Jokhang

Jokhang, also known as the Jokhang Temple, is a Tibetan Buddhist temple in the heart of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is widely regarded as the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most sacred sites in the tradition. The temple stands on Barkhor Street, near a historic pilgrim circuit around the temple precinct.

History: The temple was erected in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo to house a sacred image of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Jowo Sakyamuni. According to tradition, the Jowo image was brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng of the Tang dynasty. The Jokhang has undergone many rebuildings and expansions, reflecting Tibetan, Mongol and Chinese influences across successive dynasties. It endured damage during the 20th century and was restored in the late 20th century after the Cultural Revolution.

Architecture and layout: The temple complex comprises a multi-story main temple and surrounding chapels oriented around the central sanctuary. The principal object is the Jowo Sakyamuni statue, presented as Tibet’s most revered relic. The surrounding Barkhor Street forms a religious and commercial circuit that encircles the temple and is a focus of pilgrimages.

Cultural significance: Jokhang is the most important temple for Tibetan Buddhists. It functions as a major pilgrimage site, a repository for important ritual objects, and a symbol of Lhasa’s historical role as a religious capital. Together with the Potala Palace, Jokhang forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Lhasa, designated in 1994.