Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple is the holiest and most important temple in Tibetan Buddhism, housing the life-size image of Buddha Jowa Sakyamuni, which was brought to Tibet by Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal as her dowry.
The Jokhang Temple is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, blending Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese styles. The temple has four floors, with a golden roof that shines in the sun. The temple has a central hall, four chapels, and a courtyard. Inside the temple, you can admire the exquisite murals, statues, thangkas, and mandalas that depict the life of Buddha and the history of Tibet.
The central hall is where the Jowa Sakyamuni statue is enshrined. The statue is about 1.5 meters tall and depicts Buddha at the age of 12. It is made of gold, silver, copper, coral, pearl, turquoise, and other precious materials. The statue is so revered that it is said that whoever sees it will be freed from suffering and attain enlightenment.
The four chapels are dedicated to different Buddhas and bodhisattvas, such as Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, Padmasambhava, and Tara. The courtyard is where pilgrims perform prostrations and circumambulations around the temple. The temple is surrounded by a circular street called Barkhor, which is also a sacred path for pilgrims and a lively market for tourists.
The Jokhang Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of learning and culture. The temple has a rich collection of Buddhist scriptures, statues, paintings, thangkas, murals, and other artifacts. The temple also hosts various religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, such as the Great Prayer Festival, the Butter Lamp Festival, and the Saga Dawa Festival.
The Jokhang Temple is not only a religious site but also a cultural treasure that reflects the history and identity of Tibet. It is no wonder that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a place where you can feel the devotion of the pilgrims, and admire the beauty of the art and architecture.
History: 639 SCN
Visiting Time: 08:00-17:30
Location: Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa
