Jokhang Temple Guide
Jokhang Temple: The Spiritual Heart of Lhasa Guide
Welcome to Jokhang Temple, the most sacred and important temple in Tibet, drawing pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau and beyond. Located in the heart of Lhasa, this magnificent structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the enduring power of Tibetan Buddhism. Prepare to be immersed in a world of vibrant colors, chanting monks, and the aroma of incense as you explore this spiritual center. The Jokhang Temple's history stretches back to the 7th century, when it was founded by King Songtsen Gampo to house statues brought to Tibet by his two wives, Princess Wencheng of China and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Over the centuries, the temple has been expanded and renovated, incorporating architectural styles from Tibet, China, Nepal, and India. It has served as a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism, a place of pilgrimage, and a center for religious learning. The temple has survived periods of political upheaval and remains a powerful symbol of Tibetan identity. Visitors to Jokhang Temple can participate in a variety of activities. Join the throngs of pilgrims circumambulating the Barkhor circuit, the sacred path that surrounds the temple. Explore the numerous chapels and halls within the temple, each dedicated to different deities and filled with intricate murals, statues, and religious artifacts. Observe the monks chanting and performing rituals. Don't miss the opportunity to light a butter lamp or offer a prayer. While inside the temple, be mindful and respectful of the religious practices taking place. Outside the temple, the Barkhor is a bustling marketplace where you can find Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, and religious items. Tibetan cuisine is readily available in the surrounding area, offering dishes like momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour).
Transportation
The Jokhang Temple is located in the center of Lhasa and is easily accessible on foot. Many hotels are within walking distance. You can also take a taxi or a local bus to the Barkhor area. Several bus lines stop near the Barkhor, including lines 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200.