The Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha
The Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha is the largest Buddhist temple of the Republic of Kalmykia. It rises in the center of Elista on Yuri Klykov Street. The golden abode was consecrated on December 27, 2005. The temple building has a height of 63 meters and houses the largest in Russia and Europe 9-meter statue of Buddha. Prayers, festive divine services and rituals are performed here. The golden abode of Shakyamuni Buddha is surrounded by an openwork fence with the top of 108 suburbs – the sign of 108 Buddhas. The gates are located on 4 sides of the world as symbols of 4 elements: Earth, Fire, Water and Wind. On either side of the gate is a marvelous wish-fulfillment stone that grants wealth, the “Chintamani”. This is just one of the reasons why the Golden Abode is visited by thousands of believers and tourists every year.
