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Why
Jokhang Temple
is special
The Johkhang Temple is widely
considered Tibet's most sacred site. Pilgrims (some on foot) come from all corners of Tibet to worship here.
Though many tourists come inside, the temple sustains a deep, timeless religious ambiance.
Interesting insights
about Jokhang Temple
 The golden Jowa Buddha statue is the
most venerated religious object in the Jokhang Temple. It is a rare statue of Buddha when he was a 12 year old
boy. This golden statuary was brought to Tibet by the 7th century Chinese Princess Wencheng as part of her dowry.
The second best known object in
Jokhang Temple is the eight spoked Dharma wheel that conspicuously sits
atop the complex's main entrance. Each spoke represents one of the eight fold paths to
enlightenment, a core tenet of Buddhism.
Just outside this Jokhang Temple's gate are supplicants
prostrating themselves as they slowly make their way to the entryway.
You will discover within Jokhang Temple many chapels, mystically
lit with yak-butter lamps, and sometimes graced with mantra chanting lamas.
Other don't-miss facets of the Jokhang Temple include
interesting roofs (see photo), courtyards, and ancient wall murals.
The Jokhang temple dates back
nearly 1300 years, but most of what you see was built four centuries ago by the Fifth Dalai Lama.
Tip for your
vacation tour or trip
After your visit to the
Jokhang Temple, explore the Barkhor Market, which surrounds the temple. The tightly backed stalls evoke the
essence of traditional Tibetan city bazaars.
Location
Jokhang Temple is in the middle of the old section of Lhasa, the
capital of Tibet (Xizang is its Chinese name).
Pronunciation guide
Jokhang: joe-khah'ng
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