Храм Чойжин-ламын-сум
The Choijin-lamyn-sum Temple Complex was erected in the early twentieth century and served as the residence of Choijin-lama, the state oracle and younger brother of the last Bogdo-gegen of Mongolia. The oracle was considered an intermediary between fierce deities and ordinary mortals. He was supposed to recognize explicit and implicit enemies of religion, “see” the fate of man, predicting his future. Magic was the highest level of Buddhist philosophy, so it is not surprising that one of the most significant architectural ensembles of Ulaanbaatar was built for the main oracle of Mongolia. In 1904 a vast space was allocated for the construction of the residence, and by 1908 the construction work was completed.
Video: Choijin Lamyn-sum Temple
What to see
The holy gates leading to the temple complex are created from stone and wood. They are decorated with gilded gazelles and a “teaching wheel”, with guardian animals on the slopes of the roof.
The tower walls of the gonkhon (the upper tier of the tower temple) are covered with Buddhist icons (paintings and appliqués). In the center of the iconostasis one can see a gilded figure of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha sitting on a throne.
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Among the museum’s exhibits are many curious church utensils. As a rule, cast metal items are decorated with patterns in the technique of chasing, engraving, carving. There are also Lama bells with a wonderful timbre, cast from an alloy, the secret of which has not yet been solved, as well as ritual objects whose purpose has long been forgotten.
.Visitors
From June through September, the temple complex is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; from October through May, it welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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The ticket price is 8000 MNT for adults, 3000 MNT for students, and 1500 MNT for children. Audio guide services are 5,000 MNT.
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