The Golden Gate (Elista) - the sacred miracle of the capital of Kalmykia

The Golden Gate (Elista) is one of the most famous buildings of Buddhist architecture in the capital of Kalmykia. For tourists this is an exotic monument, and for Elista residents it is a matter of pride and worship. In the Kalmyk language, the name "Golden Gate" sounds like Alt Bosch. This is one of the most recognizable and popular attractions of Elista. See it come not only for the sake of aesthetic, but also its spiritual and practical significance. Why? Now find out.

The Golden Gate (Elista): the address, how to get there

Alt Bosch is very close to Lenin Square. The sacred building is set on the Heroes' Alley in the Friendship Park. It's almost the very center of the city. The government building of the Republic of Kalmykia is located nearby. In the same park there is a one and a half meter statue of the Buddha and an original fountain called "The Boy and the Dragon". The gate can be reached by a fixed-route taxi at number seven. Local residents assure that any bus that follows the new sleeping neighborhoods of the city passes by, and you can ask the chauffeur to stop. No one will refuse you. By the way, in Elista quite a lot of similar gates, especially those built in recent years. But these are the main and most important. Alley of Heroes is a park zone where adults and children walk on weekends. Therefore, there are always people here who will show you the way to the arch.

Golden Gate (Elista): description

Alt Bosch stands on thin, twin pairs of red columns above the road of the avenue. They are stylized as a traditional Kalmyk Buddhist temple. This is an eastern type construction with golden roofs. Their corners curved upward resemble wings, because of what it seems that the gate seems to float in the air. Their height is about fifteen meters. The gate is an openwork arch. Inside, they are painted with paintings.

In the ensemble "Golden Gate" (Elista) the history of the Kalmyk people is reflected from time immemorial to the present day. These are twenty-eight paintings that reflect the most important milestones in the development of Kalmyk culture and the formation of their state. Behind the gate begins the path, laid out of white stone. The whole arch is hung with sacred bells that ring in the wind. In the evening around Alt Bosch there is a spectacular backlight, so those who wish can enjoy this attraction at night.

History

The Golden Gate (Elista) was installed in the late nineties of the last century. Their architect was V.Shanghaev, by profession - engineer-builder. At the construction of Althon Bosch, he did not diverge an inch from the canons and traditions of Buddhist architecture. Maybe that's why the gate became a modern architectural masterpiece. The arch in white, pink and golden colors seems to float in the air. And its interior decoration is the author's work of the artist Nikolai Borisov from the city of Lagani. He wanted to reflect the history of the Kalmyks - from their legendary ancestors, the Oirat tribe from Dzungaria (Western Mongolia), to our time.

The Golden Gate (Elista) is also decorated with illustrations to the famous epic "Djangar". He recalls the stories of the Knights of the Round Table, telling not only and not so much of the belligerence of the ancient Kalmyks, but rather of real male friendship. Reflected here and the era of the Golden Horde, and capturing the emperor of the Celestial Empire, and the formation of the Great Silk Road.

Importance in culture

In Buddhism, these arches symbolize the threshold, after which spiritual cleansing begins, as well as good and prosperity. The Golden Gate (Elista) is no exception. Such a threshold means the end of the old life and the onset of a new one. The path that follows the arch symbolizes the introduction of the path of virtue leading to paradise and enlightenment. When believers pass under these gates, they feel that they have an inner power that enables them to confront all the problems of today. If, at the moment when you are under the arch, there will be tinkling bells, then you need to make a wish. The Belief says that if you are pure in heart and intend to live by conscience, then it will come true. If you have a band of misfortunes or overcome problems, old residents are advised to give up everything and go under Altn Bosch. Perhaps, not only will it become easier for you, but the idea of how to correct the current situation will come to mind.

Reviews

Tourists who visited the capital of Kalmykia write that the Golden Gate (Elista), the photos of which they place as illustrations to their responses, captivate and fascinate them with bright colors and originality. Many write that after they went under the arch, they were in a good mood. Some even decided to examine other Buddhist monuments of Elista - the temple, the Stupa of Enlightenment. After all, if you have acquired real peace of mind and psychological balance, then you do not want to lose it. And still here photographed newlyweds who come here to go together under the arch. This tradition has also developed very recently. They say that if you ask for happiness and well-being, the married couple will be strong and friendly.