Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Ulaanbaatar
The Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulaanbaatar is a remarkable Buddhist monastery complex originally built between 1904 and 1908. It was established in honor of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, the brother of the eighth Bogd Khan and a revered state oracle. The complex consists of six temples, including the main temple housing an 18th-century gilt statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, flanked by statues significant to Mongolian Buddhism. The museum preserves a vast collection of religious artifacts such as thangka paintings, silk embroideries, wood carvings, statues, and the largest collection of cham dance masks. The annex includes the Zankhang temple and a central square where oracle trance rituals were performed. Other temples within the complex feature papier-mâché sculptures, tantric deity representations, and are dedicated to important figures like Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, the first Mongolian reincarnation of Boghda Jevzundamba. The museum reflects the resilience of Mongolian Buddhism, surviving communist repression by transforming into a museum in 1938. It stands today as a sublime heritage site of Mongolian craftsmanship, fine arts, and religious culture, open year-round to visitors interested in spiritual history and traditional Buddhist practices.
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Tip: The museum is open year-round with longer hours in summer and slightly reduced winter hours. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance online to avoid queues. Photography with amateur cameras requires a separate permit. Guided assistance is available inside each temple to enrich the experience. Visiting on weekdays may offer a quieter atmosphere. The best time to visit is during warmer months for comfortable exploration of the complex.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the largest collection of cham dance masks in Mongolia.
- •One of the prayer halls is designed in the shape of a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt).
- •The complex includes papier-mâché sculptures representing Buddha in past, present, and future.
- •The temple features statues of tantric gods such as Kalacakra, Mahamaya, and Vajradhara with their consorts in meditation postures.
- •The site survived communist repression by being converted into a museum in 1938, preserving Mongolian Buddhist heritage.
History
The Choijin Lama Temple complex was constructed between 1904 and 1908 under the leadership of architect Ombo and over 300 skilled artisans.
It served as a religious center for Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, the state oracle and brother of the eighth Bogd Khan.
The temple was active until 1937 when communist authorities closed it during widespread repression of Buddhism.
In 1938, thanks to efforts by local advocates, the complex was preserved by converting it into a museum.
It was officially protected as a first-class cultural monument in 1941 and has since expanded as a museum dedicated to Mongolian religious history and arts.
Place Guide
Main Temple1904-1908
Houses an 18th-century gilt statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, flanked by statues of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav and the embalmed corpse of Baldan Choephel. It contains exquisite religious artifacts including thangka paintings and silk embroideries.
Zankhang Temple and Central Square1904-1908
An annex temple and the central square where Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav performed oracle trance rituals, a significant spiritual practice in Mongolian Buddhism.
Zuu Temple1904-1908
Dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni, it features papier-mâché sculptures of Buddha in the past, present, and future, along with 16 arhat disciples depicted on the walls and four Maharajas protectors sitting in caves beside the door.
Yidam Temple1904-1908
Originally a private prayer hall for Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, now open to the public. Contains a gilt bronze sculpture of one of the 84 Indian Mahasiddhas and depictions of tantric gods with their consorts symbolizing power and meditation.
Amugulang (Peace) Temple1904-1908
Dedicated to Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, the first Mongolian reincarnation of Boghda Jevzundamba (1635–1724), a key religious figure in Mongolian history.
Contact
Phone: 011 32 4788
