Genghis Khan died in 1227 when he was waging wars of conquest against the Xixia Kingdom, or Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227), in an attempt to unify the country. His remains were taken to the Ejin Horo Banner on the Ordos Highlands and buried.

Five-hundred nomadic families of his clan were picked to stand guard at the mausoleum, who subsequently became the special group to defend the mausoleum of the warrior for generation after generation. They were subsequently renamed the Dalhut people, which means "guards of the sacred mausoleum" in Mongolian.

To this day, the ceremonial sacrificial rituals to honor Khan are presided over by the descendants of the Dalhut tribe. Gurizhabu, in his 60s, the 38th-generation of the Dalhut people and a watcher of the mausoleum, begins each day by singing sutras at the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan. He said that every year four great sacrificial rituals are held for Genghis Khan, or one in every season. More than 30 other routine sacrificial services are also held at the beginning of each month or on special occasions throughout the year. There are also more than 100 smaller rites held yearly for Mongol nobles and common people who come to pay tribute to Genghis Khan.

Page:

1

2

3

4

All rights reserved. Reproduction of text for non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that both the source and author are acknowledged and a notifying email is sent to us.