Among the numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries built in Mongolia between 16th and 20th century, Amarbayasgalan, imperial foundation, 278 kilometers in the north-east of Ulan-Bator, is one of the very few to have escaped, at least partly, the destructions of 1937. It was built in the time of Emperors Yongzheng and Qianlong, between 1727 and 1736, to shelter the reliquary of the First rJe-btsun dam-pa, the highest religious authority among the Qalqa Mongols, and one of the great figures of the history of Buddhism in Mongolia, as well as an important partner in the Emperor Kangxi's policy concerning Tibet and Mongolia. The general features of the remnant temples are obviously Chinese, but the main temple, the Cogcin, is a very peculiar illustration of the imperial policy, associating some faint Tibetan reminiscences, stronger elements of Mongol tradition and an overwhelming Qing splendour and technicity. A conservation program is under way with UNESCO support and advice.
