Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov
One of the five shrines of Russian Buddhism and the main jewel of Ivolginsky Datsan is the Precious Inexhaustible Body of Pandito Hambo Lama Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov, an outstanding Buddhist ascetic, religious figure, and practitioner of the highest level. Hambo Lama Etigelov was the twelfth head of the Buddhists of the Russian Empire (from 1911 to 1917).
In 1927, while in meditation, the Hambo Lama entered a special state. According to his will, his body was placed in a cedar sarcophagus and stored underground for 75 years. During this time, the lamas of Ivolginsky Datsan visited him twice and were convinced of the unchangeable preservation of his body. In 2002, the Hambo Lama was moved to Ivolginsky Datsan. Currently, Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov continues to be in the lotus position, which he assumed before entering his last meditation, preserving the characteristics of a living body: elastic skin, joint mobility, and the preservation of his nose, ears, eyes, fingers and toes. After a scientific study by a group of scientists from the Institute of Forensic Medical Examination of the Russian Federation, the concept of the “Phenomenon of Hambo Lama Etigelov” was introduced into science. Lamas refer to such body preservation as the “Precious Inexhaustible Body”.
The phenomenon of the XII Pandito Hambo Lama Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov arouses the extraordinary interest among Buddhists worldwide and contributes to the study of the spiritual heritage of the Teacher, facilitating a deeper understanding of his lifestyle, historical background, and other aspects of his spiritual and social activities.
In 2008, a palace was built on the territory of Ivolginsky Datsan specifically for the Hambo Lama Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov.
November 9, 1916: Notification from Irkutsk Governor-General to Pandito Hambo Lama Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov about awarding him the Order of St. Anna II degree for his care of individuals called up for military operations, as well as wounded and deceased soldiers.
March 24, 1911: Solemn presentation of the highest diploma to the new Pandito Hambo Lama of Eastern Siberia, D.D. Etigelov.
Year 1911: From the track record of Pandito Hambo Lama Dashi Dorzhi Etigelov.
