Exaltation Rites

The Exaltation Rites (Өргөмжлөл, Örgömjelöl) are a series of ancient ceremonies that formalize the physical investiture of a new Qaghan upon the Jade Throne of Noam, and his metaphysical transition from mortal to deity. They are considered to be among the most import of all the Noamese Imperial Rituals.

Enthronement

The first of the Exaltation Rites is the Enthronement Ceremony (Гханширэнэд, Ghanshirened), which takes place shortly after the state funeral of the previous Qaghan, and the consecration of his tomb. It is a private ceremony, attended by a small group of the Imperial Household, nobles and religious and other dignitaries. The ceremony consists of three distinct rituals.

The Morning Ritual

The Enthronement Ceremony begins with the Morning Ritual. It commences at dawn, with the Crown Prince, called the Jonon (Жонон), donning a traditional white ceremonial robe, called the Manti (Манти), and preparing to announce his new reign to his ancestors. In a large procession of priests and dignitaries, he makes his way on foot, first to the Shrine of the Sun Goddess, Nar Yeyej, legendary ancestor of the Noamese royal bloodline, where he reads a highly stylized statement before her idol, accepting her legacy and honoring all of his ancestors.

The procession then makes its way to the tombs of the new Qaghan’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather, where similar statements are recited. Approximately one uar is devoted to each stop of the procession, as members of the Imperial Household also make their obeisances. The entourage then proceeds to the tomb of Kamgiin Gahn, where the Jonon leaves an offering of mare’s milk, honey and gráine, and requests the blessings of the great god-king of the Noamese nation. Finally, the Jonon and his retinue return to the Palace of Unity for a ceremonial banquet, his last as a mortal man.

The Presentation of the Relics

In the afternoon, the future Qaghan, accompanied by the Imperial Household, makes his way to a pavilion within the Gadna Shüükh of the Celestial City, specially constructed for the purpose, where he participates in the ancient cleansing ceremony known as the Tseverleg (Цэвэрлэг). Afterwards, a special garment, called the Töriin Deel (Төрийн Цээл, “Robes of State”), is draped over the Jonon’s shoulders and he moves in solemn procession to Throne Room of the Great Hall of Supreme Tranquility.

Upon arriving at the Throne Room, the Jonon is met by the Khamba Lam of the Temple of Heaven and several attendants, who carry the containers holding the three relics of the Sacred Legacy. The containers are placed upon ceremonial pedestals, along with the Great Seal of State. The Jonon then opens the three containers to view the Sacred Relics. It is believed that during this ceremony, the future Qaghan is imbued with the mystical virtues of the relics.

The Nine Steps

The Jonon then accepts the Great Seal of State by taking it into his hands, whereupon he proceeds up the nine steps of the high platform upon which the Jade Throne sits. The steps are ascended slowly, with a specific prayer for each step recited by the Jonon. Upon reaching the apex, he turns to face those in attendance, having at that moment attained the status of demigod and the authority of the Qaghan. All in attendance show their fealty with three shouts of the ancient Noamese war cry, “Uukhai! Uukhai! Uukhai!” One by one, they then step forward to prostrate themselves before the new Qaghan.

Coronation

At the conclusion of the Enthronement Ceremony, the Coronation Ceremony begins immediately. The Coronation is a public ceremony, which takes place primarily on the Imperial Balcony of the Gate of the Sun, in full view of the public, gathered in great crowds, filling Talbai Square, outside the gate.

Grand Procession

The Qaghan is escorted from the Throne Room to the Gate of the Sun in a Grand Procession, attended by all the nobles and religious leaders of Noam. The Qaghan is carried aloft in an ornate sedan chair, by an elite group of the Palace Guard, specially trained for the honor. They are met at the Reception Hall of the Gate of the Sun by all the visiting heads of state and other dignitaries attending the ceremonies.

Bestowal of the Iron Crown

The Qaghan then proceeds to the Imperial Balcony, where he is surrounded by the Imperial Household and other dignitaries. The Khamba Lam holds aloft the Iron Crown of Khamgiin Ghan, and formally places it upon the head of the new Qaghan, at which time the assembled throng erupts in spontaneous cheers of, “Uukhai!”