More than 5,000 Tibetan Buddhist worshippers have gathered at a temple in northern India to pray for the Dalai Lama's longevity.

The Tibetan spiritual leader appeared at the temple on Wednesday, walking with assistance from his followers. He turns 89 in July.

The service was held in Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

"I recently saw a doctor," said the Dalai Lama. "I was told my body is in very good shape. I will probably live for another 15 or 20 years."

"I can't think of another person like His Holiness the Dalai Lama who likes peace and has a positive impact on people," said one worshipper.

The process to select the next Dalai Lama is the focus of growing attention. In Tibetan Buddhism, tradition has it that senior monks are reincarnated upon their death. The Dalai Lama has said he will hold talks to decide on whether the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after him when he is about 90 years old.

But the Chinese Communist Party says it has the authority to choose a successor, which has provoked the objections of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

The current Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after China's suppression of an uprising in Tibet. Beijing has branded him as a separatist who seeks Tibetan independence.