In the annals of world history, few figures stand as prominently as Chinggis Khaan — the sacred icon of the Mongols, a unifying force, and a symbol of survival and revival for the Mongol people. Whether embracing Buddhism, communism, or liberalism, the Mongols have consistently woven Chinggis Khaan into their cultural identity. In fact, the reverence for him has remained so enduring that neither religious figures such as Buddha nor political ideologies like Marxism could displace his centrality in Mongol culture. Prime Minister Genden famously said, “In this vast world, two great luminaries were born: Chinggis Khaan and Buddha.”
For the Mongols, Chinggis Khaan, along with his successors Ugudei and Khubilai Khaan, remains at the heart of the nation’s identity. Chinggis Khaan established the foundation of the Great Mongol Empire, Ugudei expanded it across continents, and Khubilai stretched it to the seas. Together, they form a triumvirate that symbolizes Mongol pride, resilience, and unity.
The Worship of the Great Khaans
Following Chinggis Khaan’s death in 1227, his descendants — Ugudei, Guyug, Munkh, and Khubilai — elevated him to divine status, attributing their conquests and successes to his sacred will. The earliest records of this worship come from European envoys, who noted with awe and trepidation how the Mongols venerated Chinggis Khaan’s effigy, offering sacrifices and executing those who disrespected it.
In 1263, Khubilai Khaan, upon moving the empire’s capital to Khanbaliq, established the Eight White Yurts, dedicated to the worship of Chinggis Khaan and his successors. He also commissioned portraits of Chinggis, Ugudei, and Tolui, ensuring their legacy was immortalized not only in history but also in art. Though many of these works have been lost to time, they stand as a testament to the reverence these leaders commanded.
When the Yuan Dynasty fell in 1368, and Toghon Tumur fled the capital, the sacred portraits and relics of Chinggis Khaan were abandoned. However, the Mongols continued to honor the Great Khaan, rebuilding the Eight White Urgoos in Ordos and enshrining Chinggis’s golden bow and arrow. These acts of devotion reflected the unbroken continuity of Mongol tradition and reverence for Chinggis Khaan, even in times of adversity.
Chinggis Khaan Across Faiths and Ideologies
As Buddhism spread throughout Mongolia in the 16th century, Chinggis Khaan was increasingly seen as an incarnation of the Buddha, with some chronicles describing him as the reincarnation of Vajrapani, a bodhisattva who unified the Mongol lands. This fusion of Chinggis Khaan’s legacy with Buddhist practices elevated him to divine status, ensuring his continued centrality in Mongol spirituality.
When communism arrived in Mongolia in the 20th century, efforts were made to erase Chinggis Khaan from the national consciousness. However, even under the influence of Soviet ideology, the Mongols never allowed Chinggis Khaan’s figure to be overshadowed. His legacy remained an essential part of their identity — one that even the weight of Marxism could not suppress.
Chinggis Khaan’s Resurgence in Modern Mongolia
In recent years, Chinggis Khaan has made a remarkable resurgence as a symbol of unity for Mongolia. Under the leadership of President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Mongolia has seen the installation of golden and gilded statues of Chinggis Khaan in museums across the country. In addition, artists like J. Tumenchuluun and T. Odon have created lifelike portraits of Chinggis Khaan, Ugudei Khaan, and Khubilai Khaan, drawing inspiration from historical sources and Yuan Dynasty artwork.
These efforts are not merely acts of historical preservation but a reaffirmation of Mongol identity in a world marked by geopolitical and ideological challenges. In an era where divisions seem to grow deeper, the legacy of Chinggis Khaan offers a powerful reminder of the Mongols’ unity, ambition, and resilience — qualities that continue to guide the nation through complex modern challenges.
Stay tuned to The Asia Review for further updates on this ongoing story.
