Jokhang Temple
Altitude:3658 meters
Jokhang Monastery is a Buddhist temple in Barkhor Square in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Tibetans, in general, consider this temple as the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.The Jokhang was founded during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo. According to tradition, the temple was built for the king's two brides: Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang dynasty and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Both are said to have brought important Buddhist statues and images from China and Nepal to Tibet, which were housed here, as part of their dowries.The oldest part of the temple was built in 652. Over the next 900 years, the temple was enlarged several times with the last renovation done in 1610 by the Fifth Dalai Lama.
The temple's architectural style is a mixture of Indian vihara design, Tibetan and Nepalese design.The Jokhang has a sizable, significant collection of cultural artifacts, including Tang-dynasty bronze sculptures and finely-sculpted figures in different shapes from the Ming dynasty. Among hundreds of thangkas, two notable paintings of Chakrasamvara and Yamanataka date to the reign of the Yongle Emperor; both are embroidered on silk and well-preserved.
The history of Jokhang Temple
As the ancient Chinese people said, Jokhang stands first, and the city of Lhasa behind. It shows the paramount status that Jokhang is to the Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Its status: The temple, considered the "spiritual heart of the city" and the most sacred in Tibet, is at the center of an ancient network of Buddhist temples in Lhasa.
Date: The temple was firstly built in 647.
Treasures:Tang-dynasty bronze sculptures and finely-sculpted figures
Photography tips
As a cultural scenic spot, Jokhang is a good choice for shutterbugs all year round, despite the weather conditions. Prayers from all parts of the world come to pray here. You can shoot a perfect film here, especially when it coincides with Tibetan festivals and religious celebrations. In summer, the rainy season in Tibet, you’re likely to find rainbow or even double rainbow in Jokhang. Therefore, if you visit Tibet during the rainy season, do grab the great opportunity to shoot the most magnificent scenery.
Location: Barkhor street, Chengguan district, Lhasa
Ticket: 85 yuan per head
Tel number: 0891-6323129
Opening hours: 7:00-17:30
Tips for visiting Jokhang
1. the best visiting time: July- September
2. 8:00-11:30: only for religious believers
11:30-17:30: for tourists( tourist groups cannot stay more than 1 hour in the temple)
3. Lamas chant sutras in the second floor in the afternoon.
4. You shall respect the local custom, walking clockwise.
5. You can have a bird view on the second floor, the remote Potala Palace and the crowded people in the square all coming into your sight.
