Maidari Khural
Maidari Khural
(the circular procession of Maidari), a Lamaist temple holiday in honor of the Maitreya Buddha (in Mongolian, Maidari).
Legend ascribes the introduction of Maidari khural to the reformer of Buddhism in Tibet, Tsong-kha-pa, in 1409. Different monasteries observe the holiday at different times, but always during the summer months. Those taking part in the ceremony pull a chariot containing a statue of Maidari around the temple; a ritual green wooden horse is harnessed to the chariot. The ceremony symbolizes the journey of Maidari around the universe and his dispensation of grace upon it. Maidari khural usually lasts from sunrise to sunset and is accompanied by services at all four gates of the monastery (south, west, north, and east).