Mongolian religion

ancient religion

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June 30, 2026

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The ancient religion of the Mongols was primarily shamanistic, involving specialists who communicated with the spirit world to heal and divine. These shamans were believed to be chosen by supernatural beings and underwent intense spiritual trials for their initiation. Their worldview encompassed a disk-shaped Earth surrounded by spirit-inhabited planes, with a cosmic tree connecting the Upper and Lower Worlds.12

While shamanism was the original practice, the Mongols later adopted Tibetan Buddhism, incorporating shamanistic elements. This syncretism led to a unique blend of traditions. Despite periods of suppression, both shamanism and Buddhism have seen a resurgence in Mongolia.34

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shamanism
Worldview
Among the Mongolian and Turkish peoples, Ülgen, a benevolent deity and the god of the Upper World, has seven sons and nine daughters. Among the Buryat of southern Siberia, Tengri (often identified with Ülgen) also has children—the western ones being good and the eastern ones wicked. The…
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Among the Mongolian and Turkish peoples, Ülgen, a benevolent deity and the god of the Upper World, has seven sons and nine daughters. Among the Buryat of southern Siberia, Tengri (often identified with Ülgen) also has children—the western ones being good and the eastern ones wicked. The…
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stringed instrument
Social and cultural associations
The horsehead fiddle of the Mongols is a direct manifestation of the Mongol system of belief in the horse as a symbol of fecundity and rebirth; the winged horse that the shaman is believed to ride in the quest for enlightenment and healing power is equivalent symbolically to the fiddle.
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The horsehead fiddle of the Mongols is a direct manifestation of the Mongol system of belief in the horse as a symbol of fecundity and rebirth; the winged horse that the shaman is believed to ride in the quest for enlightenment and healing power is equivalent symbolically to the fiddle.
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primitive culture
Herding societies
Some Mongols, so quintessentially pastoral, believe that plowing and planting defile the earth spirit. Among the Nuer, as among other African cattle herders, horticulture may be practiced in time of need, but it is considered degrading toil whereas herding is a very prideful occupation. The ethnologist…
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Some Mongols, so quintessentially pastoral, believe that plowing and planting defile the earth spirit. Among the Nuer, as among other African cattle herders, horticulture may be practiced in time of need, but it is considered degrading toil whereas herding is a very prideful occupation. The ethnologist…
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