Bai-Ulgan
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Bai-Ulgan, also referred to as Bai-Ulgen, Ulgen, Ülgen, Ulgan, or Bay Ulgen (Bay means “rich” in ancient Turkish and Ulgen means “great, magnificent”), is a Turkic and Mongolian creator-deity, usually distinct from Tengri but sometimes identified with him in the same manner as Helios and Apollo. Ulgen is thought to be without a beginning and an end. He may be analogous to the demiurge of Gnostic theology.
The birch tree, regarded as a cosmic axis between earth and sky, was regarded as sacred to him, as was the horse (horse-sacrifice was a part of his worship). Ulgen symbolizes goodness, welfare, abundance, plenty of food, water, etc. Furthermore, he created earth, heaven and all living beings. In addition, he controls the athmospher events, movements of stars. He creates land for people to live, humans' and animals' heads, and the rainbow. He was regarded as the patron god of shamans and the source of their knowledge.
It is believed that Ulgen has been created from Tengri (Tengere Kayra Khan). He is the highest deity after Tengri. Sometimes, Ulgen is compared with Tengri and they are thought to be the same. In some sayings, Ulgen takes place of Tengri, but not completely.
Ulgen is the enemy of Erlik who is the god of evil and darkness. Ulgen protects humankind against him.
Ulgen has seven sons, named “Karakuş, Karşıt, Pura Kan, Burça Kan, Yaşıl Kan, Er Kanım”, and nine daughters, named Akkızlar and Kıyanlar. His daughters are source of inspiraiton for shamans.
Bay Ulgen is living at the 16th floor of the sky above the stars, sun and moon in a golden house. People can never reach him, except shamans or kams. Animals are used for sacrifice to him, especially horses. Once in every third, sixth, ninth, or twelfth year, shamans sacrifice a white horse at the first step of reaching Ulgen. Then he accompanies its soul, penetrates through all the layers of heaven until he reaches Ulgen. Firstly, kam meets Yayık who is the servant of Ulgen. This deity informs the kam whether or not the offering has been accepted, and the shaman learns of impending dangers, such as bad harvests.
