Sulde Altar

　　In the Sulde Altar, located southwest of the Mausoleum Palace of Genghis Khan, is enshrined the military emblem of Genghis Khan — the divine spear Sulde, which symbolizes stability and strength. “Sulde” is a Mongolian word meaning emblem. Therefore, the Sulde is the military emblem of Genghis Khan, an invincible battle flag, and the god of war who is undefeatable.

　　The “Four White Suldes and Four Black Suldes” formation, consisting of the main Sulde and four accompanying Suldes, is a powerful representation of the god of war, a guardian of peace and good fortune, and a symbol of Genghis Khan’s fearless spirit and overwhelming strength. The tassels of the Sulde are made from the manes of ninety-nine stallions. The altar also houses the Arag Sulde (Flower Banner) of the Great Mongol Empire. The altar is 15.4 meters high and 54 meters in diameter.

　　(Note: Segment 5 appears to be a continuation of segment 4 with formatting issues. It has been translated as a coherent whole with segment 4.)

　　Legend has it that once, after suffering a defeat in battle against his enemies, Genghis Khan gathered his soldiers and delivered a speech titled “The Army’s Heart is as Firm as Iron.” He spoke until dusk, when the sky was filled with stars and moonlight, yet he continued to emphasize, “The army’s heart is as firm as iron, moving even the sun and moon.” At that moment, a bright light streaked across the sky, and a large star fell to a spot no more than a man’s height above the ground. Genghis Khan ordered his generals to retrieve it, but they failed. Suddenly, he became enlightened. He immediately removed the ornately carved golden saddle from his red horse, took off his red-tasseled golden helmet, knelt on the saddle, and prayed with a loyal heart. In response, a gleaming iron spear fell into his hands. He then instructed his generals to use the mane of a black stallion as padding and to perform the ritual with the blood of ten thousand sheep, declaring, “This is the emblem of the people’s will, the army’s spirit, and victory. Let us call it ‘Sulde.’” From then on, the Sulde ensured Genghis Khan’s victory in every battle.

　　The worship ceremonies of the Sulde mainly include the New Year’s ceremony on the first day of the first lunar month; the Spring ceremony on the third day of the first lunar month; minor ceremonies are generally held on the first and third days of each month; the Summer Camp ceremony is held on the third day of the fourth lunar month; the Grand Ceremony is held on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month; and once every twelve years in the Year of the Dragon, a Grand Sulde Ceremony is held on the third day of the tenth lunar month, followed by the grand 13-yearly Mighty Ceremony on the fifth day at Minganmudu. Minganmudu is located ten kilometers due north of the Sulde Holog Sacred Area and three li from the center of the Bulter Sum. Here grows a large, leafy elm tree.

　　Legend has it that when Genghis Khan set out to conquer the Western Xia, to pray for victory in battle, he once danced and celebrated with his entire army under this leafy tree. After worshipping the Sulde, they marched to the battlefield. That year happened to be the Year of the Dragon. To commemorate this event, a Mighty Ceremony must be held here (at Minganmudu) every Year of the Dragon.

　　In addition to enshrining the Qara Sulde (Black Divine Spear), the Sulde Altar also houses an Arag Sulde (Flower Divine Spear). The Arag Sulde is the divine spear of Genghis Khan’s younger brother, the master archer Hasar. Its difference from the Qara Sulde lies in the thousand-eyed design painted on its shaft and the Big Dipper constellation inlaid on the golden divine spear at its tip.