not required nor recommended. The monastery encourages minimizing waste and avoiding unpleasant odors in the sacred space. The primary goal is to breathe clean air, rest the mind, and absorb the positive energy of the stones, deities, and temple environment.

To the southwest of the monastery is the residence of the artist monk G. Purevbat. On the southeast side stands a restaurant named “Ikh Khishig” (Great Blessing). In front of this restaurant are the gers (Mongolian yurts) used by the resident monks and monastery staff.

A variety of free-roaming animals such as rabbits, snakes, geese, chickens, and dogs live peacefully within the monastery grounds, undisturbed by the many visitors.