After 75 Years Sealed, Buddhist Teacher's Burial Site Reveals His Remarkably Preserved Body

In a state frozen in time, Itigilov's body remained seated in the lotus position, a testament to the serenity and grace that defined his existence.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• April 10, 2024

Humanity has long been captivated by the elusive pursuit of immortality. Since ancient times, tales of eternal life have woven their way through cultures worldwide, manifesting in legends, myths, and religious doctrines.

Among the myriad stories surrounding the quest for immortality, the story of Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov stands out as a compelling testament to the enduring fascination with life beyond the confines of mortality.

In the heart of Russia, nestled within the annals of Buddhist tradition, the enigmatic figure of Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov continues to intrigue and astonish both scholars and believers alike. Born into a devout Buddhist family in 1852, Itigilov would later emerge as a revered spiritual teacher, imparting his wisdom to disciples across the Siberian region.

Yet, it was not merely his teachings that would etch his name into the annals of history, but rather, the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his passing and the perplexing events that followed. Seventy-five years ago, in the year 1927, Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov drew his final breath, bidding farewell to the corporeal realm.

However, in a departure from conventional funeral rites, Itigilov made a startling request to his disciples before his demise—an instruction that would catalyze a remarkable journey beyond the threshold of mortality. Entrusted with a solemn task, his followers were directed to wait patiently for five decades before exhuming his earthly remains, a directive shrouded in mystery and anticipation.

True to his word, seventy-five years later, in the year 2002, the faithful adherents of Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov embarked upon a mission to unearth the mortal vessel that once housed their revered teacher's spirit. Amidst a backdrop of religious fervor and scholarly inquiry, the cedar box enclosing Itigilov's body was carefully opened, revealing a scene that defied rational explanation.

In a state frozen in time, Itigilov's body remained seated in the lotus position, a testament to the serenity and grace that defined his existence. Despite the passage of three-quarters of a century, his physical form exhibited remarkable preservation, with supple skin and discernible facial features that defied the ravages of decay.

Today, the mortal remains of Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov find their resting place within the hallowed confines of the Ivolginsky Datsan Buddhist temple, enshrined within a glass case that serves as both a sanctuary and a testament to the enduring legacy of a spiritual luminary.

Remarkably, no elaborate measures have been undertaken to preserve his corporeal form, yet Itigilov's body remains a reminder of the enduring quest for immortality that has captivated humanity throughout the ages.

Itigilov died meditating, asking to be buried upright in a cedar box.

After 75 years, they uncovered his remarkably preserved body, still seated in the lotus position.

His body is displayed in a glass case at the Ivolginsky Datsan Buddhist temple, where it has remained intact for 15 years without any special preservation measures.

The story of Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov goes beyond just regular life. It makes people think deeply about what it means to exist and what happens after we die.

Whether you look at it from a religious or a scholarly angle, his story reminds us how humans have always wanted to be more than just mortal. Even though there are still mysteries about him, his legacy shows how people always strive for something bigger in a world that's always changing.

Damjan