Jokhang Temple

Jokhang means 'House of Buddha'. Located in the center of old Lhasa city, Jokhang Monastery is the prime seat of the Gelugpa (Yellow) Branch of Tibetan Buddhism. It was originally built in 647 AD. Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. Through night and day, there are lots of pilgrims kowtowing in front of Jokhang Temple.

Legend

It is said the site was chosen personally by the wife of King Songtsan Gampo, the Tang Princess Wen Cheng. The princess perceived Wutang, a lake in Lhasa, to be a “devil’s heart”, a source of evil, and had it filled in and the temple built on the site to counteract evil forces. 
HighlightsJokhang Temple has architectural features originating from its Tibetan, Tang Dynasty Chinese, Nepalese, and Indian architects and craftsmen. The roof of the Jokhang offers splendid views of the Barkhor (pilgrims' circuit) and the Potala Palace. The golden roofs are superbly crafted with many birds, beasts, bells, and other intricate figures.

Highlights

Life-Sized Sitting Buddha Statue

In the central hall is the Jokhang’s oldest and most precious object, a life-sized sitting statue of Sakyamuni when he was 12 years old. This was carried to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng from her home in Chang'an in 700 A.D. It is a gilded statue adorned with many jewels, in an elaborate setting. Pilgrims have prostrated themselves in front of this statue for centuries. It is the most sacred statue in the eyes of the Tibetan people.

Tibetan New Year Celebration

Every Tibetan New Year, which falls sometime between late January and early March, according to the Tibetan Calendar, the Jokhang hosts the Great Prayer Festival. This festival was first celebrated in 1409 under the leadership of Tsong Khapa, and has been held annually since the time of the fifth Dalai Lama. Thousands of monks come to perform colorful religious activities in and around the Jokhang, and there is much celebration throughout Lhasa.