MUSEUMS. Choijin Lama Museum
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P. Genden Street, behind Exhibition Hall, opposite Bayangol Hotel
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Open (in summer time) daily from 10.00 am to 06.00 pm.
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The temple was built between 1904 and 1908 by the eighth Bogd Khaan, Javzandamba. It was dedicated to his brother Lama Luvsan Haidav. It was the home of Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama ('Choijin' is an honorary title given to some monks), the state oracle.
The museum has a fine collection of woodcarving, applique, embroidery and sculptures, dated as early as the XVII century. It contains precious examples of Buddhist art including the paintings by renowned religious reformer and great artisan of 17th century Ts. Zanabazar, the best colorful masks for Tsam Dance ceremony embroidered with corals, bronze statue of gods in erotic poses, silk tankas and many other artifacts.
There are five temples within the grounds. The first temple you see is the Maharaja Sum
(Temple). The main temple features statues of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha), Choijin Lama and Baltung Choimba (the teacher of the Bogd Khaan), whose mummified remains are inside the statue. The gongkhang (protector chapel) behind the main hall contains the oracle's throne and a magnificent statue ofyab-yiim (mystic sexual union).
The other temples are: Zuu Siim, dedicated to Sakyamuni; Yadam Sum, which contains wooden and bronze statues of various gods, some created by the famous Mongolian sculptor Zanabazar; and
Amgalan Sum, containing a self-portrait of the great Zanabazar himself and a small stupa apparently brought to Ulaanbaator by Zanabazar from Tibet.
Although religious freedom in Mongolia recommenced in 1990, this monastery is no longer an active place of worship and will probably remain a museum.
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