{"id":1987,"date":"2026-02-17T09:09:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T09:09:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orchontal.de\/?page_id=3439"},"modified":"2026-03-10T11:18:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:18:36","slug":"schildkroete-und-inschrift","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/orchontal.de\/en\/schildkroete-und-inschrift\/","title":{"rendered":"Tortoise and inscription"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\n \"The\n <\/div>\n
The stone turtle in front of the Great Hall in Karakorum at sunset. \u00a9 H. Wittersheim \/ DAI<\/span><\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n

The tortoise and the inscription stele of Karakorum<\/h1>\n

An ancient stone tortoise stands in the square in front of the Great Hall. To this day, it is adorned with colourful prayer scarves and sprinkled with airag in the hope of receiving blessings.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Significance and function of the tortoise<\/h2>\n

Life-size granite tortoises can be found in various locations in Mongolia, for example at the ancient Turkic burial site of Kh\u00f6sh\u00f6\u00f6 Tsaidam. This motif may have originated in China, where stone tortoises are a common feature of high-ranking tombs. The tortoise as a symbol of eternity and the creation of the world is a widespread motif throughout much of Asia, including Tibet and India. However, there is no direct evidence of such beliefs among ancient nomads. These ideas may have been common knowledge or could have been influenced by contact with China. In Buddhism, the tortoise is associated with patience, wisdom, longevity and endurance. It features particularly prominently in teachings on mindfulness, the rarity of human rebirth, and the cultivation of inner peace. Tortioses are also revered in Buddhism as protectors and guardians, and for their patience and wisdom. In Mongolia, they are considered sacred.<\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n