Burkhan (aka Cave, Shamansky) is a cape on the western tip of Olkhon Island, located on Lake Baikal. The cape is crowned with a rock with two peaks, which is called the Shaman Rock. It is also known by other names: stone-temple, rock Shamanka, Shaman-stone. Territory of the national park. This formation is recognized as a state natural and historical monument.
Cape Burkhan and Shaman rock
The name "Burkhan", according to historians, was assigned to the cape in the seventeenth century, when Buddhism came from Tibet to the Baikal region. He supplanted shamanism. The word "Burkhan" among the Buryat Buddhists meant the name of the main god of Lake Baikal. And the cape itself and its through cave began to be considered the abode of God.
A unique natural formation
The rock with two peaks is formed by dolomitic limestone and marble slabs, among which there are structures with shiny graphite inclusions. It is covered with lichen of bright red hues.
One of the tops of the rock, located closer to the shore,reaches a height of 30 meters. The far one is 12 meters higher. Closer to the shore in the rock there is a through cave, winding along its length, it is called Shamanskaya.
It was formed naturally, due to the weathering of limestone rocks. In length reaches about twelve meters. The height of the vaults is from 1 to 6.5 meters. The width between the walls is from 3 to 4.5 meters. At the entrance to the cave from the western direction there is a platform from which it is convenient to go through the ascending passage to the eastern side of the rock. There are side dead-end corridors in the cave itself.
In the western part of the Shaman Rock, on its far side, there are natural outcrops of brown rock that can be mistaken for a stylized image of a dragon.
Interesting historical information about the rock Shamanka
The first scientific research on Baikal dates back to the 18th-19th centuries. And the researchers noticed that the Buryats inhabiting these places avoid Cape Burkhan and especially the Shamanka cave. They sincerely believed that the lord of Olkhon lives there and it is very dangerous to disturb his spirit.
Subsequently, it was established that during the spread of shamanism, it was in these places that a large number of rituals were performed, including those with sacrifices. After the Buryats changed their faith to Buddhism, an altar was built in the Shamanka rock to offer prayers to the Buddha. This place has become an object of pilgrimage for the lamas of the Trans-Baikal Territory. Each lama once a year, in winter, had to visit Cape Burkhan.
The Buryats still sincerely believethat this place can bestow a miracle. Visiting him, they ask for upholding their honor, and childless families ask for children.
Archaeological finds
On Cape Burkhan, Shamanka rock, as well as in their vicinity, a fair amount of archaeological finds were discovered. The first serious explorer of these places was the famous Siberian traveler and geographer I. D. Chersky. After him, archaeological research was continued. Traces of the life of people of the Neolithic era have been found. An ancient people's site has been excavated at the site connecting Burkhan with the island. Many rock paintings and inscriptions have been found. According to the results of archaeological excavations, artifacts from various historical eras were found in a significant amount: a jade knife and an ax; arrowheads, items made of gold, bronze, iron, bones; slate figurines. As well as images of shamans and their tambourines.
Legends and traditions
There are enough different stories and legends about Cape Burkhan. However, they agree on one thing - this is a holy place endowed with strong energy and inexplicable power.
The legend about the mighty spirit of Baikal - Khan Khute-baabai belongs to the most widespread legends. He descended from the sky and chose Cape Burkhan and Shamanka rock for his stay. They became his abode on earth along with other castles in heaven and underground.
From other legends about Khan-guta-baabai it follows that he was a hermit-sage. At the request of a widow, he came to Olkhon Lake and saved the locals from the evil Mongoliandeities. After that, he settled on Lake Olkhon, becoming the leader of the Transbaikal shamans.
Recently, a legend-myth has appeared that Burkhan Cape and Shamanka Rock are a place where there is a functioning portal to other dimensions. There are no scientific explanations for this. The public portal is presented with amateur photos of Cape Burkhan.
The ninth shrine of Asia
Shaman rock of Cape Burkhan is one of the nine shrines of Buddhist Asia. The remaining 8 holy places are usually referred to as:
- Mount Kailash is a peak in the Gandishishan (Trans-Himalayas) mountain range in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Among Hindus, it is considered the dwelling place of Shiva.
- Shaolin is a world famous monastery. Located in the province of Henan (PRC), in the Songshan Mountains.
- Shwedagon Pagoda - a gilded stupa in Yangon (Myanmar), about 98 meters high. According to legend, the relics of the four Buddhas are kept in it.
- Angkor Wat is a huge temple complex located in Cambodia, built in honor of the god Vishnu.
- Temple of the Tooth Relic - located in the city of Kandy (Sri Lanka). It is assumed that the upper left tooth of the Buddha is immured in the temple.
- Potala Palace - located in Tibet, in the city of Lhasa. Until 1959, it was the residence of the Dalai Lamas.
- Chayttiyo Pagoda is a holy place in Myanmar, 5.5 meters high. Stands on top of a stone, which, in turn, balances on a rocky ledge.
- Sigiriya is a ruined ancient fortress with the ruins of a palace in Matale (Sri Lanka).
Tipstravelers
Persons who decide to visit Cape Burkhan on Baikal should remember that on its territory it is not advised to swear, litter, be in an alcoholic or other inadequate state. A legend has taken root here, which few people want to experience for themselves: dishonorable people will be cursed by shamans and the Buddha.
Moreover, Cape Burkhan and Shamanka Rock are so beautiful and full of energy that anyone who comes to these places wants only a simple contemplation of Lake Baikal in peace.
