Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple, known in Tibetan as "Jokhang" or "Tsuglagkhang," is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhist devotees. In their hearts, the sanctity of Jokhang Temple is no less than that of the Potala Palace. Whether from a geographical perspective or in the minds of Tibetan Buddhist followers, Jokhang Temple is a veritable holy site and center of Tibetan Buddhism, holding an extremely revered and sacred status in its history. Jokhang Temple was first built in the mid-7th century by King Songtsen Gampo to house the 8-year-old life-size statue of Sakyamuni brought from Kathmandu, the hometown of his Nepalese queen, Princess Bhrikuti. In 1409, Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, propagated Buddhist teachings and held the Great Prayer Festival at Jokhang Temple, thus establishing its important position in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 8th century, the 12-year-old life-size statue of Sakyamuni brought from Chang'an by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty when she entered Tibet was enshrined in Jokhang Temple, becoming its most precious treasure and one of the must-see attractions for tourists and pilgrims.

In addition, the temple houses nearly a thousand meters of Tibetan-style murals, "Princess Wencheng Entering Tibet" and "Construction of Jokhang Temple," as well as two Ming Dynasty embroidered thangkas of Dharma protectors, which are rare artistic treasures. The circumambulation routes in Lhasa include three routes: "inner, middle, and outer," all centered around Jokhang Temple. Among them, circling the Jokhang Great Hall within the temple's Thousand Buddha Hall is the inner circumambulation, called "Nangkhor"; circling the exterior of Jokhang Temple is the middle circumambulation, called "Barkhor"; and circling the Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill, Ramoche Temple, and Jokhang Temple is the outer circumambulation, called "Lingkhor." Attraction Guide: After entering Jokhang Temple through the main gate, there is a courtyard. On the east side of the courtyard are several rows of butter lamps, which burn year-round because devotees add butter every day. Behind the butter lamps is the main entrance of Jokhang Temple's main hall. To the left of the entrance is Guru Rinpoche, the founder of the Nyingma school, and to the right is Jampa Buddha, also known as Maitreya Buddha or the Future Buddha. On the right wall are murals depicting the story of Jokhang Temple's construction, mainly showing the appearance of the Potala Palace in the 7th century and the scene of filling the lake to build Jokhang Temple. Following a clockwise direction, you will find the Buddha hall dedicated to Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, and his eight principal disciples. Continuing to the right, passing through the Yaksha Hall and Dragon King Hall on both sides, behind hundreds of butter lamps is the famous "Jokhang" Hall. It is both the main body and the essence of Jokhang Temple. The central part of the Jokhang Hall is the Great Assembly Hall, where lamas usually chant scriptures and practice. There are many small chapels around it, among which the Sakyamuni Buddha Hall in the center is a must-see, housing the 12-year-old life-size golden statue of Sakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng. This is the center of Jokhang Temple and a sacred place yearned for by devout pilgrims. Next to the courtyard, stairs lead to the second and third floors. On the second floor are the Dharma King Hall, dedicated to Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Bhrikuti, and the Palden Lhamo Protector Deity Hall, dedicated to Palden Lhamo. Standing on the spacious terrace on the second floor, you can overlook the Potala Palace, making it an excellent spot for photos. The golden roofs on the third floor are also one of the highlights of Jokhang Temple, although the third floor is mostly not open to the public. If by chance you can ascend to the third floor, the four magnificent golden roofs are breathtaking.

Park Entry Restrictions

1. When visiting, clothing and appearance must be generous and dignified. Do not wear shorts, short skirts, revealing tops, or open-toed slippers. Hats must be removed.
2. Without permission, please do not rudely photograph or video Tibetan pilgrims and temple monks.
3. Inside the halls, avoid loud noises, pointing, or making sarcastic remarks.
4. Murals, Buddha statues, ritual instruments, scriptures, offerings, etc., inside the halls must not be casually struck, touched, or taken away.