Choijin Lama Temple Museum

The temple complex was officially completed in 1908 and functioned as an active Buddhist monastery where rituals and ceremonies were performed until 1936. It was closed in 1938, and later, in 1942, it was transformed into a museum of religion and art. Until 1960, it remained a restricted institution accessible only to selected visitors.

Today, the museum is renowned for its extraordinary collection of Buddhist art and ritual objects. Among its most famous artifacts are the Cham dance mask of the deity Jamsran, decorated with thousands of coral beads and weighing around 30 kg, ceremonial garments of the deity Gonpo decorated with ivory, and rare ritual instruments such as a trumpet made from human bone used in tantric rituals. The museum also preserves detailed symbolic depictions of Buddhist heavens and hells.

The complex consists of five main temples, including the Zankhan Temple (used for wrathful deities), the Zuu Temple (featuring representations of Buddha and disciples), and the Yadam Temple, which was used by the Chojin Lama for private tantric meditation. Another section is dedicated to Zanabazar, the first Bogd, and displays rare sculptures influenced by Indian, Tibetan, and Japanese Buddhist art traditions.

The temple was placed under state protection in 1939. Interestingly, the Government Palace built nearby in 1951 aligns visually with the temple’s main golden spire, symbolically reflecting the belief that the protective deities continue to guard the Mongolian state.

TRAVEL TIPS

Opening hours: 09:00–18:00 (closed on Mondays)

Location advantage: Situated in the city center, making it easy to combine with other attractions.

Tickets: Entrance fees vary for international visitors.

Guides: Hiring a guide is recommended to fully understand the historical and spiritual significance of the exhibits.

It can be easily combined with a half-day cultural tour of Ulaanbaatar, including the Bogd Khan Palace Museum.