Nechung Oracle is a State oracle in Tibet. The Oracle assists the Dalai Lama in making important decisions. Nechung Oracle was guiding the search of the Dalai Lama’s and Panchen Lama’s reincarnations. He is also a head of the Nechung Temple in Tibet.

Nechung Temple is located about 1 km away from Drepung. The place is scenic with many juniper and fruit trees. You can combine one day visit to Drepung with visiting Nechung Oracle temple.

The Oracle tradition has traces in pre-Buddhist traditions of shamanism and exorcism. The practice is mysterious, most of its aspects were kept secret until the recent years. When visiting the temple, you will see a different side of Tibetan religion and culture.

Nechung Oracle or Nechung Choje in Tibetan is a medium of Pehar Gyalpo. Pehar is a powerful Dharma protector. Dorje Drakden (Nechung), the minister of Pehar appears during the trance sessions. When medium goes into trance state, the minister possesses his body.

The Nechung Oracle tradition goes back to the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. During important events the Oracle would appear in religious ceremonies in Lhasa. However, most of the trance sessions with the Oracle were happening in the temple, kept secret from general public, and only monks were recording all events during the session. During the sessions The Dalai Lama and Tibetan Government discussed important question regarding the State and religion. That’s why these conversations were confidential.

There are other Oracles in Tibet of various level of importance. In the old days there were hundreds of oracles that served as mediums for different spirits. The Nechung Oracle is the principal State Oracle. Another State Oracle is Gadong, and one official oracle is Lamo Tsangpa. Nechung Oracle has a position of Deputy Minister, although he is a simple monk.

The Dalai Lamas consulted with the Oracle during New Year Festival and when they had to make an important decision about the country.

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