In order to preserve and promote the richness of Tibetan culture, many institutions, monasteries and schools were re-established in India under the auspices of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama) was re-established under the visionary guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on March 23rd, 1961. Today it houses various academic departments like the Pharmaceutical, Clinical Research, Materia Medica, Medical and Astro Literary Research, Herbal Product Research, Astrology department and the College where Tibetan doctors and astrologers are trained.

Here, we tell a different story. Tibet in this museum has a past, a present and a future. Through objects, archives, photographs and personal testimonies we highlight Tibet’s historical, political and international importance by showcasing our culture, recent history in exile, and the teachings and legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The museum houses various collections of rare artifacts of Tibetan culture, which was brought into exile by Tibetan refugee’s post 1959 and mainly presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As the collection grows museum open its doors to the public in 1974 consultation with the National museum of India.
The way these artifacts were brought from Tibet to its present-day setting in the LTWA narrates a unique story of Tibetan and their escape from the mass cultural onslaught brought upon them in 1959 and the part of culture they intend to preserve and pass on to the future generations.

“Tibet Adopts Buddhism”: This section displays items representing Tibet’s ancient history and adoption of Buddhism from India. It includes artifacts on different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, the master and disciple tradition and items dedicated to Indian Buddhist master.
“The Path To Enlightenment”: The section covers the life and teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. The three jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The Bodhisattvas: the enlightened embodiment of compassion, wisdom and power, manifestation for the sake of entire beings.
“Exile And Continuity”: In this section contemporary masterpieces are displayed signifying the continuity and flourishing of the Tibetan artistic culture in present time. There are embroidered and painted thangkas. Statues, medical thangkas, and sacred objects. Some donated and rest commissioned by LTWA, as examples of the continuation of the tradition. The carved wooden alters; cross thread mandala (structure of ritual offering to Arya-Tara), sand mandala and wooden three dimensional mandala of Avalokiteshvara are some of the attractions of the museum. One of the highlight in display is the life-size statue of eleven headed Avalokiteshvara. The replica of famous Avalokiteshvara statue in Lhasa was commissioned by the His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama of Tibet Thupten Gyatso, for the people of Kirong in western Tibet.

In their daily and seasonal rituals, Ghadong Monastery follows Nyingma as well as Geluk traditions. Whereas Nechung's medium is always a celibate monk, the Ghadong mediumship is inherited from father to son, and as such has remained a family affair for many centuries. The oracle's counsel is requested by individual persons, by the closely connected Drepung monastery and by many others. The oracle-deity at Ghadong is believed to have special powers over rain and water, and it is called upon for help in times of drought and flood to prevent damage from hail and to control the weather.

Nechung has acted as spiritual guide to the Tibetan Government since the 18th century. The physical medium is called Nechung Kuten. When the medium enters into a trance-like state, the protector-deity takes possession of his body and gives advice and predictions to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan leaders in exile.