Human world
Follow the links in the navigation panel to see objects from the Gon-khang.
A gon-khang (protective chapel) has also been created in the gallery. It is an important feature of most Tibetan monasteries.
It houses the guardian figures dharmapalas and wrathful personal deities yidam that are important to the monastery.
Together they protect:
When it is painted black it creates an atmosphere of awe and mystery. Demonic figures loom out of the darkness to ward off the forces of evil. Other treasures that protect the monastery are here - drums, ritual instruments, dance masks, bone costumes, weapons and sacred relics.
Monks spend several hours a day, chanting prayers to the rhythm of a drumbeat. The prayers help protect the monastery, the spiritual teacher lama and the lineage of their religious tradition.
Mahakala is an important protective deity and the word gon-khang means 'the house of Mahakala'.
In a monastery, vast images of Mahakala would fill the space. The museum does not have one, but a mask has been used to represent him.
A drum would be beaten continuously during the chanting of prayers.