Choijin Lama Temple Museum – Mongolia’s Timeless Masterpiece of Buddhist Art

An exquisite architectural and cultural treasure in the heart of Ulaanbaatar Located just steps away from modern high-rise buildings, the Choijin Lama Temple Museum is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful and culturally significant Buddhist temple complexes. Built in the early 20th century, the monastery served as the home and meditation center of the state oracle (Choijin Lama) during Mongolia’s theocratic era. Today, it stands preserved as a museum showcasing rare Buddhist art, architecture, mask dance costumes, and sacred relics—offering visitors a deep journey into Mongolia’s spiritual history.

 Why Choijin Lama Temple Is Special

Unlike many monasteries destroyed during the political purges of the 1930s, Choijin Lama Temple was preserved by being converted into a museum. As a result, its artifacts, wall paintings, and sculptures remain remarkably intact.

Key Highlights:

• Extraordinary Buddhist artwork and thangka paintings
• Authentic mask dance costumes (Tsam dance)
• Intricate wood and stone carvings
• Historic temples built in Tibetan–Mongolian style
• Peaceful courtyard hidden within the city
• House of Mongolia’s former state oracle

It is a rare place where sacred art and history meet.

🕰 Historical Background

Built between 1904–1908

Commissioned by the Bogd Khan, the monastery was constructed to honor his brother, Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, an oracle with high spiritual rank.

Monastery Was Closed in 1938

During the Stalinist purges, thousands of monasteries were destroyed.
Choijin Lama was spared because it was transformed into a museum to “preserve historical value.”

Today

It stands as one of Mongolia’s best-preserved temple complexes and a window into pre-socialist spiritual life.

🛕 Architectural Beauty

The temple complex consists of:

✔ Main Temple (Tsogchin Dugan)

Home to stunning frescoes, sculptures, and tantric art.

✔ Five Sub-Temples

Dedicated to different protective deities and tantric teachings.

✔ Yadam Temple

Filled with powerful depictions of wrathful protector gods.

✔ Zuu Temple

Featuring beautiful carvings and peaceful Buddha statues.

✔ Gate & Courtyard Structures

Decorated with dragon motifs, colorful beams, and traditional roofs.

Every inch of the complex features detailed craftsmanship.

🎭 Tsam Mask Dance Collection

Choijin Lama Temple houses one of the world’s best collections of Tsam dance masks and costumes.

What makes them special?

• Handmade using silk, leather, brocade, and gold
• Represents protective deities and Buddhist legends
• Historically worn during ritual dances to purify negative energy
• Some masks are over 100 years old

This collection is invaluable for understanding Mongolia’s religious rituals.

🧿 Tantric Buddhist Art

The temple is full of rare and powerful tantric artworks, including:

• Spiritually symbolic wall paintings
• Sculptures of fierce protector gods
• Ritual instruments
• Offerings and ceremonial objects

Many pieces reflect the artistic style of Zanabazar’s school.

📸 What to See at the Museum

✔ The Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue

A detailed sculpture representing compassion.

✔ Rare Thangka Paintings

Detailed religious artworks unlike any other in Mongolia.

✔ Choijin Lama’s Meditation Room

Filled with sacred objects used by the oracle.

✔ Ancient Sutra Manuscripts

Preserved with original covers and golden ink.

✔ Traditional Masks & Costumes

Highly decorative pieces used in Tsam ritual dances.

🧭 Visitor Experience

Inside the museum, you will feel:

• Quiet, sacred atmosphere
• Smell of old wood and ancient incense
• Artistic richness in every hall
• A sharp contrast between old temple and modern UB skyline

Audio guides or guided tours help visitors understand deeper meanings.

🗺 How to Get There

The museum is located in central Ulaanbaatar, near Sukhbaatar Square.

Transport:

• 5–10 min walk from downtown hotels
• Taxi or ride-hailing apps
• Included in most city day tours

Open daily except Mondays.

💡 Best Time to Visit

• Morning:

Fewer people, better photos.

• Late Afternoon:

Soft light on temple roofs.

Indoor photography may be restricted—check museum rules.

🌟 Why Choijin Lama Temple Belongs on Your Mongolia Itinerary

✔ Mongolia’s finest Buddhist art museum
✔ Preserved temple complex from the pre-socialist period
✔ Unique tantric art and mask dance heritage
✔ Easy to visit in Ulaanbaatar
✔ Peaceful cultural experience in the city center
✔ Essential for anyone interested in Mongolian history and religion

Choijin Lama Temple Museum is one of Mongolia’s most unforgettable cultural landmarks—a place where history, art, and spiritual tradition remain beautifully alive.