Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple ("House of the Lord") is situated in Lhasa. This is counted among the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is known for hosting the annual Great Prayer Festival which sees people from all over the world. Many other ceremonies initiated by the Dalai Lama and Panchen Llamas are also celebrated here.

Jokhang Temple was built in 647 by King Songtsen Gampo. Initially it was raised to house a holy image of the Buddha, the Jowo Rinpoche. The statue still rests here and is considered as the holiest article in Tibet. The temple has many stories behind it. The temple premises flourished over the years and became a major attraction. A major part of the temple was expanded under the fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th century.

Travellers can enjoy a trip to Jokhang Temple only during afternoon hours as mornings are reserved for devotees who flock here to worship. This is a very serene place which lets you meditate amidst ample of nature. It has four levels and covers an area of about 25,000 square meters. In the entrance you can see a huge plaza and an open porch.

Its exteriors are adorned with deer, wheel motifs and early symbols of Buddhism. Interior of the temple has a maze of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas. The place remains illuminated with candles and oozes soul soothing fragrances.

The main cloister is encircled by big prayer wheels which are rotated all day long by devotees visiting here. Then you enter the central hall where the life size Jowo Rinpoche statue has been put on display. The statue is of Buddha at age 12. The state has altars of King Songtsen Gampo and his two wives standing displayed with it.

The third floor of the temple has an image of Palden Lhamo, the protector of both Lhasa and the Dalai Lama. As you reach the roof, you will spot beautiful views of surrounding areas.