The cult of ovoos

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The cult of ovoos

The Cult of Ovoos

An ovoo is a traditional Mongolian sacred monument closely associated with the worship of mountains, nature, and the Eternal Blue Sky. Ovoos have been an essential part of Mongolian spiritual life for centuries and continue to play an important role today.


What Is an Ovoo?

An ovoo is usually built as a pile of stones, most often located on mountain passes, hilltops, or other elevated places. In areas where stones are scarce, ovoos may instead be constructed from sand, soil, wooden branches, or other natural materials.

While some ovoos also serve as distance or route markers, most are regarded as sacred sites connected to local deities, ancestral spirits, and natural forces.


Respecting the Ovoo

According to tradition, a Mongolian should never pass an ovoo without stopping. Travelers show respect by:

  • Dismounting from their horse or vehicle
  • Circling the ovoo (usually clockwise)
  • Making an offering, such as:
    • Placing a coin or small gift
    • Tying strands of horsehair
    • Pouring milk, airag, or vodka
  • Adding a stone to the pile

These acts symbolize respect, gratitude, and a request for protection or good fortune during the journey.


Ovoo Worship Ceremonies

Ovoo veneration ceremonies are traditionally held at the beginning or end of summer, often coinciding with local festivals or Naadam celebrations.

During the ceremony:

  • Three branches are placed on the ovoo
  • Cloth or paper prayer flags, often marked with sacred texts, are tied to it
  • Juniper is burned as incense on a three-stone arrangement near the ovoo
  • A fire may be lit, and offerings of meat, dairy products, vodka, or airag are made

Participants sit to the northwest of the ovoo, following ancient ritual orientation.

A shaman may perform a ceremonial dance, invoking local spirits, or Buddhist lamas may recite prayers, reflecting the blending of shamanism and Buddhism in Mongolian religious life.


Shamanism and Buddhism

Historically, ovoo worship was primarily led by shamans. In modern times, the increasing involvement of Buddhist lamas has led to a reduced role for shamans in some regions. Nevertheless, ovoo rituals continue to represent a harmonious coexistence of Mongolia’s ancient shamanistic beliefs and Buddhist traditions.

After the ceremony, participants share the remaining food and offerings, while leaving a portion at the ovoo as a symbolic gift to the spirits.


Ovoos and Naadam

The Naadam Festival has long included ovoo veneration ceremonies, especially at local and regional levels. These rituals demonstrate respect for the land, ancestral spirits, and natural forces before engaging in competitions and celebrations.


A Living Sacred Tradition

The cult of ovoos reflects the Mongolian belief that nature is alive, sacred, and deserving of respect. Mountains, rivers, skies, and landforms are not merely landscapes, but spiritual beings with which humans must live in balance.

Even today, ovoos stand across Mongolia’s vast countryside as enduring symbols of faith, respect for nature, and cultural continuity.

 

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