Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is one of Lhasa, Tibet's oldest and holiest temples. It attracts thousands of Buddhist devotees each year, including many from Tibet, Nepal, and other countries. The temple is located in Barkhor Square and is one of Tibet’s most revered pilgrimage sites. In 1994, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site.
History of the Temple
King Songtsen Gampo built Jokhang Temple in the 7th century, making it over 2,500 years old. To strengthen alliances, he married Princess Wencheng from China and Princess Bhrikuti from Nepal. Both princesses brought sacred statues to Tibet. King Songtsen Gampo built the temple to house a statue of Jowo Mekyo Dorje, which depicts an eight-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. This statue, part of Princess Bhrikuti’s dowry, led the temple to face west, toward Nepal.
King Songtsen Gampo also placed a statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, showing the Buddha at twelve years old, in Ramoche Temple. This temple faces east, toward China.
Visiting Jokhang Temple
Visiting Jokhang Temple is a deeply moving experience. The temple is located in Barkhor Square. This area is full of pilgrims, traders, and locals. The atmosphere is vibrant. You’ll hear chanting, smell incense, and see pilgrims performing prostrations in devotion. To learn more about planning a visit to Lhasa and Jokhang Temple, check out our Tibet Travel Guide.
Legends of Jokhang Temple
The temple sits on the site of an ancient lake. Legend says earlier attempts to build the temple failed until they chose this location. Princess Bhrikuti asked Princess Wencheng for help. Wencheng said Tibet's landscape looked like a hag, with the lake at the center. She advised filling the lake with soil carried by 1,000 goats from a distant mountain. This made the land suitable for construction.
Once the temple was finished, it was named Ra-Sa-Vphrul-Snang, meaning "goat earth," to honor the goats that helped transport the soil.
Another version of the story says Queen Wencheng chose the site based on Feng Shui. She helped build the temple to house the statue she brought. Today, a small pond remains, supplied by the old lake.
Architecture
Jokhang Temple blends Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian architectural styles. It features a central shrine surrounded by courtyards, chapels, and monk cells. The temple covers about 25,000 square meters.
The golden roof is the temple's most striking feature. It shines brightly in the sun. The walls, inside and out, are decorated with paintings, prayer wheels, and carvings that tell the story of Buddha’s life. Inside, there are several chapels with statues of Buddha and other important figures in Tibetan Buddhism.
One important feature is the "kora," a sacred circuit around the temple. Pilgrims walk clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. This act symbolizes spiritual purity and devotion.
Timeless Legacy
Jokhang Temple is more than a historic site. It is the spiritual heart of Tibet. For centuries, it has been a beacon of hope and devotion for millions. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, visiting Jokhang Temple connects you to Tibet's rich spiritual past and present. Walking through the temple's sacred halls and vibrant courtyards, you’ll see how it has shaped Tibetan Buddhism and touched countless lives. To explore other sacred sites in Tibet, check out our post on Potala Palace.
Jokhang Temple reminds us all of the importance of spirituality, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of peace. Whether you’re traveling to Tibet for pilgrimage or adventure, our Tibet tour packages offer a unique chance to experience the profound legacy of this mystical land.
